What counts as drug paraphernalia? In a nutshell, “drug paraphernalia” can describe any item that people use to grow, create, or consume drugs. In New Jersey, you don’t have to have drugs on your person to get into trouble for paraphernalia possession. What does that mean for you? Basically, if you’ve been caught with any of the items below, you should think about how to build your defense. You may also consider getting legal advice from an attorney.

Items Used in Creating Drugs

Drug paraphernalia includes things that people use to make and store drugs. Plastic baggies, rolling paper, and cutting agents are just a few examples. The problem with these items is that many of them also have ordinary household uses. Plastic baggies especially have several non-drug uses. However, if you have these items with you, and a police officer suspects that you may have been using or selling drugs, your possession of those items may lead to your arrest.

Items for Drug Use

These drug paraphernalia items don’t usually have uses apart from drug use. These items include things like bongs, needles, and pipes. Granted, bongs and pipes can be used legally. One might use them to smoke tobacco, for example. Once again, however, the wrong circumstances can lead to legal trouble if you are caught with those items.

Potential Consequences

Possession of drug paraphernalia can lead to the loss of both time and money. The consequences depend on the circumstances that led to your arrest. You may owe between $500 and $1000 in fines. You may also spend up to 6 months in the county jail. Finally, you could lose your driver’s license for up to 2 years and have a record.  Each of these factors can impact your life on their own, but when you face some combination of all these penalties, you may struggle to rebuild your life after your conviction.

The Defense

If you’ve been accused of drug paraphernalia possession, you should get advice from an attorney. Your best option, of course, is to find an attorney who has experience with drug paraphernalia defense cases. Your lawyer may build your defense in a few different ways, depending on your circumstances. For example, if you’re a first-time offender, your attorney might argue for probation instead of jail time.

Drug Paraphernalia

Do you need a lawyer to represent you in a drug paraphernalia case? Leon Matchin is your best choice. Leon will review your case and your circumstances, getting to know you and your situation while building your defense. Want to schedule your free consultation? Email today at [email protected], or call at 732-887-2479.