Columbia Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer
The definition of drug paraphernalia are tools that are used in the administration of drugs such as hash pipes, roach grips, bongs, syringes, spoons, and certain weighing scales. The most common penalty would be a misdemeanor that carries up to 30 days in jail. An attorney may explain to the person that not knowing whether or not drug paraphernalia is illegal, is not an adequate defense. It is the responsibility of every citizen to understand the law.
If you have been charged with drug paraphernalia, contact a skilled attorney. A Columbia drug paraphernalia lawyer may be able to help you build a strong defense.
Treatment of the Individual Charged
It is very common for a person to receive some sort of fine for committing the crime. Not all defendants are going to be arrested if they are solely facing a drug paraphernalia case. However, in most cases, there could be other drugs or other illegal activity that is involved and the charge is added to person’s list of charges that require them to be arrested and booked in jail.
Type of Paraphernalia Impacting the Charge and Penalties
The type of paraphernalia and substance makes a difference in the impact of the charge and the subsequent penalties a person may face. For example, if an individual had a bong or a water pipe of some sort and the charge is first-time possession of marijuana, the person may be looking at a 0 to a 30-day misdemeanor for the paraphernalia charge. However, if it is a possession of methamphetamine, the person may be looking at a misdemeanor that carries up to three years. If a spoon or a syringe is found, that also tests positive for methamphetamine, instead of being charged with drug paraphernalia, the person may be charged based solely on that for possession of either cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. An attorney in Columbia could help with any kind of drug paraphernalia charge.
Discovering Paraphernalia
Most of the time, when officers are conducting a probable-cause search, an inventory-search during a traffic stop, or a search of a home or a dorm room, they may find drug paraphernalia in plain view. It is common that drug paraphernalia is in plain view on a table or on a nightstand, and that’s when officers see it during a search.
Rights a Person Has When Caught with Paraphernalia in Columbia
A person has the Fourth Amendment right that protects them from illegal searches and seizures. Then, they have the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, not to provide a statement involuntarily. They have a right to remain silent, the right not to answer any questions, the right not to consent to a search of their car, or their home, or their dome room, and the right to refuse the search of their person as well. A lawyer in Columbia could use these rights as a defense in a drug paraphernalia case.
Importance of a Columbia Drug Paraphernalia Attorney
A drug paraphernalia conviction could potentially end up being a serious charge on your record. By hiring an experienced attorney, you are more likely to build a strong defense for yourself and avoid any conviction. Contact a Columbia drug paraphernalia lawyer if you believe you could benefit from their help.