Drug Paraphernalia Charges

Experienced Tampa Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyers

Drug paraphernalia is any object associated with the use of drugs, such as needles, bongs, scales for weighing a controlled substance, syringes, and more.

In Florida, you can receive a criminal charge for possession of any drug paraphernalia. For legal help in such circumstances, contact one of our Tampa drug paraphernalia defense attorneys at Thomas & Paulk.

Florida Drug Paraphernalia Charges & Penalties

Often, drug paraphernalia charges accompany other of drug-related charges such as possession or trafficking. When added to other charges, drug paraphernalia crimes can add to the punishments the accused face — extending time in jail and increasing fines. According to Florida law, drug paraphernalia includes equipment, products, and materials that can be used, used for producing, or used for introducing a controlled substance to a person. Paraphernalia can include items used to cultivate or produce drugs, objects used to store them, and anything used to consume them. This includes products that make drugs ingestible, injectable, or inhalable.

If you’d like to learn what items Florida law describes as paraphernalia, visit the state’s site about the subject. Here, you’ll find a list of the items the law describes as drug paraphernalia. Here, the statute provides in-depth details about what could be considered drug paraphernalia.

Forming a Defense Against Possession Charges in Tampa, Florida

While receiving a charge of possessing drug paraphernalia seems to indicate having an object at hand at the time of arrest, it can encompass a much wider field of possession. In addition to physical ("actual") possession, you can also face charges on account of implied ("constructive") possession. The latter can be any situation where you have the knowledge of an object's presence and the ability to access it—even if it is not in your direct control. Other charges may be issued based on intent to use an object for illegal purposes. These charges can be issued when paraphernalia is discovered in various circumstances.

The following circumstances can be used to indicate intent:

• A witness is familiar with the item's use
• The paraphernalia is found near illegal drugs
• The object contains traces of an illegal substance

Specific items that can be considered drug paraphernalia in Florida include:

• Hypodermic syringes
• Water pipes
• Carburetion tubes and devices
• Smoking and carburetion masks
• Roach clips
• Miniature cocaine spoons and cocaine vials
• Chamber pipes
• Carburetor pipes
• Electric pipes
• Air-driven pipes
• Chillums
• Bongs
• Ice pipes or chillers
• Cartridge or canisters
• Chargers, sometimes referred to as "crackers"
• Charging bottles
• Whip-its
• Tank
• Balloons
• Hoses or tubes
• 2-liter-type soda bottles
• Duct tape

Items considered drug paraphernalia also include the kits and mixing tools that work in conjunction with the items listed above to make drugs usable or transportable. The law is even worded in a way that makes containers used to store drugs considered as paraphernalia.

Get Help from Our Tampa Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyers

In Florida, the penalties for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia may include up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

If you have been charged under any of these circumstances, you may face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. Our attorneys can provide an ardent defense of your freedom, whether that means demonstrating your rights were violated in the process of search and seizure or that you did not meet the conditions necessary to constitute possession of a substance. Whatever your circumstances, our Tampa drug crime attorneys can help you fight for a favorable outcome in your case.

Our firm is built upon the belief that every client should be a top priority. As a result of our committed legal service, we have helped countless clients obtain exceptional results spanning a wide range of cases. Each of our Tampa drug crime defense lawyers is deeply familiar with the legal system and can help you navigate a favorable result in the most complex charges. Whether you’re facing serious criminal drug charges or don’t want a minor first-time offense to be on your record, we’re the team that can help! 

We’re standing by to answer your questions during a free initial consultation. Call our Florida drug paraphernalia lawyers today at (813) 221-4200 for help.