Drug Paraphernalia in Pennsylvania

INFORMATION ON DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES AND PENALTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA

What Happens When You Are Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia in Pennsylvania?

A drug charge in Pennsylvania on your permanent record can be damaging to your future.

You can be arrested for drugs without having them in your possession. Simply having drug paraphernalia in your possession is enough to be charged with a drug crime.

Drug paraphernalia is a very broadly defined term and can include many household items, if drugs were thought to be used in conjunction with or stored inside or transported in that item.

If you have been arrested on a drug paraphernalia charge, you should seek the help of an experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney immediately.

A conviction could mean serving jail time and significant fines. Even after you serve your sentence, you twill have a permanent criminal record. This could cause you to have trouble finding and obtaining employment, housing, and financing in the future.

WHAT DOES PENNSYLVANIA CONSIDER AS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA?

Some examples of items that are considered drug paraphernalia include:

  • Bags/Baggies;
  • Rolling papers;
  • Pipes;
  • Bowls/Bongs;
  • Scales;
  • Needles/Syringes;
  • Plant Growth Devices;
  • Razor Blades.

It is important to understand that the drug paraphernalia statute is very broad and can mean almost any object or item a person has used, or converted for use, with drugs.

You can be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in PA simply by having the bag, or baggie, that the drugs were contained in, on your person. It does not need to be obvious or blatant for an officer to have cause to make an arrest.

PENALTIES FOR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA IN PENNSYLVANIA

The penalties for drug paraphernalia are harsh and are often in conjunction with possession of drug charges.

If you are found guilty of a drug paraphernalia charge in Pennsylvania, the maximum penalties include:

  • Ungraded misdemeanor on your criminal record;
  • Up to one year in jail, and;
  • Up to $2,500 in fines.

There is an enhanced penalty for any person who delivers drug paraphernalia to a person under the age of eighteen (18) and who is three or more years younger than the offender.

In this particular offense, the penalties include:

  • Misdemeanor of the 2nd Degree;
  • Up to two years in jail, and;
  • Up to $5,000 in fines.

For those who hold professional licenses, like a CDL, being convicted of a drug paraphernalia charge is enough to have your license revoked or taken away. This can be life-altering—especially if you have worked extremely hard to obtain the license and use it to earn a living.

HOW KETCHEL LAW CAN HELP

At Ketchel Law, our number one goal is to have your case dismissed and charges withdrawn. If that is not possible, there are numerous ways of attempting a reduction in sentencing such as probation vs. jail.

If this is a first time drug charge, there may be diversionary programs available. Often these require applications for acceptance and a qualified attorney can be instrumental in this process.

Drug paraphernalia charges do not have to mean you will be convicted. A skilled drug attorney who will closely examine every possible angle and detail of your case will protect your rights.

Our skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyers will work every angle to fight for your freedom.

OUR PITTSBURGH DRUG LAWYERS FIGHT FOR A REDUCED SENTENCE OR CHARGES DISMISSED COMPLETELY

We are skillful attorneys and know how to negotiate and are successful in winning numerous drug cases in Pennsylvania.

If you were charged with a drug crime, call Justin Ketchel today for a free consultation.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

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