Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer in Birmingham, AL

Drug paraphernalia is a term referring to equipment, products, and materials that can be used for drug-related purposes. The term is quite broad and includes everything from the products that can be used to inject or inhale illicit drugs to the laboratory equipment used in their manufacture.

Drug paraphernalia can include bongs, hypodermic syringes, water pipes, and even scales. Possession of these items may not seem like a major offense, but a conviction can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

If you’re facing charges for drug paraphernalia-related offenses, it’s important to seek advice promptly. Navigating drug-related laws can be a challenge, but an experienced drug attorney can explain the process and help you defend yourself against the penalties you’re facing.

The Impact of a Drug Paraphernalia Conviction

Any form of drug conviction on your record, even a minor one, can have a lasting impact on your life. For example, getting certain jobs may be challenging, even many years after the offense. It may also make it harder to rent an apartment or get loans for college. Don’t let a small mistake in your youth hamper your future for many years to come.

Charges for Drug Paraphernalia Offenses

Under Alabama state law, a person who is prosecuted for drug paraphernalia charges in a municipal court could face fines of $500 and up to 180 days in a city jail. Where the case is tried in a district court, the penalties can be far more severe, including:

• Up to 1 year in a state or county jail
• Fines of up to $6,000

In some cases, there may be some associated charges, such as drug possession, in addition to the paraphernalia charges. Drug paraphernalia defense is just one of the areas of practice we cover at Stoves Law Firm, P.C. We can also assist with possession, manufacture, and trafficking charges, as well as other non-drug-related offenses.

The severity of the penalties applied depends on several factors, including the sort of drug paraphernalia that was found and whether the accused has a record of previous drug or paraphernalia-related offenses. Other factors—such as whether there was any drug residue on the paraphernalia—could also have an effect in any convictions.

How a Drug Attorney Can Help with Defense Against Drug Paraphernalia Charges

At Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we have experienced Birmingham criminal defense lawyers who will work to ensure your rights are respected throughout the case. Someone who has been charged with drug paraphernalia possession has the right to a trial in front of a judge at a municipal or district court or to have a trial in front of a jury in the circuit court. They have the right to refuse to testify and also have the right to cross-examine witnesses.

Our experienced drug attorneys will ensure your rights are upheld in court and comb over your case to ensure any evidence was obtained fairly. If law enforcement officers breached your rights or cut corners at any point in the case, our attorneys will highlight this to either prove your innocence or have your charges reduced or dismissed.

If you or someone you care for is facing drug paraphernalia charges, contact the team at Stoves Law Firm, P.C. immediately to learn how our skilled drug paraphernalia attorney can help you protect yourself from charges.