When most people think of drug-related crimes, they likely only think about possession or trafficking of controlled substances. While these are two of the most severe offenses, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to have drugs on your person to face a drug-related charge in Georgia. Having drug paraphernalia is a crime in and of itself! As such, if you are charged with possessing or using drug paraphernalia in Georgia, it’s important to understand the penalties you can face for this offense. The following blog explores what you must know and why it’s in your best interest to connect with a Cobb County drug possession lawyer who can help you during these circumstances.
What Is Drug Paraphernalia?
It’s important to understand what constitutes drug paraphernalia in Georgia. Typically, any item or object associated with the consumption or manufacturing of drugs is considered paraphernalia. This can be any item used to ingest, cultivate, harvest, or cancel controlled substances. Common items include:
- Bongs
- Pipes
- Syringes
- Miniature spoons
- Grow lights
- Guidebooks
It’s important to understand that you can use household items to create paraphernalia. For example, certain objects can be used to create bongs used to ingest marijuana. However, simply having one of these common household items in your home will not be considered paraphernalia. However, if law enforcement sees one of these household objects modified in such a way as to consume controlled substances, it would then be considered paraphernalia, and you can face charges.
What are the Penalties I Can Face for this Offense?
Typically, possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense in Georgia. As such you will face up to one year behind bars and fines up to $1,000. It’s important to understand that you do not need to be caught actively using the object to face charges – simply possessing one of the unlawful objects is a crime.
In addition to spending time in jail, you may find that you can face additional consequences for a drug paraphernalia charge. This will appear on your record, meaning potential employers and landlords will have access to this information. As a result, you may find that it impacts your ability to obtain certain professional licenses, jobs, and housing.
It’s important to understand that if you are caught with paraphernalia and a controlled substance, you’ll find that prosecutors may offer to drop the paraphernalia charge in exchange for a guilty plea to the controlled substance possession charge. It’s important to understand that you should not accept any plea deal without first consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Though this charge may not seem serious, taking any criminal offense lightly is not recommended. As such, if you are facing charges, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Miller Law Practice. Our team understands how complicated these issues can be, which is why we are ready to fight for you. Connect with out firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.