Misuse of Once Innocent Items Can Lead to a Criminal Charge
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a common misdemeanor offense in Florida. However, charges are not reserved for those who are found with obvious equipment like bongs or syringes. A person could be convicted for possessing drug paraphernalia if there is evidence of using even a once-innocent household item for drug-related activities.
Florida law clarifies that drug paraphernalia describes all materials used for:
- Analyzing drugs
- Compounding drugs
- Converting drugs
- Cultivating drugs
- Growing drugs
- Harvesting drugs
- Hiding drugs
- Ingesting drugs
- Inhaling drugs
- Injecting drugs
- Manufacturing drugs
- Packaging drugs
- Planting drugs
- Preparing drugs
- Processing drugs
- Producing drugs
- Propagating drugs
- Storing drugs
- Testing drugs
- Transporting drugs
As selling drug paraphernalia is illegal, most possessors resort to at-home alternatives. Common items can become criminal evidence, such as:
- Bowls and containers, if used to store drugs
- Caffeine or other supplements, if used to dilute drugs
- Envelopes, plastic bags, or balloons, if used to package drugs
- Kitchen scales, if used to measure drugs
- Razor blades, if used to prepare drugs for consumption
- Spoons, if used to heat and take drugs
- Straws, if used to snort drugs
It’s important to note that these items are only illegal when evidence exists that ties them to drug activities. Such evidence could include drug residue or burn marks.
If you’ve been charged for possession of drug paraphernalia, our attorneys can help. Call us today to discuss your case: (305) 570-4802.