Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Florida

Panama City Drug Charge Attorney

Many people understand the laws surrounding drug possession, but did you know you can be arrested and charged with a possession of drug paraphernalia in Florida? Continue reading for more information on what the law classifies as drug paraphernalia and how you could be charged with possession in Panama City.

Were you recently charged with possession of paraphernalia? A skilled Panama City drug charge attorney can protect your reputation, freedom, and rights.

Classifying Drug Paraphernalia

Florida classifies the below items of drug paraphernalia:

• Water pipes, smoking masks, air-driven pipes, bongs
• Metal, wood, acrylic or glass pipes with or without screens
• Rolling papers, cutting devices, testing devices
• Scales and balances used for weighing or measuring controlled substances
• Cocaine spoons, testing equipment, blenders, bowls and spoons intended for compounding substances
• Hypodermic syringes, needles or other objects for injecting drugs into the body
• Containers used to store, conceal or transport drugs

How the State Defines Possession

The way in which the state defines possession could be different than how possession is determined generally.

Florida classifies possession into two different categories:

• Actual – Actual possession requires the paraphernalia to be on the person of the defendant. This means it could be in a container in their hand or within ready reach or under their control.
• Constructive—Constructive possession means the paraphernalia is not on the person but in a place where the defendant has control over.

Penalties

Charges for paraphernalia are classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalties for such charges include up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine and probation. If you are placed on probation, the judge may order that you are randomly drug tested at your probation officers discretion. The judge may also require you enroll in a drug prevention program.

We Can Help You