{"id":18345,"date":"2022-05-16T02:20:28","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T09:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=18345"},"modified":"2023-10-31T16:00:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T23:00:01","slug":"possession-drug-paraphernalia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/services\/possession-drug-paraphernalia\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Drug Paraphernalia Possession Attorney (ARS 13-3415)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a crime in Arizona. It\u2019s illegal to have an object in your possession that allows you to plant, prepare, or use illegal drugs. Generally speaking, any item or instrument commonly associated with illegal substance use may be considered paraphernalia if it\u2019s been used for that purpose, according to state law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Possession of such an object may result in a misdemeanor<\/a> or felony<\/a> charge on your record, along with fines and possibly even time in jail or prison. If you\u2019ve been accused of drug paraphernalia possession, it\u2019s imperative that you speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \n It\u2019s not illegal to simply possess drug paraphernalia. If, however, you\u2019re caught with this type of item and it\u2019s tested at a crime lab and found to have traces of illegal substances, you may receive criminal charges. As stated, possession of drug paraphernalia is often given in addition to a substance possession charge, such as possession of a dangerous drug<\/a> or\u00a0marijuana possession<\/a>.<\/p>\n If your paraphernalia offense goes through the county legal system, you\u2019ll likely receive a class 6 felony charge. If it goes through the municipal court, you may receive a misdemeanor charge on your record instead. Misdemeanor charges are less severe than felonies, but whether you receive a misdemeanor or felony, the conviction will stay on record unless you take certain actions to get it set aside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Throughout Arizona jurisdictions, drug offenders are offered drug diversion programs. TASC<\/a> (the Arizona Treatment Assessment Screening Center) is a program used to monitor drug use in its participants and typically lasts between three and six months. The non-profit organization provides specialized services including substance abuse support, counseling, education about drugs, and drug screening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If a substance offender qualifies for a diversion program, they might get their charged dismissed after completing the program successfully. Failing to pass the program, on the other hand, could lead to increased penalties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proposition 200<\/a> in Arizona prohibits incarceration for both first and second-time substance offenders for non-violent crimes. They might still get other penalties, such as probation or fines, but should be able to avoid incarceration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, if your charge involves other criminal offenses or aggravating factors<\/a>, or involves violence, you might end up serving time in jail or prison. If you aren\u2019t covered by the Prop 200 restrictions, you may be facing up to a year in prison for your first felony, or even longer if you have multiple convictions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to drug paraphernalia crimes, the state is responsible for proving that you had such an item in your possession. An experienced criminal defense attorney can look over the elements of your case and use their knowledge to build you an applicable defense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Common defenses for paraphernalia possession include that you were unaware that the item was used for ingesting drugs, that someone left the object in your car unbeknownst to you, or that you didn\u2019t realize the item was present. In other cases, an object may have been misidentified as drug paraphernalia when it was actually used for a valid medical prescription or similar purpose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some of the most common questions regarding drug paraphernalia charges in Arizona:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some items which are typically included in the definition of drug paraphernalia are plastic, stone, wood, ceramic, and glass pipes, joint clips, water pipes and bongs, and small spoons used for crack or cocaine.<\/p>\n Many paraphernalia objects are found through online vendors, in convenience stores, or in shops specifically set up to sell such items. Drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, will typically have a label that says, \u201cfor tobacco use only\u201d (or something similar) to avoid breaking any laws.<\/p>\n There are many other objects that aren\u2019t intended for substance use which can also count as drug paraphernalia if they are used in that way. Items such as syringes, regular spoons, scales, lighters, foil, razor blades, tubes, and credit cards may lead to a paraphernalia possession charge if they are found to have been used for illicit drug use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Other objects used to manufacture, package, product, or grow illegal substances can also qualify as drug paraphernalia and land you with a possession charge.<\/p>\n You\u2019re legally allowed to possess these items when, before your arrest, a licensed physician gave you authorization or a valid prescription for them. You also may have a maximum of 10 needles or syringes and possess them only for personal use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been accused of drug paraphernalia possession, it\u2019s essential that you speak with a criminal defense attorney<\/a>. This crime is often charged along with other offenses, which can make the consequences more severe. If you have prior charges on your record, you might be looking at serious penalties that will significantly harm your future opportunities in life. With substance convictions, it can be harder to find a job or a place to live.<\/p>\nWhat to Keep in Mind about Drug Paraphernalia Charges<\/h2>\n
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Misdemeanor vs. Felony Paraphernalia Crimes\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Drug Diversion<\/h3>\n
Penalties for Paraphernalia Possession\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Possible Defenses to Paraphernalia Possession<\/h2>\n
FAQ On Drug Paraphernalia Crimes in Arizona\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Q: What specific items count as drug paraphernalia?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: Where do people usually purchase their paraphernalia?<\/h3>\n
Q: Which other items can count as drug paraphernalia?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Q: When is it legal to possess hypodermic needles or syringes?<\/h3>\n
Getting the Best Defense for Paraphernalia Charges in AZ<\/h2>\n