While one may face charges for the possession of drugs, the possession of drug paraphernalia is also a crime punishable by several different penalties. While many items may be considered drug paraphernalia, common examples include bongs, roach clips, and syringes. Because these items are often used in conjunction with illegal substances, being caught in possession of drug paraphernalia is considered a Class A misdemeanor in the state of Illinois, though these charges can be considered felonies, should you be caught distributing drug paraphernalia to a minor or pregnant woman.

There are many factors that can go into a conviction for a drug paraphernalia charge. These factors range from the circumstance surrounding your charge to your intent with the paraphernalia and your access to/possession of it.

Types of Charges

There are several different types of drug paraphernalia charges. The nature of your charge is largely dependent on the type of paraphernalia you have in your possession. Common examples of such paraphernalia include:

  • Needles
  • Syringes
  • Pipes
  • Bongs
  • Balloons
  • Glue
  • Small spoons
  • Lighters
  • Plastic bags
  • Straws

While the type of paraphernalia bears significance in a drug paraphernalia charge, there are other elements that may play a role in determining your charge and/or penalty. Listed below are a few of these elements.

  • Connection to Drug Possession: When a court is considering your drug paraphernalia case, any connection to drug possession will play an important role. Factors like other drug charges, the amount of illegal substances with which you’re caught, and any intent to sell or distribute can all determine the severity of a drug paraphernalia charge.
  • Use and Intent: While there are many things that may be considered drug paraphernalia, not all such items are solely used in conjunction with illegal substances. For example, items like lighters and plastic bags have uses outside of substance abuse. A court will take these uses into consideration when examining a possession of drug paraphernalia case.
  • Constructive Possession vs. Active Possession: Another factor courts take into consideration is the type of possession charge. Active possession is when you are caught with drugs or drug paraphernalia on your person with the ability to use it at any time. Constructive possession is when you have drugs or drug paraphernalia within your control but not necessarily within your immediate possession. Examples of constructive possession would be keeping drugs or drug paraphernalia in a drawer in your home or in the glove compartment of your car.

State Regulations

While the following regulations do not provide an exhaustive overview of drug use in the state of Illinois, they are helpful to those who wish to know more about the state’s drug regulations.

According to 410 ILCS 705/1-7, “a person shall not be considered an unlawful user or addicted to narcotics solely as a result of his or her possession or use of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia in accordance with this Act.”

According to  410 ILCS 705/1-10, “‘Cannabis paraphernalia’ means equipment, products, or materials intended to be used for planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, or otherwise introducing cannabis into the human body.”

Penalties for a Charge

In the state of Illinois, possession of drug paraphernalia is considered a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. While possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A charge, distribution of drug paraphernalia is considered a far more serious crime. Distribution of drug paraphernalia is considered a Class 4 felony and is punishable by up to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Distribution of drug paraphernalia to a pregnant woman is considered a Class 2 felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Distribution of drug paraphernalia to someone under the age of eighteen is considered a Class 3 felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Need Help? Call Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC

Dealing with the repercussions of a wrongful drug paraphernalia charge can be a stressful process. If you or someone you know is facing an erroneous drug paraphernalia charge, you need excellent representation to help you get the best possible result in your case. The top-rated team of attorneys at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC are ready to help. We’ve been representing clients like you for more than 20 years, and we’ve represented 20,000 satisfied clients in that time.

If you’re facing drug paraphernalia charges, call Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC at (312) 644-0444 today. We’ll put you in contact with one of our lawyers so that you can determine the best course of action in your case. Let your journey towards justice begin today.