What is drug paraphernalia?

On Behalf of | Jan 21, 2025 | Drug Crimes |

In many cases, drug arrests occur when police officers find illegal substances in someone’s possession. These substances may be on the person at the time or discovered in their home, apartment or vehicle.

However, it is also possible to be arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Such charges are often filed alongside drug possession charges, as the two are frequently found together. But what is drug paraphernalia, and why is it illegal?

Items used with illegal substances

Drug paraphernalia encompasses a wide range of items, most of which are used in connection with taking illegal substances. Examples include:

  • Spoons
  • Bongs
  • Pipes
  • Rolling papers
  • Baggies
  • Scales
  • Syringes
  • Lighters

Many of these items aren’t illegal on their own. For instance, owning a lighter is perfectly legal. However, these items can be used as evidence in drug cases.

For example, if someone is found with illegal drugs in their car and the police also discover baggies, a scale and a large amount of cash, they may conclude that the person was selling drugs. While officers may not catch the individual in the act of making a sale, the evidence suggests they were weighing substances on the scale, packaging them in baggies and selling them for cash. The drug paraphernalia can then be used as evidence in court. 

Your defense options

If you are arrested, it is crucial to understand what evidence the police have against you and how that evidence was obtained. This can help determine whether it can actually be used in court. Take the time to explore all of your legal options and the defense options available to you.