Marietta Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer
Everyone knows that possessing, manufacturing, and distributing illegal drugs is against the law. However, too many people are surprised each year when they are charged with a drug crime without ever possessing it. In Marietta, as throughout the rest of Georgia, it is against the law to possess anything that could be associated with drug use.
Law enforcement officers often aggressively pursue these charges and may even claim an item is paraphernalia when it is not. Additionally, the prosecution often adds drug paraphernalia charges in order to secure an unfair plea deal. If you have been charged, you have rights and it is critical that they are protected. Our Marietta drug paraphernalia lawyer will always make sure they are.
Common Drug Paraphernalia Items
There are many different items that are commonly considered drug paraphernalia. These include:
- Items related to the consumption or growing of marijuana including grinders, scales, bongs, baggies, rolling papers, and pipes
- Items related to the consumption or production of cocaine including blades, mirrors, straws, dollar bills, and crack pipes
- Items related to the consumption or production of heroin such as needles, syringes, hoses, spoons, and tubes
Other items that are sometimes considered drug paraphernalia include aerosols, capsules, certain chemicals, paint, and glue.
Defending Drug Paraphernalia Charges
A conviction for possessing drug paraphernalia can result in many harsh penalties including jail time, high fines, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, there are many defenses available.
Your Marietta drug paraphernalia lawyer may argue that you did not possess or control the item. For example, if you drove a friend home from work and they left a marijuana pipe in your vehicle, you could not have controlled it if you did not know about it.
Your attorney may also argue that the item in question is not drug paraphernalia. Many items that are considered to be drug paraphernalia have valid uses and they are commonly found in households. For example, a person may roll their own cigarettes but law enforcement may believe the rolling papers are drug paraphernalia.
Your lawyer will also examine the facts of your case to determine if law enforcement acted illegally. If drug paraphernalia was found as a result of a traffic stop, police must have had reasonable suspicion that you were committing a crime or that you were going to commit a crime. If they did not have reasonable suspicion, any evidence obtained as a result cannot be used against you.
Likewise, if police officers found drug paraphernalia during a search and they did not have the necessary warrant, that is an illegal search. Any evidence obtained during the search is also inadmissible and cannot be used against you.
Our Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer in Marietta Can Assist with Your Case
If you have been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, you need a strong defense strategy. At the law firm of Andrew L. Schwarz, P.C., our Marietta drug paraphernalia lawyer can provide it while making sure your rights are protected so you have the best chance of protecting your freedom. Call us now at (678) 853-2500 or contact us online to book a free consultation.