There’s no excuse when you are found with a water pipe, glass pipe, or other items commonly considered as drug paraphernalia. Police can and will charge you with Florida drug possession if these items are found on your person or in your vehicle or home when they conduct a search.
Possession of drug paraphernalia in Florida is a 1st degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and fines up to $1,000. The Florida drug laws define drug paraphernalia quite loosely as:
“all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, transporting, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.”
There are many items that fill this description, but are also legal items to possess, such as syringes and hydroponic gardening items. It is not uncommon for innocent people to be accused of possessing suspected drug paraphernalia for legitimate reasons. Your Miami drug lawyer can help you prove your innocence in court if this is the case.
Another problem with drug paraphernalia charges is whether or not the officer had reasonable suspicion to conduct the search of your person or property. If the officer did not have a reason to pull your vehicle over or inspect your home, there may be a case of misconduct.
The long-term impact of drug possession charges in Florida can ruin your future for employment, housing, and much more. When you are arrested on charges of Florida drug possession, whether it is actual drugs or just paraphernalia, you need to take these charges seriously. A Miami drug lawyer can help you understand your options with fighting your charges.
Contacting a Miami Drug Lawyer
You are entitled to know all your legal rights before being prosecuted for any suspected criminal activity – including your right to legal representation. If you are facing criminal charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Miami drug lawyer team at Falk & Ross to discuss your case: 1-877-663-5110.