If you were arrested for a drug crime without having any drugs on you, you need an experienced drug crimes defense attorney on your side. One of the most common reasons why individuals who don’t have drugs on them but are still arrested for a drug crime is because they have drug paraphernalia. Believe it or not, the state of Michigan considers the possession of drug paraphernalia a crime. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime for only possessing drug paraphernalia, it is vital to speak with an attorney who will help you protect your rights.
What Is Drug Paraphernalia?
Drug paraphernalia is anything that can be used in cultivating, planting, manufacturing, growing, process, or packaging illegal or controlled substances. Some of these items may include rolling papers, marijuana pipes, syringes, scales, etc.
What is important to note is that if an individual is accused of possessing drug paraphernalia, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant possessed an instrument or device that was intended for drug use.
Penalties for the Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Although the possession of paraphernalia without the presence of illegal drugs may seem like a minor offense, it can still have serious consequences. If you have any conviction on your criminal record, it can negatively affect your career, your ability to secure employment, or even to obtain a student loan.
Aside from the long-term consequences of the possession of drug paraphernalia, you can face penalties, which include fines of up to $5,000, potential jail time of up to 90 days, or both. However, you might face heftier consequences if you’ve been convicted of a drug-related offense in the past. However, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession, it may be expunged from your record within five years as long as you’re eligible.
Experienced Oakland Country Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
For over two decades, I, Daniel D. Hajji, Attorney at Law, have obtained results for clients by caring about the outcome of their case. I work on every case like it’s for a close friend or relative, and I think about how I can help clients during the entire legal process. If you’ve been accused of a drug crime, I am ready to protect your rights and provide you with the service you deserve. Drug charges can range in severity, and even a first-time offender can face serious penalties. Reach out to me today to learn more about how I can help your charges get reduced or possibly even dismissed.
To find out how I can fight for you, call me for a free consultation at (248) 599-0054.