Before you hire an Attorney for a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge in Greeley, Colorado, it is important to understand what is and what is not allowed when it comes to possessing drug accessories and paraphernalia. While the relatively small fine of up to $100 may lead you to believe the accusation is not serious, a conviction will still go on your criminal record for employers and landlords to see. In a tight job market, a clear criminal record can help you find employment. Having a top criminal defense lawyer at your side could result in having the charge dismissed altogether.
Weld County, Colorado, Definition of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charge
In Weld County, Colorado, the definition of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 18-18-428 C.R.S., is:
Put simply, if you have possession of items that you know or that you should know could be used as illegal drug paraphernalia, then you can be charged. A conviction brings serious consequences such as ineligibility for financial aid, threat of deportation, or loss of a professional license. These concerns, and others, make it worthwhile for you to hire a top Greeley criminal defense attorney who will help get the best possible outcome in your case.
Examples of Drug Paraphernalia in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, Colorado, drug paraphernalia includes (but is not limited to):
- Syringes
- Hypodermic needles
- Meth pipes
- Spoons or vials
- Scales
- Purity analyzers
- Bowls, containers, or mixing devices
- Equipment or products used for growing, planting, or propagating
- Any other equipment, products, and materials 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, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of Colorado drug laws.
Notice that Greeley Police and Weld County prosecutors consider almost anything as drug paraphernalia if they can prove that you used the object for storing, using, or processing drugs in any way. It is also valuable to note that C.R.S 18-18-428 clearly excludes marijuana accessories from the definition of drug paraphernalia, since Marijuana laws are now relaxed.
What are Defenses to Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Weld County, Colorado?
In Weld County, there are many defenses and exceptions to a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge that our attorneys may use to help get the best result in your criminal case, including:
- The drug paraphernalia did not belong to you
- You did not know you possessed the drug paraphernalia (it belongs to another person, but was left in your home or car)
- The paraphernalia was found through an illegal search by police
- If you reported an emergency drug or alcohol overdose and you remained at the scene until a first responder arrived, and you identified yourself, and cooperated with any law enforcement officer, medical responder, or medical provider, then you are protected from being charged.
- If asked whether you possess a hypodermic needle or syringe prior to a search by a peace officer or treatment by a first responder, and you disclose that you possess a needle prior to the search or treatment, then you cannot be charged under 18-18-428 C.R.S.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Greeley or Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys.
Image by John Miller from Pixabay