Consequences of Drug Paraphernalia Possession

 Posted on September 06, 2017 in Drug Crimes

Drugs have been a major concern in Chicago and the surrounding Cook County suburbs for decades. One issue that many do not take into consideration is that drug possession and selling drug paraphernalia can lead to serious consequences.

Drug Paraphernalia Defined

Drug paraphernalia is defined as any equipment, products, and materials intentionally used to plant, cultivate, grow, manufacture, store, conceal, and ingest in an unlawful manner. Objects used to unlawfully ingest, inject, or inhale drugs include but are not limited to:

• Cocaine spoons and vials
• Bongs;
• Carburetion devices;
• Electric and air-driven pipes; and
• Chillers.

What Charges Will a Person Face When Possessing Drug Paraphernalia?

If a person possesses any drug paraphernalia with the intent to inhale, ingest, or inject the product, then he or she will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and will need to pay a minimum fine of $750 with any other penalty prescribed. If the person prepares marijuana or other controlled substances, then he or she will also be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and a minimum $750 fine.

What Charges Will a Person Face When Selling Drug Paraphernalia?

If a person knowingly sells or delivers any drug paraphernalia, then he or she will automatically commit a Class 4 felony. The offender will face a minimum $1,000 fine for each item.

If the offender is 18 years old or older and sells or delivers any drug paraphernalia to a minor, then he or she will be convicted of a Class 3 felony.

Any offender who delivers or sells to a woman whom he or she knows to be pregnant will automatically be convicted of a Class 2 felony.

Finally, any premises, place, or store "from which or in which any item of drug paraphernalia is kept for sale, offered for sale, sold, or delivered for any commercial consideration" is proclaimed to be a public nuisance.

Contact Your Cook County Federal Crime Attorney

A state drug charge conviction can ruin your life, your family, and your reputation. Therefore, if you have been charged with drug paraphernalia possession, or the offense you are charged with involves distribution or drug trafficking, then it is in your best interest to speak with a skilled and aggressive Chicago drug crime defense lawyer. Get the assistance you deserve and speak with someone who will stand by your side each step of the way. Contact Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel today by phone at 312-629-0669, by fax, or by email to schedule your free initial consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1947&ChapterID=53