Typically when a person is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in Springfield, MO the crime is classified at a “low-level crime” or a Class D Misdemeanor. However, there are additional factors that can impact drug paraphernalia crimes. The information provided in this article explains what is considered drug paraphernalia as well as Missouri’s current laws regarding the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and how an illegal drug lawyer can help.
This information should not be used in place of legal advice from a criminal defense attorney.
If you are facing charges for either the possession, distribution, delivery or manufacturing of drug paraphernalia, it’s essential that you join up with an illegal drug lawyer in Springfield who has experience handling these drug paraphernalia cases: Missouri Legal. Call us today for a free criminal case consultation; even a misdemeanor criminal conviction can negatively impact your life. You owe it to yourself to fight for your rights.
What Is Considered Drug Paraphernalia?
Missouri Revised Statute 195.233 defines drug paraphernalia as the following, “ all equipment, products, substances 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, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance in violation of sections.”
Examples of drug paraphernalia in Springfield include, but are not limited to:
- Glass, ceramic, wooden, metal, stone, plastic, and wooden pipes
- Water pipes (bong)
- Electric, air-driven, chamber or carburetor pipes
- Roach clips
- Needles
- Miniature spoons
- Cocaine freebase kits
- Wired cigarette papers
Possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or delivery of any of illegal drug paraphernalia in Springfield is unlawful, and penalties range from a Class D misdemeanor to a Class E Felony.
Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Missouri
Illegal drug attorneys in Springfield, most often deal with criminal cases associated with possession of drug paraphernalia. If a person is charged with possession, it is because he or she is accused of any of the activities or uses associated with paraphernalia listed above, according to Missouri Revised Statute 195.233.
If a person is found guilty of possession of drug paraphernalia in Springfield, the offense is considered a Class D misdemeanor. If a person has prior convictions related to controlled substances in any state, including Missouri, the offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor.
The unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia becomes a Class E felony if the guilty party uses, or possesses with intent to use, the paraphernalia in combination with each other to manufacture, compound, produce, prepare, test, or analyze amphetamine or methamphetamine or any of their analogues.
Potential Punishment For Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
If a person is convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in Springfield, MO they may potentially face the following penalties, some of which can include jail time.
- Class D Misdemeanor – For first-time offenders who are merely in possession of the alleged paraphernalia, a Class D misdemeanor conviction will be expected to pay fines of no more than $500.
- Class A Misdemeanor – If convicted of a Class A misdemeanor a person may face up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
- Class E Felony – A Class E felony conviction could land a person up to four years in prison as well as fines up to $10,000 or twice the amount of financial gain to the offender.
Hire An Illegal Drug Lawyer in Springfield
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charges for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in Springfield, you need to hire an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Many people think that if they are only being charged with “less serious” drug crimes, such as possession of drug paraphernalia as a first-time offender, then there is no point in hiring a criminal defense attorney, especially since the penalty is only a fine of $500. However, this is not the case. What the real penalty is in these types of crimes is the possible conviction that can haunt you for the rest of your life. While a misdemeanor may not seem like a big deal at first, in the grand scheme of things, it can negatively impact all areas of your life. From getting a well-paying job to owning a home, any type of conviction can change the trajectory of your life.
Missouri Legal has worked with hundreds of people in Springfield and the surrounding areas fighting against illegal drug charges.
If you or a loved one is facing illegal drug charges, whether it be for paraphernalia or possession of a controlled substance, contact Missouri Legal to schedule an initial consultation for which there is no charge and no obligation. At this consultation, an illegal drug lawyer will discuss the specific elements of your case, along with potential sentences you may be facing for the charge or charges against you and possible defenses against these accusations. Located in downtown Springfield, our law firm is dedicated to assisting members of our community with their legal needs. We pride ourselves in offering fair prices and friendly services along with a track record of great results. Please feel free to call us anytime, with any of your legal questions. We look forward to serving you in the near future.
