DuPage County Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyer

Attorneys Assisting Lombard Clients with Drug Crime Defense

Under Illinois law, drug paraphernalia includes pipes, bongs, cocaine vials, kits, and other items used to consume, manufacture, or process drugs. A person can face criminal charges if they knowingly possess or sell drug paraphernalia. The penalties are the same no matter which type of drug was used, regardless if the paraphernalia was used to smoke marijuana or to inject heroin. If you have been charged or arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, you need an experienced Oak Brook IL drug defense attorney to help protect your rights. The attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. represent defendants charged with drug offenses in DuPage County.

Drug Paraphernalia Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

A person who knowingly possesses an item of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it for illegal drug consumption can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. These charges can apply if the paraphernalia was found in proximity to illegal drugs, and equipment involved in growing marijuana plants can be classified as drug paraphernalia. Punishments can include fines from $750 to $2,500 and up to a year in jail, if convicted. Paraphernalia related to a charge of possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana is a civil rather than criminal offense, punishable by $100 to $200 in fines.

In some situations, felony charges may be applied for possession of drug paraphernalia. Some important considerations in the classification of drug charges include:

• Any person who sells, plans to sell, or delivers drug paraphernalia for commercial purposes commits a Class 4 felony, and a minimum fine of $1,000 may be levied for each item.
• A Class 3 felony is charged for any person 18 years of age or older who sells or delivers drug paraphernalia to a person under age 18.
• A Class 2 felony is charged for selling or delivering drug paraphernalia to a woman that you know is pregnant.
• Any store, place, or premises where drug paraphernalia is sold, kept for sale, or delivered is declared to be a public nuisance. The local State's Attorney may take action against the owner of the premises, including restricting the sale of drug paraphernalia and requiring the owner to pay a bond of $5,000 to $10,000 to continue using the property.

Call an Oak Brook, IL Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Drug paraphernalia cases often hinge on whether the police had the legal authority to seize evidence. The experienced attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. will guide you through your legal defense options and work to improve your outcome. Our goal is to help you work out an agreement that could help you avoid prison time, seek to reduce the charges to a lower offense, or submit pretrial motions to have certain charges dismissed. Call a DuPage County criminal defense attorney at 630-472-9700 to discuss your drug paraphernalia case in a free initial consultation. We serve our clients in Downers Grove, Wheaton, Lombard, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Willowbrook, Westmont, and surrounding areas.