Idaho is a very strict state regarding drug crimes, including unlawful possession of paraphernalia. So, you need to be clear on the penalties for conviction. You should be aware of how to present the best possible defense to protect your freedom and future. Being found guilty of a paraphernalia charge can result in a prison sentence, and it leaves you with a criminal record that can cause you to be blocked from job opportunities and even from renting a home.
To avoid having a criminal record for a drug-related crime, you’ll need an experienced Idaho drug charge defense lawyer to protect your rights and build a winning case for you.
Click to jump to the section:
- What is Paraphernalia?
- What Does Possession Of Paraphernalia Mean?
- Paraphernalia Crimes in Idaho
- Penalties for Conviction of Paraphernalia Crimes
- Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Paraphernalia Charge?
- Possession of Paraphernalia Idaho – Best Defense Lawyers
What is Paraphernalia?
Drug paraphernalia refers to anything that can be used to facilitate illegal possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance. The two general divisions of drug paraphernalia types are items that can be used to use the drug and those that can be used to make and/or distribute the drug. This broad categorization allows for even typical household items like spoons or food scales to become illegal drug paraphernalia.
Much of the case against a person charged with crimes involving such items will have to do with the context in which they are located. Some common examples of drug paraphernalia that can lead to arrest include:
- Cigarette rolling papers
- Ordinary pipes for smoking
- Water pipes
- Bongs
- One-hitters
- Roach clips (for holding and smoking the remaining bits of marijuana cigarettes)
- Small scales
- An instrument for testing the concentration of a drug in a substance
- Chemical agents for diluting the content of narcotics
- Syringes and/or needles
What Does Possession Of Paraphernalia Mean?
Under the Idaho legal code, it is a crime to use drug paraphernalia or possess it with the intention of using it. The class of items defined as drug paraphernalia in Idaho extends to include tools and materials possessed for the purpose of growing, manufacturing, producing, processing, testing, packing, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, injecting, or in any other way introducing a controlled substance into the body. (Idaho Code 37-2734A)
Paraphernalia Crimes in Idaho
Advertising or selling paraphernalia is against the law in Idaho. It is illegal to make or disseminate a flier, place a newspaper ad, or elsewhere knowingly promote the sale of items intended for use as drug paraphernalia. Paraphernalia and related drug crimes in Idaho:
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Marijuana crimes
- Heroin crimes
- Methamphetamine crimes
- Drug trafficking
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Other misdemeanor and felony drug crimes
- Possession with intent to sell
- Public intoxication
- Selling where children are present
- Drug manufacturing
Penalties for Conviction of Paraphernalia Crimes
A conviction for possession of paraphernalia in Idaho carries harsh penalties. You may be sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. In addition to punishment by the criminal justice system, having a criminal record for a drug-related crime can make it difficult to get a job in your chosen career, obtain state licensing, qualify for various types of benefits, or even rent a home. (Idaho Code 37-2734A)
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Paraphernalia Charge?
Every paraphernalia case is different. The details of the situation determine the potential strength of the prosecution’s and the defense’s respective cases. Ending your case with a favorable outcome depends on presenting the best possible defense either in court or in negotiations to have your charges dropped or substantially reduced. An experienced criminal defense lawyer is fully familiar with the Boise Idaho court system rules and requirements, state drug and paraphernalia laws, precedents, and defense strategies.
Possession of Paraphernalia Idaho – Best Defense Lawyers
Sawtooth Defense Lawyers, Boise Idaho is a leading group of criminal defense attorneys. We have a long track record of success in helping defendants accused in drug-related cases. We can help you identify the best options to keep you out of jail and stop you from having a criminal record, based on the details of your situation.
