Crack Pipes, Meth Pipes, Needles
California HSC 11364 makes it a crime to have drug paraphernalia in your possession. It is defined as anything that may be used to produce, administer, or conceal a controlled drug illegally.
Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other illicit substances would fall under this category.
The two main categories of people who use or sell drug paraphernalia are drug users and drug dealers. Items tailored to a single user include pipes, syringes, spoons, rolling papers, roach clips, freebase kits, and other tiny containers used to store or hide narcotics. Paraphernalia used by dealers to prepare drug portions for sale on the street would include things like scales and plastic baggies.
A person discovered with drug paraphernalia may be arrested immediately and charged with a misdemeanor or crime. The defendant’s criminal record and past drug criminal convictions are also considered. The prosecution needs to know whether the paraphernalia was intended for personal use or drug sales before deciding how to charge you with this criminal offense.
What Exactly Does the State Have to Prove?
In California, the prosecution must establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the following components of the offense of possession of drug paraphernalia (HSC 11364).
- You were determined to have drug paraphernalia after considering all applicable exceptions under HSC 11364.
- You were aware that there was drug equipment there.
- You did not doubt that the objects in issue were in the category of drug paraphernalia.
A person might be considered to have “possession” under HSC 11364 if they exercise “control,” which can be either “actual” or “constructive.” The difference between “actual control” and “constructive control/possession” is whether or not the item was really on your person or in your hand when the police arrived. Constructive control exists, for example, if an opium pipe used for inhaling opium is placed in a drawer of one’s dresser. In addition, HSC 11364 allows for prosecution of “joint possession” if two or more persons share custody of drug paraphernalia.
Finally, to be considered drug paraphernalia, an object must have been designed for use in the illicit use of a restricted narcotic. A syringe obtained legally and used for its intended purpose does not qualify as drug paraphernalia. In contrast, it would be considered drug paraphernalia if you used a regular spoon to snort cocaine.
Exceptions
Hypodermic needles and syringes are not illegal for law enforcement agents, medical professionals, veterinarians, wholesalers, merchants, pharmacies, or other individuals to possess under certain circumstances. Secondly, recreational marijuana usage is now permitted under Prop 64. Furthermore, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia connected to marijuana in California is dealt with under distinct marijuana statutes.
Consequences of a Drug Paraphernalia Possession Conviction
In the Golden State, possessing drug equipment carries a minor criminal penalty. You might spend up to six months in county prison if found guilty. An additional fine of up to $1,000 may be imposed. Also, you will have a lifelong criminal record if you are convicted. When you have a drug conviction on your record, it might not be easy to:
- Find another employment when the conviction appears on background checks.
- Rent an apartment if your prospective landlord investigates your criminal background.
- Maintain a professional license, particularly if it is connected to health care, pharmacy, or education.
- Apply for green cards, immigrant visas, or citizenship for non-citizens.
Legal Defenses
Depending on the circumstances, a skilled drug crimes defense attorney may utilize one or more of the following strategies:
- The equipment was never in your possession,
- You had no idea that was drug paraphernalia,
- You were unaware of the existence of the paraphernalia
- The equipment was not drug paraphernalia,
- An unlawful search and seizure led to the discovery of the paraphernalia.
Diversion from incarceration and drug sentence alternatives
A drug diversion program might be an option for some of those convicted of drug paraphernalia possession. There’s an option of using this curriculum in place of incarceration. This sentence for drug diversion is “delayed entry of judgment” under Proposition 36 of the Penal Code 1000. It is intended for drug offenders who have not committed any violent acts.
One option for joining a drug diversion program is to submit a “no contest” plea. The court will drop the charges if they complete their probationary drug treatment requirements. If the criminal does not complete the program, the court may sentence them to jail.
- Related Articles:
- Was Your Child Arrested for Drugs at School in California?
- K9 Drug-Sniffing Dogs and Traffic Stops in California
- VC 23152(c) – Driving While Addicted to Drugs
Need an Attorney? CALL NOW: 213-932-8922
Yuliya Kelmansky is an Expert Attorney who has over 15 years of practice defending a variety of cases.
