Drug Paraphernalia
It is common knowledge that possessing a drug or controlled substance is illegal in Ohio. However, you may not be aware that possessing drug paraphernalia is a crime as well. Drug paraphernalia can mean various things. It can be as basic as a scale or a plastic baggie.
Ohio is not kind to those who are convicted with possession, use, or selling of drug paraphernalia. A drug paraphernalia conviction can result in a misdemeanor charge. Misdemeanors can have penalties of heavy fines and even possible jail time.
If you or someone you know has been charged with the use, sale, or possession of drug paraphernalia, it is vital that you seek legal representation.
Cincinnati Drug Paraphernalia Attorneys
Drug paraphernalia charges can seem intimidating. At Joslyn Law Firm drug paraphernalia charges are very commonly combated against. Retaining trusted legal counsel can be the difference between jail time and a reduced or dismissed sentence. Be smart on your next choice. Choose the attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm to fight your charges today.
Joslyn Law Firm is a group of established attorneys who specialize in defense. We approach every case with compassion and a detailed plan to fight your charges. Our attorneys are well-versed in drug paraphernalia and all other sorts of drug-related crimes. Each attorney at Joslyn Law Firm puts their clients first, taking every step to inform them on what is next.
Be ahead of the game, and side with a reputable attorney in the greater Columbus area. Brian Joslyn, the firm founder, has been ranked as one of the 10 best criminal defense lawyers in Ohio by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. We strive for excellence, and want to guide you through this legal process.
The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm defend those accused of drug crimes throughout the greater Southern District of Ohio and surrounding cities including Newark, Lancaster, Cincinnati, Springdale, Reading, Harrison, and Blue Ash.
Take charge and start your defense today. Call us, or submit an online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Overview for Drug Paraphernalia in Ohio
Ohio Drug Paraphernalia Laws
Ohio Revised Code § 2925.14 defines “drug paraphernalia” as any kind of equipment, material, or product of any kind that is used to consume, sell, hide, package, or manufacture a controlled substance. The law itself goes into more detail, and lists every kind of usage for drug paraphernalia.
Drug paraphernalia encompasses any kind of materials that are involved in any of the following:
- containing;
- concealing;
- processing;
- preparing;
- testing;
- analyzing;
- packaging;
- repackaging;
- storing;
- injecting;
- propagating;
- cultivating;
- producing;
- ingesting,
- growing;
- harvesting;
- manufacturing;
- compounding,;
- converting;
Some instruments are designed to use, manufacture, or sell drugs. However, some drug abuse instruments are normal household objects. For instance, an envelope concealing drugs can be considered drug paraphernalia under Ohio law.
Types of Drug Paraphernalia in Cincinnati
Drug paraphernalia is quite a large category. It can range from sifters to divide drugs to marijuana cultivation equipment. Law enforcement can sometimes conclude domestic items are drug paraphernalia, such as a table spoon that is used to heat a controlled substance.
The following are a few types of drug paraphernalia:
- Plastic baggies
- Measuring Scales
- Syringe or needle
- Water pipes
- Marijuana growing equipment
- Smoking masks
- Diluting equipment
- Chillum
- Roach clips
- Cigarette papers
- Cocaine freebase kits
- Chamber, carburetor, or electric pipe;
- Storage containers for controlled substances
Cincinnati Penalties for Drug Paraphernalia in Ohio
Ohio laws are not light on drug paraphernalia charges. The penalties for drug paraphernalia convictions are reliant on how it was used, and who it was used by. Simple possession or use of a drug paraphernalia instrument can result in a misdemeanor in the fourth degree.
The following is the maximum penalties for a fourth degree misdemeanor:
- A possible fine up to $250
- Possible jail time up to 30 days
If a person knowingly deals, manufactures or sells drug paraphernalia he or she may face a misdemeanor to the second degree. This includes if the alleged offender places an advertisement for sale of the drug abuse instrument in a newspaper, magazine, handbill, or other publication that circulates throughout Ohio.
The following is the maximum penalties for a second degree misdemeanor:
- A possible fine up to $750
- Possible jail time up to 90 days
Lastly, if a person sells drug paraphernalia to a juvenile(s) they will face a misdemeanor of the first degree. A juvenile under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.01 is defined as a person under the age of 18.
The following is the maximum penalties for a first degree misdemeanor:
- A possible fine up to $1,000
- Possible jail time up to 90 days
Additional Resources
Illegal Use of Drug Paraphernalia – Visit the official website for Ohio’s legislation and laws. The statutory language details all kinds of items that Ohio considers drug paraphernalia. Alongside this, the penalties and circumstances for those penalties are outlined throughout the website.
Ohio Drug Laws & Penalties – Visit NORML.org, an organization whose mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults. Read more on how drug paraphernalia is handled under Ohio law, plus other drug related crimes.
Find a Cincinnati Attorney for Drug Abuse Instruments in Ohio
Have you been charged for use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of drug paraphernalia in the greater Cincinnati area? If so, it is in your best interest to arm yourself with a qualified criminal defense attorney.
Joslyn Law Firm is composed of a group of reputable criminal defense attorneys. We have over twenty years of combined experience handling all types of drug crimes in Ohio courts. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm believe in putting their clients first. Our attorneys approach each case with new eyes, and guide our clients every step of the way. If you are to gain legal representation, it is important to gain a respectable attorney. Joslyn Law Firm has been recognized by respected law associations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the American Association for Justice.
Make the best decision now. Our attorneys defend those accused of drug crimes throughout the greater Hamilton County area and surrounding communities including Norwood, Cincinnati, Blue Ash, Cheviot, Springfield, Anderson, and Reading.
Call (513) 399-6289 or simply submit an online contact form today.
This article was last updated August 21, 2018.
