Drug Paraphernalia Possession Penalties in Connecticut

 Posted on September 10, 2015 in Drug Charges

In Connecticut, if police catch you in possession of an illegal substance, chances are you will face drug charges. These can come with steep fines and even time behind bars. However, many people are not aware that if police arrest you for possessing drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe, you may also face severe penalties.

According to Connecticut law, it is illegal for anyone to be in possession of drug paraphernalia with the intention of using it for any of several listed drug-related purposes, which can range from growing or preparing to ingesting or inhaling controlled substances.

Several items are classified as “paraphernalia,” such as:

• Kits intended to be used for planting, cultivating, growing, propagating, or harvesting marijuana plants or other plants from which a controlled substance can be derived;
• Testing equipment used for analyzing the strength, purity, or effectiveness of a controlled substance;
• Capsules and other containers for packaging a controlled substance; and
• Objects used to facilitate the inhaling or ingesting of a controlled substance.

What Happens Police Catch Me with Paraphernalia?

If police catch you in possession of drug paraphernalia, chances are it will be considered nothing more than a civil infraction. You will likely face a fine of up to $300 and will not have to serve any time behind bars.

However, in some cases, a conviction will classify as a misdemeanor. The offender may have to pay up to $500 and could spend up to three months behind bars. If you were convicted of distributing paraphernalia, then you may be fined up to $2,000 and could spend up to a year in jail.

It is important to note that if you were caught distributing or possessing paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school, then you may receive an additional year behind bars.The paraphernalia will be confiscated from you and will not be returned.

If you are facing charges related to the possession of drugs or paraphernalia, then one of your first calls should be to an experienced Stamford criminal defense attorney. To schedule a free consultation, call 203-348-5846.

Source:

http://www.jud.ct.gov/ji/criminal/glossary/drugpara.htm