Common Items that Can Turn Criminal

Nonprescription drug use is a well-understood criminal offense. Possession of drug paraphernalia is equally punishable, and charges can even arise from items that are originally innocent.

When an item is used to consume, cook, hide, inhale, prepare, or test illegal drugs, it becomes drug paraphernalia. If used in such a way, an individual can be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia for ownership of common household items including:

• Apples: Apples can be made into a drug pipe by creating a hole in the fruit to smoke.
• Balloons: Balloons are often used for inhalant drugs.
• Digital scales: If drugs are found with a scale, prosecutors could assume the device was used to weigh and sell drugs.
• Lighters: Could be used to heat cocaine or heroin.
• Plastic bags: Plastic bags are frequently used to pack drugs before selling them.
• Razor blades: Frequently used to cut and line up cocaine.
• Small spoons: Commonly used to heat or “cook” drugs before injection. Spoons with burn marks and drug residue could be incriminating evidence.
• Straws: Could be used to snort cocaine.
• Tinfoil: Tinfoil can be used to create a makeshift pipe or to wrap drugs. If police find tin foil with burn marks or drug residue, they could have reason to deem it paraphernalia.

Of course, you are not subject to a criminal conviction simply for having these materials in your home. Possession of these objects only becomes illegal when there is evidence of drug use, such as any drug residue, burn marks, or peculiar manipulation of an item.

If you’re facing a drug paraphernalia charge, contact Patton | Pittman immediately. Our attorneys have the experience necessary to aggressively defend your future and your freedom. Call us today at (931) 361-4477 to get started.