From damage to your reputation to financial penalties and even time in jail, drug charges can have a negative impact on your life in many different ways. In fact, even seemingly minor allegations, such as the possession of drug paraphernalia, can have devastating effects.
It is important to understand that a wide variety of materials and items constitute unlawful drug paraphernalia in Texas, and you could find yourself facing charges unexpectedly.
Drug paraphernalia in Texas
The Texas Constitution and Statutes goes over many examples of illegal drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia includes equipment and materials used for growing, manufacturing, testing, preparing and consuming unlawful drugs. For example, balances and scales could constitute illegal paraphernalia, as well as hypodermic needles, balloons, capsules and blenders.
Testing equipment, isomerization devices and certain containers sometimes constitute unlawful drug paraphernalia. In addition, you could face these charges if caught with a carburetion tube, water pipe or bong.
False allegations of drug paraphernalia possession
You could find yourself facing drug paraphernalia charges even though you do not use illegal drugs or had no idea that unlawful items were in your vehicle. For example, someone could leave an object in your car that you did not notice, or you could face these accusations even though you did not intend to use a particular item for illegal purposes. Sometimes, people plant drug paraphernalia on a person or in their vehicle as well. This highlights how crucial it is to examine the details of the case thoroughly.
If drug paraphernalia charges have arisen, make sure you understand the steps you need to take to safeguard your future.