Tampa Drug Paraphernalia Attorney
Many feel that the possession of drug paraphernalia is a “petty” crime due to the fact that the offense may not actually involve drugs. However, such an offense does have legal consequences. The conviction of the possession of drug paraphernalia may result in fines, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been arrested for possessing paraphernalia, it is important that you contact a lawyer right away to ensure that your rights remain protected. Omar Abdelghany is an experienced Tampa drug paraphernalia attorney handling such matters. Contact our office today for an initial consultation.
Defending Those Charged with the Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia is defined as any object, product, or material intended for the concealing, storing, production, use, or processing of a controlled substance. Examples of paraphernalia are:
- Pipes used for smoking (bongs)
- Baggies
- Rolling papers
- Cutting devices
- Containers
- Scales
- Needles
Florida prohibits the possession of drug related paraphernalia and the penalties for such an offense depend on the nature of the item and whether it is accompanied by a controlled substance. The state classifies the possession of drug paraphernalia as a first degree misdemeanor. If convicted, one may face up to a year in jail or a year of probation and a fine of up $1,000. A defendant may also face additional charges if they were in possession of drugs or if they were in the illegal possession of a firearm at the time of their arrest.
Charges for the possession of drug paraphernalia will begin with the accused entering a plea of “not guilty.” The prosecution will provide the defense with any arrest reports, witness statements, and other information which must be disclosed under the Brady decision. It is more common than many realize for police to have found the paraphernalia through a violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights. Such violations can include illegally searching a vehicle or stopping an individual without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. If the accused’s rights were violated then it may be possible to have the charges dismissed. If a dismissal cannot be obtained, and a resolution is not reached, then the matter will proceed to trial. It will be the prosecution’s burden to prove that the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed the items. Litigating such a case can be complicated and it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Omar Abdelghany is a Tampa lawyer representing defendants charged with possessing drug paraphernalia. Omar will use your initial consultation to help you understand what you should expect from the process and to begin formulating a defense strategy. If he believes that your rights have been violated then he will file any necessary Motions with the Court and attempt to gain a dismissal of the charges. If necessary, he will not hesitate to take your case to trial. Drug paraphernalia charges are often combined with other offenses such as drug possession. Omar will protect your rights regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and we are ready to assist you. Contact us today.
Omar also serves clients in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, Palm Harbor, Sarasota, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Tampa Drug Crime Attorney Providing Quality Representation to Florida Residents
If you have been arrested for the possession of drug paraphernalia then you may be experiencing some uncertainty about your future. The last thing you should have to worry about is whether your attorney will be available when he or she is needed. As a dedicated lawyer, Omar will personally handle your case from beginning to end. He will keep you updated on the status of your case and promptly return any messages or phone calls. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug paraphernalia related crime, contact our office today for assistance. We are honored to serve the residents of Tampa and we take our responsibilities very seriously.
