In Georgia, people can face drug charges for a variety of offenses. Of course, possessing, transporting, purchasing, selling or manufacturing drugs will lead to an arrest and criminal charges. However, there are other issues related to drugs that can result in being charged. To use many drugs, there are certain objects that are needed or help with administering and ingesting them. These can also be called drug paraphernalia. Possessing, making or selling drug related objects can also spark charges against a person. Understanding the law with these objects is a critical part of a successful legal defense.
A drug related object is a device, object or instrument that is used or promoted as being useful to do certain things with drugs. People can use these items to inhale, ingest or introduce marijuana and other controlled substances into the body. They can use them as a testing device to assess the effectiveness of marijuana and other controlled substances. The purity, effectiveness and strength of the marijuana or controlled substance can be completed with these items. These products are also used to conceal the amount of marijuana or any controlled substance that is present. It can hold or contain marijuana or a controlled substance when it is being used by the person who is ingesting the drugs.
The term “knowing” is also critical when there is an object that is used for drugs. If the person has what is known as constructive knowledge that the product is being used for drugs or if there are facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the item is used for drugs, then they will be deemed as having knowledge of its intended use and can face charges. A first offense is a misdemeanor. A second offense will be a high and aggravated misdemeanor. If it is a third or subsequent offense, it will be a felony with the possibility of one to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
With the penalties for drug charges related to possessing drug related objects this harsh, it is vital to have a strong defense. This is true whether it is a juvenile or an adult. A law firm that specializes in providing a defense against drug charges should be contacted immediately after the arrest to begin preparing to combat the charges.
