DuPage County Drug Paraphernalia Charges Defense Lawyer

Do Not Face Drug Paraphernalia Charges On Your Own

From hookahs to pipes and grinders, drug paraphernalia can be purchased over the counter at many Chicago area stores. In some cases, the pipes may be used to consume legal products such as flavored tobacco. However, if a device contains drug residue, you face potentially serious charges.

At the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, we have a solid understanding of how to mount an effective defense against drug paraphernalia charges. Naperville criminal defense attorney Philip R. Nathe has more than 30 years of experience in the DuPage County criminal justice system, including prosecuting a range of drug charges and other crimes as an assistant state's attorney. Mr. Nathe will work hard to help you obtain the best possible outcome to your case. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Consequences of a Drug Paraphernalia Conviction

Though it is often charged as an ordinance violation, possession of drug paraphernalia may be a class A misdemeanor—which is one step below a felony—in certain circumstances. You may face potential prison time and a lifetime criminal record if you are convicted. You also face a minimum fine of $750, even if you are charged with an ordinance violation rather than a class A misdemeanor. If you are accused of selling or delivering drug paraphernalia, more serious charges may apply. This offense may be charged as a Class 4 felony with a minimum fine of $1,000, and selling or delivering paraphernalia to a person under the age of 18 is a Class 3 felony.

Since the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes in Illinois, the laws surrounding paraphernalia related to marijuana have also been relaxed. Bongs, pipes, or other items used to inhale or ingest marijuana can generally be possessed and used by adults over the age of 21. Other items that are customarily used to grow, process, store, or package marijuana or other lawful substances are generally exempt from drug paraphernalia laws.

Defenses in drug paraphernalia cases often hinge on how police came into contact with you and conducted the search and seizure. Police cannot stop and search you just because they do not like the way you look. They must have reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime before your vehicle can be legally stopped. Once you are stopped, police cannot search your vehicle without probable cause to believe that evidence or drug paraphernalia are located in the vehicle.

As part of an effective defense for drug violations, we will analyze your case for applicability of all programs, including:

• First offender probation
• TASC probation
• Drug court

Contact Our Naperville Drug Paraphernalia Charges Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you are facing drug paraphernalia charges, do not make the mistake of taking them lightly. Take the steps necessary to ensure that your rights and your future receive the defense they deserve. Turn to the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe. Our decades of experience allows us to provide our clients with an aggressive and effective defense. To schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer, call 630-416-7600, toll free at 888-583-6197, or complete our online form to contact us online.

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