Rhode Island Law and Drug Paraphernalia

Drug-related fines are considered serious offenses under Rhode Island law. If you have been accused of selling or using any illegal substance, you could be facing harsh penalties, including steep fines and even jail time. Unfortunately, many people are not fully familiar with the laws related to controlled substances in our state.

For example, you can be arrested not only for possession of an illegal drug, but for possession of any paraphernalia related to one. The law is vague about the definition of “drug paraphernalia,” which can create many legal problems for accused people. If you have been charged with or convicted of this offense, call Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly at 401-662-9006.

Defining Paraphernalia

Rhode Island law defines drug paraphernalia as virtually any object that can be used to ingest, manufacture, grow, or transport drugs. As you can imagine, many different items potentially meet this definition. Some examples include:

• Syringes (without official authorization to own or sell them)
• Pipes (including water pipes or “bongs”)
• Rubber tubing
• Small vials
• Common goods that have been adapted to store or use drugs

If you are arrested with any items like these in your possession, you will need the help of a Rhode Island expungement attorney to protect your rights and reputation.

Paraphernalia Penalties

Penalties for selling paraphernalia, or possession with intent to sell, can include a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to two years. If a person aged 18 or over is convicted of selling such items to a minor, he or she can be penalized with a $5,000 fine and/or up to five years in prison.

Contact Us

If you have been convicted of selling or possessing drug paraphernalia, the good news is that this record can be expunged under certain conditions. To learn more, contact Rhode Island drug offense expungement attorney James Powderly at 401-662-9006.