EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

In order to convict a person of possession of drug paraphernalia in Utah, prosecuting attorneys must prove three things: First, they must prove that the item found is drug paraphernalia. Second, they must prove that the defendant was in possession. Third, they must prove that the defendant knew that he or she was in possession. All three of these elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order for the defendant to be found guilty.

“Drug paraphernalia” is the term Utah law uses to describe any item used for or intended to be used in connection with a controlled substance or used for making a controlled substance. Examples of the kinds of items that courts have considered to be drug paraphernalia are roach clips, rolling papers, hypodermic needles, pipes, scales, balances, balloons, envelopes, chemicals used to cut drugs like cocaine, items such as lamps used to grow marijuana, and kits used to manufacture methamphetamine. In deciding whether an item is drug paraphernalia, courts will often look at whether the item was found near illegal drugs. For example, plastic baggies found near an illegal drug would probably be considered drug paraphernalia, where plastic baggies found in a location where there was no other sign of drug activity would most likely not be considered drug paraphernalia.

If drug paraphernalia is found on a person’s body, such as in a pocket, or in a person’s property, such as in a car or a purse, Utah law considers whether that person had actual possession of the item. If it is found close to the person, such as on the ground at his or her feet, the prosecution must prove that the person was in control of the item. This can be a complicated issue. A good defense lawyer can show the court that there is reasonable doubt whether the defendant had actual possession of the item.

Finally, Utah law requires that the defendant knows that he or she was in possession of the drug paraphernalia. A person is not guilty if the item was planted on them or in their belongings.


Penalties

Possession of drug paraphernalia in Utah is often charged in conjunction with other drug related crimes. It is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. If the case is solid against you, the Salt Lake City legal team at Intermountain Legal will negotiate to minimize the consequences and find the best solution for you. Because we have experience on the other side, we know what judges and prosecutors are looking for, and we will help you make the best decisions every step of the way.


Contact a Dedicated Utah Criminal Defense Attorney

To contact our lawyers for a free consultation, call 801-970-2800 or fill out our quick contact form.

Additional Information on Possession Charges

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.