Possession of drug paraphernalia may seem like a small charge, but it can lead to much more than a misdemeanor on your record.

Under Missouri law:

         It is unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use,
         drug paraphernalia to plan, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest,
         manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test,
         analyze, repack, store, contain, conceal, inject, ingest, inhale, or
         otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance or
         an imitation controlled substance.

Drug paraphernalia possession, including possession of paper, pipes, grinders, scales and drug packaging material, is a class A misdemeanor. If, however, a person uses or intends to use the paraphernalia "in combination with each other to manufacture, compound, produce, prepare, test or analyze amphetamine or methamphetamine or any of the analogues," then he or she can be charged with a class D felony.

Only a misdemeanor?

First, let's address the "only a misdemeanor" mentality. If this is the first time you have been charged with a crime, a misdemeanor conviction can be a very serious thing. It can mean a permanent criminal record that can influence your life now and in the future. Every time you apply for a job, you will need to let the potential employer know that you have been convicted of a crime. You may even lose eligibility for student loans.

Possession of drugs

Second, possession of drug paraphernalia can lead to larger drug charges. For example, if a pipe has marijuana residue on it, you can be charged with possession of marijuana. Possession of a trace amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor that can lead to one year in prison and $1,000 in fines. If police find 35 grams or more of marijuana, you can be charged with a felony, which carries 7 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

There may be good defenses to any of these charges, which a drug crimes defense lawyer can help you use to protect your rights and freedom.

Source: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 195, Drug Regulations, Section 195.233, "Unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, penalty."