What is the Legal Definition of Cocaine Paraphernalia in North Carolina?

Drug paraphernalia is a vague term, and defendants may be unsure of its real meaning after facing charges in North Carolina. Drug paraphernalia might include various tools and items used to use, process, prepare, transport, or store drugs. The problem is that many of these items are perfectly legal to own and use outside of the drug world. What if you were accused of possessing cocaine paraphernalia in North Carolina? Can a defense attorney help?

Examples of Cocaine Paraphernalia in North Carolina

Cocaine is a drug that is typically snorted through the nose. As a result, anything that can help users take the drug in this manner could potentially become drug paraphernalia. Common tools for cocaine users include straws, rolled-up paper bills, razor blades, tubes, small mirrors, or credit cards. 

Cocaine Paraphernalia Often Contains Residue

It is important to understand that if you are found with any amount of cocaine in North Carolina, you can face possession charges and arrest. Technically speaking, there is no “minimum” amount of cocaine that can trigger these charges. As a result, you could theoretically face an arrest for cocaine possession even if police find trace amounts of the drug on dollar bills, credit cards, or razor blades in your possession. 

What if the Alleged Paraphernalia Contains No Cocaine Residue?

Even if the alleged paraphernalia contains no cocaine residue, you could still potentially face criminal charges for possession of the paraphernalia. For example, you might have multiple plastic bags and a scale. Maybe a police officer saw you using a mirror or a straw to use cocaine. Even if you use all of the cocaine before they take you into custody (or the officers are unable to find any drugs), they could still potentially charge you for possession of cocaine paraphernalia. This is true even if there is no trace of cocaine on the items in question. 

Defense Strategies for Cocaine Paraphernalia Charges

If you are caught with alleged cocaine paraphernalia, it’s best to remain silent. North Carolina law enforcement officers may use your comments against you. Do not admit that the paraphernalia in question is related to drug use, as this may make your defense more difficult.

An obvious defense strategy is to highlight the item’s legitimate use in the community. A credit card, razor blade, or dollar bill could have many legitimate uses outside of the drug world. Various studies have found that about 92% of the paper currency in circulation contains cocaine residue. As a result, you could always argue that someone else used the money as a “cocaine straw” before it changed hands. 

Can a Cocaine Defense Attorney in North Carolina Help Me?

A North Carolina cocaine defense attorney may be able to help if you have been accused of possessing drug paraphernalia. Although this offense may not be as serious as possessing actual drugs, it can still lead to major, life-altering penalties. Continue this discussion with Coastal South Law today, and get started with an effective defense strategy.