What are the laws on drug paraphernalia possession in Wisconsin?

 Posted on June 14,2017 in Criminal Defense

Drug crimes can vary greatly due to the variety of drug types, the quantity in question and the suspected activity with the alleged drugs. While some drug crimes are known to be more serious than others, charges related to drug paraphernalia are often viewed as minor. Nonetheless, those accused of possessing drug paraphernalia should understand that they could still face drug charges that carry with them notable penalties. Thus, no matter how minor or severe a drug charge, defense options should always be considered.

What are the laws in Wisconsin regarding drug paraphernalia possession ? According to the Wisconsin state legislature, drug paraphernalia is all equipment, products and materials that are used, designed for use or primarily intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body.

When determining whether or not an object is in fact drug paraphernalia, a court will consider statements from the owner or anyone in control of the object, the proximity of the object with regards to time and space to the direct violation, the proximity of the object to a controlled substance, the existence of any residue of a controlled substance, direct or circumstantial evidence or any other relevant information.

If an individual is charged with the possession of drug paraphernalia, that person could face criminal penalties. This includes fines up to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days or both. When a defendant faces this crime, it is important to understand what evidence is being used against them and the potential consequences. This could help with designing a strong and effective defense strategy, which could ultimately result in reduced or dismissed charges.

Source: Wisconsin State Legislature, " Drug Paraphernalia," accessed June 11, 2017