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Drug Paraphernalia Offenses in St. Louis: The Basics
Usually, a drug paraphernalia charge is the result of police finding someone in possession of tools, materials, or products that are well-known to be used for the production or ingestion of illegal drugs.
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These can include pipes, syringes, or needles, as well as scales or bags. Many drug paraphernalia charges are usually filed as misdemeanors. However, if you are also found to be involved in drug manufacturing or drug distribution, these charges can be upgraded to felonies.
Missouri's Drug Paraphernalia Laws
In St. Louis and throughout Missouri, drug paraphernalia offenses are primarily covered under Missouri Revised Statute §579.074. This section outlines various aspects related to drug paraphernalia, its possession, sale and associated penalties. It is illegal to possess drug paraphernalia knowingly and/or with intent to use it. Possession is a class D misdemeanor for first time offenses, and a class A misdemeanor if you have a previous drug-related conviction.
Missouri Revised Statute §579.076 also makes the "unlawful manufacture of drug paraphernalia" illegal, if someone makes paraphernelia that they knew would be or could be used for drug planting, harvesting, manufacturing or using. Unlawful manufacture of drug paraphernalia is a class A misdemeanor, until it's done for commercial purposes, in which case it becomes a class E felony.
If you are convicted of a drug paraphernalia charge, the penalties can range from a fine and probation all the way up to a year in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000. You may also be subject to onerous probation stipulations, like random drug testing or being banned from possessing alcohol.
