{"id":371314,"date":"2024-11-04T14:50:04","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T19:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-drug-paraphernalia-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-04T15:03:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T20:03:27","slug":"alabama-drug-paraphernalia-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-drug-paraphernalia-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Drug Paraphernalia Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Alabama Drug Paraphernalia Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Possessing or using drug paraphernalia in Alabama can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. Whether an object is considered drug paraphernalia depends on how the person uses it and the surrounding circumstances. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The term \u201cdrug paraphernalia\u201d generally refers to objects that people use to ingest or otherwise consume drugs. It can also refer to kits or other objects used to manufacture or cultivate controlled substances.<\/p>\r\n

Examples of drug paraphernalia include rolling paper, bongs, and scales. However, some everyday objects can be considered drug paraphernalia, depending on how someone uses them.<\/p>\r\n

For example, balloons, envelopes, and spoons are everyday objects that many people have in their homes. On their own, these objects are not drug paraphernalia. But, when someone uses these objects to pack, conceal, compound, or otherwise ingest a controlled substance, a court will likely consider them drug paraphernalia.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of Alabama\u2019s laws and criminal penalties related to the possession of drug paraphernalia. Visit FindLaw\u2019s Drug Paraphernalia Laws<\/a> article for more information about drug-related offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Drug Paraphernalia Laws in Alabama: Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The table below summarizes Alabama\u2019s laws regarding drug paraphernalia. For more information, visit the Code of Alabama<\/a> or the links in the Related Resources section below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Code Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Code of Alabama Title 13A Criminal Code<\/a>, Article 5, Division 5 – Drug Paraphernalia Offenses<\/p>\r\n

Definition<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Drug paraphernalia refers to all equipment, products, and materials used, intended for use, or designed for use in the following activities (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)):<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Planting<\/li>\r\n
  • Propagating<\/li>\r\n
  • Cultivating<\/li>\r\n
  • Growing<\/li>\r\n
  • Harvesting<\/li>\r\n
  • Manufacturing<\/li>\r\n
  • Compounding<\/li>\r\n
  • Converting<\/li>\r\n
  • Producing<\/li>\r\n
  • Processing<\/li>\r\n
  • Preparing<\/li>\r\n
  • Testing<\/li>\r\n
  • Analyzing<\/li>\r\n
  • Packaging<\/li>\r\n
  • Repackaging<\/li>\r\n
  • Storing<\/li>\r\n
  • Containing<\/li>\r\n
  • Concealing<\/li>\r\n
  • Injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Examples of drug paraphernalia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Alabama law lists the following things as drug paraphernalia:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Kits used, intended for use, or designed for planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, or harvesting plants from which one can derive a controlled substance or is a controlled substance. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(1))<\/li>\r\n
  • Kits used, intended for use, or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, or preparing controlled substances. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(2))<\/li>\r\n
  • Isomerization devices designed to increase the potency of a species of plant that is a controlled substance. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(3))<\/li>\r\n
  • Testing equipment used to identify or analyze a controlled substance\u2019s strength, effectiveness, or purity. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(4))<\/li>\r\n
  • Scales and balances used, intended for use, or designed to weigh and measure controlled substances. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(5))<\/li>\r\n
  • Dilutants and adulterants used, intended for, or designed to cut controlled substances (e.g., hydrochloride, dextrose, lactose, etc.). (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(6))<\/li>\r\n
  • Separation gins and sifters for removing twigs and seeds from marijuana or to otherwise clean or refine marijuana. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(7))<\/li>\r\n
  • Devices used for compounding controlled substances, such as blenders, bowls, spoons, and mixing devices. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(8))<\/li>\r\n
  • Containers used for packaging small quantities of controlled substances, such as capsules, balloons, and envelopes. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(9))<\/li>\r\n
  • Objects used for storing or concealing controlled substances, like containers. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(10))<\/li>\r\n
  • Objects used to parenterally inject controlled substances into the human body, such as hypodermic syringes and needles. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(11))<\/li>\r\n
  • Objects one uses to ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, hashish, or hashish oil into the human body. Examples include pipes, bongs, roach clips, and rolling paper, among many others. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(a)(12)(a)-(n))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When is an object considered drug paraphernalia?<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

A court or other authority will consider all of the following factors when determining whether an object is drug paraphernalia or not:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Any statements the owner or person in control of the object made concerning its use. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(1))<\/li>\r\n
  • Whether the owner or person in control of the object has any prior convictions related to a controlled substance. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(2))<\/li>\r\n
  • The object\u2019s proximity in both time and space to a controlled substance or a direct violation of the state\u2019s controlled substances law. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(3))<\/li>\r\n
  • Whether the object has any controlled substances residue on it. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(4))<\/li>\r\n
  • Evidence of the owner\u2019s intent to deliver the object to a person or people they know intend to use it to Violate Alabama\u2019s controlled substances laws. The court will consider both direct and circumstantial evidence of the owner\u2019s intent. The owner\u2019s innocence concerning a direct violation of such laws does not prevent the court from concluding that the object was drug paraphernalia. This inquiry extends to anyone in control of the object (i.e., not just the owner). (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(5))<\/li>\r\n
  • Any instructions (oral or written) provided with the object concerning its use. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(6))<\/li>\r\n
  • Descriptive materials that accompany the object and explain or depict its use. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(7))<\/li>\r\n
  • Advertising concerning the object\u2019s use. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(8))<\/li>\r\n
  • How the object is displayed for sale. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(9))<\/li>\r\n
  • Whether the owner or person in control of the object is a legitimate supplier of similar items (e.g., a licensed distributor of tobacco products). (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(10))<\/li>\r\n
  • Evidence regarding the ratio of the object\u2019s sale to the total sales of a business. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(11))<\/li>\r\n
  • Whether legitimate uses for the object exist, and, if so, the scope of such uses. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(12))<\/li>\r\n
  • Expert testimony concerning the object\u2019s use. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b)(13))<\/li>\r\n
  • All other logically relevant factors. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(b))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Use or possession of drug paraphernalia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

It\u2019s unlawful for a person to use drug paraphernalia, possess it with the intent to use it, or use it to ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce a controlled substance into the human body. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(c)(1)) It\u2019s also unlawful to do any of the following with regard to a controlled substance in violation of Alabama law:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Plant<\/li>\r\n
  • Propagate<\/li>\r\n
  • Cultivate<\/li>\r\n
  • Grow<\/li>\r\n
  • Harvest<\/li>\r\n
  • Compound<\/li>\r\n
  • Convert<\/li>\r\n
  • Produce<\/li>\r\n
  • Process<\/li>\r\n
  • Test<\/li>\r\n
  • Analyze<\/li>\r\n
  • Pack<\/li>\r\n
  • Repack<\/li>\r\n
  • Store<\/li>\r\n
  • Contain<\/li>\r\n
  • Conceal<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Any person who uses or possesses drug paraphernalia, as noted above, commits a Class A misdemeanor. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(c)(2))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Possession with intent to deliver, sell, use, or manufacture<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

It\u2019s unlawful to use, deliver, sell, possess, or manufacture drug paraphernalia with the intent to deliver, sell, or use it to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of Alabama law. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(d)(1))<\/p>\r\n

Any person who violates \u00a7 13A-12-260(d)(1) is guilty of a Class C felony. If they possessed a firearm while committing the offense, they are guilty of a Class B felony. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(d)(2))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Delivery or sale of drug paraphernalia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Any person who delivers, sells, or manufactures or possesses with the intent to deliver or sell drug paraphernalia and knows that someone will use it to do any of the following with respect to a controlled substance violates Alabama law (\u00a7 13A-12-260(e)(1)):<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Plant<\/li>\r\n
  • Propagate<\/li>\r\n
  • Cultivate<\/li>\r\n
  • Grow<\/li>\r\n
  • Harvest<\/li>\r\n
  • Compound<\/li>\r\n
  • Convert<\/li>\r\n
  • Produce<\/li>\r\n
  • Process<\/li>\r\n
  • Prepare<\/li>\r\n
  • Test<\/li>\r\n
  • Analyze<\/li>\r\n
  • Pack<\/li>\r\n
  • Repack<\/li>\r\n
  • Store<\/li>\r\n
  • Contain<\/li>\r\n
  • Conceal<\/li>\r\n
  • Inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce a controlled substance into the human body<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense is guilty of a Class C felony. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(e)(1))<\/p>\r\n

    If the person was 18 years older or older and delivered drug paraphernalia to a person under 18 years old who is at least three years younger than them is guilty of a Class B felony. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(e)(2))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Exception<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Notwithstanding \u00a7 13A-12-260(e)(1), a person may possess, deliver, or sell testing equipment that detects the presence of fentanyl or synthetic opioids. \u00a7 13A-12-260(f))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Forfeiture<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

All drug paraphernalia a person possesses or uses in violation of \u00a7 13A-12-260 is contraband and subject to Alabama\u2019s forfeiture laws. (\u00a7 13A-12-260(g))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Depending on the criminal charges a person faces, the following penalties apply upon conviction:<\/p>\r\n

Class B Felony:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

A mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of two years (up to 20 years) and a $30,000 fine. (\u00a7\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(2); 13A-5-11(a)(2))<\/p>\r\n

Class C Felony:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

A mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of one year and one day (up to 10 years) and a $15,000 fine. (\u00a7\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(3); 13A-5-11(a)(3))<\/p>\r\n

Class A Misdemeanor:<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Up to one year of jail time and a $6,000 fine. (\u00a7\u00a7 13A-5-7(a)(1); 13A-5-12(a)(1))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, higher court decisions, and other means. Contact an <\/i>Alabama drug crimes lawyer<\/i><\/a> for help understanding how the current law might apply to your situation.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

For more information about Alabama law and drug crime in general, visit the following links:<\/p>\r\n