Penalties and jail time
When a person is charged for possessing drug paraphernalia in Texas, there are different charges that can be delivered. For simple possession, the charge is a Class C misdemeanor, which has a fine of as much as $500. If the individual is charged with possession or distribution with the intention of selling the paraphernalia, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor that can result in as long as a year in jail. In addition, if it is a first-time charge, the individual can also expect to face fines of up to $4,000.A second offense holds stricter penalties and even more jail time. There is also a penalty in the form of a fine of as much as $4,000.
Finally, if someone is charged with selling drug paraphernalia to a person under the age of 18, it is considered a felony and the individual will get time in state jail. In addition, individuals who are charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in Texas more than once will be charged with a felony for each additional offense.
Being charged with this type of crime also involves a suspension of one’s driver’s license. Regardless of whether you were driving a vehicle at the time of the offense, your driver’s license will be suspended if you are convicted of possessing drug paraphernalia. If the case is not dismissed and the individual doesn’t get deferred adjudication probation, they will lose their license for 180 days if they are over the age of 21. If the individual is younger than 21, they can lose their license for a full year.