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NY Penal Law § 220.45: Criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument
|Last Updated on: 5th August 2023, 03:47 pm
Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument: Understanding the Law and Possible Defenses
Criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially when you are facing charges for criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. This is why Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek are here to help you understand New York Penal Code § 220.45 and provide legal representation that will ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
What is Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument?
Under New York Penal Code § 220.45, it is illegal to knowingly and unlawfully possess or sell a hypodermic needle or syringe that can be used to inject illegal drugs into the bloodstream. Even if there is no presence of an illegal substance, possessing such a needle could result in valid criminal charges.
For instance, imagine leaving a bar only to have someone follow you out and hand you what appears to be money in exchange for handing them over a hypodermic needle before re-entering the bar. A police officer who observed this transaction may approach you with reasonable suspicion of drug activity leading to patting down which reveals heroin alongside the hypodermic needle; this could lead not just to criminal possession of controlled substances but also criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument charge.
Offenses Related To Criminally Possessing A Hypodermic Instrument
There are other offenses related to criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument under New York law:
Offense | New York Penal Law |
---|---|
Criminal Injection of Narcotic Drug | § 220.48 |
Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substances | § 220.6 |
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree | § 220.50 |
Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the First Degree | § 220.71 |
Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the Second Degree | § 220.70 |