District Of Columbia § 48-1102 - Factors to be considered in determining whether object is paraphernalia.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 48-1102 — Factors to be considered in determining whether object is paraphernalia., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-1102. Factors to be considered in determining whether object is paraphernalia.

48-1102
(a)

In determining whether an object is drug paraphernalia, a court or other authority shall consider, in addition to all other logically and legally relevant factors, the following factors:

(1)

Statements by an owner or by anyone in control of the object concerning its use;

(2)

The proximity of the object, in time and space, to a violation of or to a controlled substance;

(3)

The existence of any residue of a controlled substance on the object;

(4)

Direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of an owner, or of anyone in control of the object, to deliver it to persons whom he or she knows, or should reasonably know, intends to use the object to facilitate a violation of ; the innocence of an owner, or of anyone in control of the object, as to a violation of shall not prevent a finding that the object is intended for use, or designed for use as drug paraphernalia;

(5)

Instructions, oral or written, provided with the object concerning its use;

(6)

Descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain or depict its use;

(7)

National and local advertising concerning the use of the object;

(8)

The size or packaging of the object, or the manner in which it is displayed;

(9)

Whether the owner, or anyone in control of the object, is a legitimate supplier of like or related items to the community, including, but not limited to, a licensed distributor or dealer of tobacco products;

(10)

Direct or circumstantial evidence of the ratio of sales of the object or objects to the total sales of the business enterprise;

(11)

The existence and scope of legitimate uses for the object in the community; and

(12)

Expert testimony concerning its use.

(b)

Where the alleged violation of the act occurred at a commercial retail or wholesale establishment, the court or other authority may infer, based upon consideration of the factors in subsection (a) of this section, that the following items are drug paraphernalia:

(1)

Glassy plastic bags or zip-lock bags that measure 1 inch by 1 inch or less; or

(2)

Metal, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic pipes, with or without screens, permanent screens, hashish heads, or punctuated metal bowls.

Annotations

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 48-1102

What does D.C. Code § 48-1102 cover?

Section 48-1102 ("Factors to be considered in determining whether object is paraphernalia.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite District Of Columbia § 48-1102?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 48-1102" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.

How does District Of Columbia § 48-1102 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.