are digital scales a legal risk?

First time here. Lurking to get informed and get some courage, and I have a question regarding the rare scenario of a buyer bust:

Although I'm strictly a 'personal use' guy (I don't sell or give anything to anyone) I have in my room digital scales and pill casings, simply because I like to dose myself accurately. What is the risk of those being used by an overzealous LEO/DA as evidence for intent to distribute? Is it enough to have a solid story (legal highs, amateur chemistry set, etc) or is it a better idea to just get rid of them? See for example this unusual case: http://www.koco.com/news/man-arrested-after-fake-crack-cocaine-found-to-be-scentsy/25023404

I'm in the US west coast (cali). This may not be relevant but I have a previous arrest for a non drug-related felony, charges were dropped... Since that time I've been scared of LE and trying to stay out of the orange jumpsuit. Thanks in advance!


Comments


[3 Points] durgsrbad:

I keep my scales and caps in a wee box in the kitchen, with by bottles of Vit C, magnesium and Tribulus powders. ;)

Whilst completely legal, things like scales can be used to build a better case if they're trying to ping you. Not evidence as such, but worthy of a notable sentence in their story, or a bit of extra color in the picture they'll be trying to paint. Mind you, it's really the kind of effort they'll go to, or the thing to worry about, if you're moving reasonable quantity. If it's just for you, it would pay to be a little smart where you kept it, but isn't anything I'd worry too much about.


[1 Points] SKiNNYiLL:

Story won't matter. In the event you were to get busted, if you have scales, you will be charged with intent to sell. You might be able to argue your way out of it with a good lawyer if you put them somewhere smart that looks like it could have a plausible legitimate purpose but that would be an after the fact kind of thing. There is no way imo that the feds would see a scale in a bust and not charge you as a dealer.


[1 Points] 99639:

Intent is usually based on weight AFAIK.


[1 Points] iamjustsomejerk:

you won't get fucked over for just having a scale. but if you've got a scale along with baggies, empty gel caps (or caps that are already dosed out), and any amount of drugs in excess of what they might consider to be for 'personal use', they can get you for possession with intent whether you're selling or not. it would be wise to not keep everything together in one spot. maybe buy yourself a jewelry making kit and some semi-precious stones off of ebay and keep your scale and baggies with that. after all, they are technically called 'jewelers scales' and 'jewelry bags'.