Regrettably, juveniles, particularly teens, have easy access to drugs. If they are caught with marijuana, drug paraphernalia, or particularly possession controlled substance Texas will deliver harsh punishments. Our criminal defense lawyers are here to facilitate lesser penalties to afford your child a prosperous future.
Juvenile Drug Charges
Typically, if a juvenile is charged with a drug crime, it will fall into one of the following categories:
- Prescription Drug Fraud
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
- Possession Controlled Substance Texas
- Drug Trafficking
- Possession of Marijuana
- Drug Manufacturing
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Synthetic Drugs / Synthetic Marijuana
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
PSA: For all the parents reading this, it’s important to communicate to your child their constitutional rights in the event they are arrested. Most importantly, their right to remain silent. Do not permit your child to speak with officers without a lawyer present. We can’t stress this enough.
Unfortunately, juveniles can be charged with drug crimes without actually being the drug owner. This is known as constructive possession. When officers discover drugs in vehicles, lockers, or homes and no one person admits to owing the drugs, then those with connection (ie. in the car, in the home, or co-locker mates) all will be charged with the offense.
Juvenile Drug Offense Penalties
In juvenile cases, the Court is more likely to offer deferred prosecution. These offers are hugely beneficial to minors to avoid formal court hearings by completing a deferred prosecution program.
Juvenile deferred prosecution is a voluntary alternative to prosecution. The terms of the program must be agreed to by the child, parent, prosecuting attorney, and the juvenile probation department. Furthermore, if the child upholds the conditions of their probation, they will move forward without a juvenile record.
Generally, juvenile deferred prosecution includes some of the following conditions:
- drug rehabilitation
- counseling
- community service
- substance abuse educational courses
- payment of court fees
- juvenile detention center confinement
Possession controlled substance Texas takes most seriously. Depending on the controlled substance and circumstances surrounding the offense, Texas DPS may suspend the minor’s driver’s license or permit; or deny the issuance of their license or permit.
Juveniles Tried as Adults
Depending upon the circumstances, a juvenile defendant could be certified to be tried as an adult in Texas. Meaning the juvenile will stand trial as an adult subject to adult punishments. Generally, a minor will not be certified to stand for trial for alleged crimes committed before their 15th birthday.
Typically, the State will move to charge a minor as an adult if they are a habitual offender or commits a severe offense. Such severe charges include aggravated controlled substance felony or repeated drug trafficking offenses.
Of course, it is beneficial for young defendants to be tried as a child. Punishments are typically less severe, and their records are heavily protected. At AZ Law Firm, we fight to have our juvenile defendants be tried as such.
Juvenile Drug Offense Defense
Our criminal defense lawyers will seek to have the charges dropped or reduced when possible. Often with juvenile cases, their fourth amendment rights are disregarded, leading to illegal searches. If this is the case, we will fight to have any evidence obtained thrown out.
If you or your child has been charged with a drug offense, we are here to help. Call us for a free consult, and we’ll begin strategizing your defense.
To find out how we can help you, contact our criminal defense attorneys at 512-400-7070 for expert possession controlled substance Texas defense. We will schedule an initial client consultation to review your case details and lay out a game plan for your juvenile drug case in Texas. AZ Law Firm will pursue the legal action necessary to secure the fairest possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
We understand times are tough and that there probably hasn’t been a tougher time in your life. Although we could get away with charging exuberant amounts, we prefer not to as we are a law firm by the people, for the people. We do not want you to worry about whether you can afford to hire an attorney to protect and defend your rights. Call us and be surprised at the quality you receive compared to what other law firms will quote you!
Accordingly, the attorneys at AZ Law Firm will always provide you with a free initial consultation. During this initial consultation, our criminal lawyers will evaluate your case, inform you of any legal options that may be available, and allow you to ask any questions that you may have. AZ Law Firm offers affordable rates for all our clients and will work with you on payment plans. Our firm accepts checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards to cover the costs of your legal representation.
