Juvenile Drug Possession Charges in Arizona
The immense implications for minors facing drug-related charges, including possession and distribution, can follow them into adulthood. With the drug-related consequences likely to make a child’s life more difficult even beyond their childhood, every parent hopes their child won’t be involved with drugs.
However, the normalization of the drug sub-culture through the media and in schools has increased drug use among teenagers across America. Accordingly, minors are now involved in the possession and distribution of illegal drugs, including marijuana and prescription drugs. It is becoming common for police to arrest school-going children for drug possession.
A juvenile drug possession charge can significantly affect the course of your child's life, including having a delinquency record even into adulthood. It is critical to seek the help of a skilled and experienced drug possession defense attorney to fight for your child's rights.
Drug Possession
Arizona juvenile court system charges anyone under 18 with drug possession if they knowingly possess or are in control of a regulated drug or substance without a legal reason. Possession of illegal substances is a criminal offense that attracts severe penalties for juveniles across the United States.
While a criminal court handles cases involving adults arrested on drug possession charges, minors charged with drug possession usually go through the juvenile court system. Unlike the adult criminal court, which is punitive in its punishment, the juvenile court’s objective is to rehabilitate the minor. The juvenile court prosecutor must prove that the minor knowingly possessed the drug or substance to get a conviction.
Drug Possession Penalties for Minors
Most juvenile drug possession charges are misdemeanors that typically attract rehabilitative penalties, including;
- drug counseling
- drug rehabilitation/treatment
- probation
- substance use education program
- community service
- payment of court fines and fees
- driving license suspension
However, some minors, including repeat offenders, may be involved in felony drug possession. Penalties for felony offenses include;
- all the punishment for misdemeanor drug possession offenses
- confinement at a juvenile correction facility
In some cases, the court may charge the minor as an adult, especially where the possession charges involve other serious crimes like armed robbery.
The Juvenile Diversion Option
The juvenile justice system is largely lenient, unlike the criminal justice system. Accordingly, the prosecutor might offer a juvenile a diversion option that protects the minor from the court system. Essentially, the juvenile doesn’t face possession charges in court. However, the minor may need to fulfill certain conditions for the prosecutor to dismiss the drug possession charges, including attending counseling, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, not missing school, and completing community service. Adhering to the prosecutor’s conditions can prevent the minor from having a delinquent act as part of their record. The prosecutor and court have discretion on who is eligible for a diversion program.
Contact an Arizona Juvenile Drug Possession Lawyer
A juvenile drug possession charge can significantly affect the course of your child’s life, including having a delinquency record even into adulthood. It is critical to seek the help of a skilled and experienced drug possession defense attorney to fight for your child’s rights. The lawyer will help you understand how the juvenile court system works, including programs like the diversion option. If you are in Arizona, we are here for you. Our experienced juvenile drug possession attorneys at Dodge & Vega PLC are committed to helping you protect your child’s legal rights, including getting the court to reduce or dismiss the possession charges. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services.
