What Happens If Your Teenager Is Caught With Drugs?
Any parent is bound to feel shocked and disappointed if their child is caught with any type of narcotic and charged with possession. Even in juvenile cases, drug possession can have harsh consequences for those caught and found guilty of possession. For youths, this can have lasting impacts on their future – including their abilities to find work, go to college, or find housing when they move out on their own eventually.
Possession by a minor of even a small amount of marijuana or unauthorized prescription drugs can lead to a 6-month driver’s license suspension and other penalties. Texas courts oversee criminal issues involving minors between the ages of 10 and 16 years old, and hold jurisdiction to punish those caught with illegal substances. Drug possession by a minor in Texas can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, depending on the type and amount of the substance.
For a misdemeanor drug possession charge, penalties for juveniles can include:
- Probation
- Mandatory drug rehabilitation or treatment
- Counseling
- Court fees and costs
- Community service
For felony charges, penalties for juveniles can include all of the above as well as confinement in a juvenile detention facility.
Possession of drug paraphernalia such as vape pens, pipes, needles, mixing devices, and capsules can also lead to criminal prosecution for juveniles – regardless of whether drugs themselves are found.
In addition to criminal penalties, teenagers caught with drugs or drug paraphernalia can face administrative penalties from their school – including suspension or expulsion. Having a drug offense on a juvenile record can also cause issues when applying for colleges or scholarships when that time comes.
What Parents Should Do if Their Child is Charged With Drug Possession
No parent wants to hear their teen has been caught with any type of narcotic or drug paraphernalia. However, these incidents are not uncommon and it is important to get to the bottom of what happened. In some situations, there can be a good explanation – even an innocent excuse – for why a minor had drugs in their possession or were in the presence of others holding drugs.
Either way, it is important to defend against charges as aggressively as possible, given the consequences these charges can have on a young person’s future. This starts by meeting with a skilled Pearland drug crime defense attorney that has helped other families face the same challenge before.
If Your Child Faces a Charge Related to Drug Possession, Contact Our Pearland, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Today
In today’s world, a surprising percentage of teenagers have access to drugs, or might have friends that use narcotic substances. Perhaps your teen already had a substance abuse issue that you were aware of, and needs help. Regardless of the circumstances, a family needs to defend their child’s legal rights in court whenever necessary. At Keith B. French Law in Pearland, Texas, our legal team will analyze any evidence the prosecution is attempting to use against you and discuss all available defenses and legal strategies. To learn more about your legal rights in PPP fraud claims, contact the offices of Keith B. French Law, PLLC online or call 832-243-6153 today.
Source:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.481.pdf
