According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, half of teenagers in the U.S. have abused a drug at least once. In Florida, these kids report using substances like marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines in the last year, but note that the statistics do not include unreported cases.
The rising trend of juvenile drug use is a major public health concern, and parents are naturally the most concerned. Addiction is just one of the challenges families have to face. What happens when their child faces drug charges?
These answers can shed some light on the matter.
What are common drug charges for minors?
Children under the age of 18 can face the same drug crimes that adults do. These include but are not limited to:
- Possession of illicit drugs for personal use
- Possession or distribution of prescription drugs without a valid prescription
- Possession of drugs with the intent to distribute
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Manufacturing drugs
- Transporting illegal drugs
Possession of illegal drugs for personal use is the most common case for minors. These instances usually include marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD. Prescription drug cases often stem from the abuse of Adderall, Ritalin, Vicodin and Xanax.
What are the potential penalties?
Like many other jurisdictions, Florida’s drug laws aim for rehabilitation when it comes to minors. Penalties are often less severe compared to adult cases, but it may depend on factors like the minor’s age, the type and amount of drug involved and prior offenses.
Courts may enforce sanctions like mandatory drug counseling, treatment at a rehabilitation center, probation or community service for minor offenses.
More serious cases, such as distributing dangerous drugs like heroin or fentanyl, may require sentencing to a juvenile detention center. Some offenders are tried as adults, but instances are rare and typically involve severe offenses.
What are possible defenses to a juvenile drug charge?
Criminal defense attorneys can help families build strong defenses for children facing such charges. Potential strategies often vary, depending on the circumstances, but some common ones include:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Mistaken identity
- Entrapment
- Medical necessity
Whatever the case may be, proper legal counsel can be invaluable in mitigating the consequences of a drug charge, especially for a child with a whole future ahead of them.
