UNDERAGE DRUG CRIMES
What happens when you are charged with drugs as a juvenile in Pennsylvania?
If you are the parent of a child charged with a drug crime it can be a devastating and confusing time. Your child may or may not be aware of the seriousness of a drug offense in Pennsylvania. You need help navigating this challenging situation – and hopefully keeping your child’s record clean.
Depending on the type and amount of the drugs, penalties can include anything from steep fines, house arrest and counseling to community service, substance abuse programs and probation.
While the goal for juveniles is generally one of rehabilitation, the charges could remain on your child’s permanent record. This will affect their future and make applying for a job, or to colleges, or even applying for car insurance very challenging.
Being charged with a drug crime is not a conviction. A juvenile still has rights until proven guilty.
We understand that young people can make mistakes and are often still learning to make proper decisions. If your child is under the age of 18 and was arrested for a drug crime, do not wait. Call an experienced Pittsburgh drug attorney who can fight to protect your childs’ rights immediately.
Attorney Shrager is available on his personal cell phone 24-7. Text or call him now.
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DON’T BE SCARED; BE PREPARED
Pittsburgh Drug Lawyers
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER ON HIS
PERSONAL CELL PHONE TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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JUVENILE DRUG CONVICTION PENALTIES
Juvenile drug crimes have penalties that include:
- Probation;
- Fines;
- Juvenile Detention;
- House Arrest;
- Substance Abuse Programs;
- Community Service;
- Counseling;
- Random Drug Testing;
- Curfew.
JUVENILE DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES
There are many different scenarios that fall under drug crimes. All drug charges are taken very seriously in Pennsylvania. The range of charges can include:
- Possession of Illegal Drug(s): If a juvenile has an illegal drug such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, or the like, found on their person, they will be charged with possession of illegal drugs.
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Drug(s): If a juvenile is found with a prescription drug in their possession and it was not prescribed to them specifically by a doctor, they will be charged with illegal possession of a prescription drug. Penalties are not more lenient because the substance is “lawful” – it is punishable in the same manner as an illegal drug.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: A juvenile found to be in possession of illegal drugs and various items that lead police to conclude that they had the intention of selling drugs such as scales, bags and containers, they will be charged with possession with intent to sell or distribute (PWID).
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: It is illegal for anyone to have in their possession items that are generally used for inhaling, injecting or otherwise preparing drugs for use. If a juvenile is found with any such item, they will be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Depending on the severity of the offense and whether or not the juvenile has prior incidents on his/her record, they could be charged as an adult. Should this occur, the penalties are much more severe and will surely remain part of their permanent record. This should be avoided at all costs. This is where a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney can help.
DON’T BE SCARED; BE PREPARED
We fight aggressively for the rights of our clients. A juvenile drug charge is not a conviction. Being prepared with a sound legal defense is the best way to fight these charges. The goal for juvenile offenders should always be to keep their record clean and we will push hard to get your charges dropped or reduced.
_________________________________________________________
DON’T BE SCARED; BE PREPARED
Shrager Defense Attorneys
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER ON HIS
PERSONAL CELL PHONE TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
____________________________________________________________
Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
JUVENILE DRUG OFFENSE PUNISHMENT
A juvenile will not go through the regular court system or face the same charges as an adult unless they are charged as an adult. Juvenile courts are more interested in rehabilitating the child and making sure they do not make the same mistake in the future.
An experienced attorney will investigate the case thoroughly for reason to fight for a dismissal of charges or a reduction of the charges. If there is insufficient evidence to support a drug possession charge, the case will be dismissed and the juvenile will face no further consequences.
A juvenile facing drug charges can also receive Deferred Adjudication. This is a special scenario where the juvenile will be required to fulfill certain requirements such as house arrest, drug counseling, substance abuse programs, etc. for a prescribed period of time. Upon successful completion of the requirements, the case against the juvenile will be dismissed and will not remain on their permanent record.
For very serious offenses, if the juvenile is not charged as an adult, it is likely that the juvenile will be required to face a judge and serve some period of time in a juvenile detention center.
Of course you want your child home with you and to be able to avoid serving a sentence in a juvenile detention center. For the best chance at a more rehabilitative outcome, or even a dismissal, you need the help of an experienced attorney who will help explain the charges and how best to move forward.
Attorney Shrager is an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer and can help you or your loved one fight the charges.
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FREE Legal Consultation
Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation. Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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If your child has been arrested or charged with a drug crime, call Shrager Defense Attorneys today.