What Happens When a Juvenile Faces Drug Charges?

Juvenile drug charges are a significant issue in Pennsylvania. If your child is facing drug charges, you need to understand the types of charges, the legal process, and the potential consequences. This knowledge can help you navigate this challenging situation and protect your child’s future.

What Drug Charges Can a Juvenile Face in Pennsylvania?

Juveniles in Pennsylvania can face a range of drug charges, including:

• Possession of Illegal Drugs: Common drugs include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, and opium. If a juvenile is found with these substances, they can be charged with possession.
• Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs: Prescription medications like Vicodin, Xanax, Valium, and Adderall are also controlled substances. If a juvenile has these drugs without a valid prescription, they can be charged with illegal possession.
• Possession with Intent to Sell: A more serious charge than mere possession. Possession with intent to sell means the juvenile had drugs and planned to sell those drugs. Signs of intent to sell include having large amounts of drugs, scales, bags, or a lot of cash.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Anything that can help someone use drugs such as pipes, needles, or items used to package drugs.
• Trafficking and Distribution Charges: Very serious charges that involve moving or selling large amounts of drugs.

Juveniles Could Be Tried as Adults in Pennsylvania

In some cases, a juvenile can be tried as an adult. This means the juvenile will go through the adult legal system, not the juvenile system.

In Pennsylvania, this can happen if the juvenile is at least 14 years old and charged with a felony. A felony is a serious crime, like selling a large amount of drugs or having a substantial amount of drugs.

When Will a Court Consider Trying a Juvenile as an Adult?

The court looks at several factors to decide if a juvenile should be tried as an adult.

These factors include the juvenile’s age, the severity of the crime, and if the juvenile has been in trouble before.

Being tried as an adult can lead to much harsher punishments, including longer time in prison.

But even if your child is not charged as an adult, they can face lasting consequences in a Pennsyvlanian juvenile drug court.

Why Defending Against Drug Charges Matters

Defending against drug charges is crucial to your child’s future. There are several ways their life could be changed if your child would be convicted of drug crimes in the Commonwealth.

Here are some of the long-term impacts:

1. Education: A conviction can make it harder to get into college and make it difficult to get financial aid for school.
2. Employment: Your child will have limited job opportunities because many employers do not want to hire someone with a drug conviction.
3. Housing: Finding a place to live can be more difficult because some landlords do not rent to people with a criminal record.

A clean record gives juveniles more opportunities in life. Fighting the drug charges by hiring a skilled lawyer can make a huge difference in your child’s future.

What Are The Defenses Against Juvenile Drug Charges?

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can use various strategies to defend a juvenile against drug charges. Here are some common defenses:

1. Illegal Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police did not have a warrant or a valid reason to search the juvenile or their property, any evidence found might be thrown out.

2. Lack of Evidence

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the juvenile committed the crime. If there is not enough evidence to support the charges, the case could be dismissed.

3. Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, juveniles are wrongly identified as the person who committed the crime. A lawyer can argue that someone else was responsible or that the juvenile was not involved.

4. Lack of Intent

For charges like possession with intent to sell, the prosecution must show that the juvenile intended to sell the drugs. If there is no clear evidence of this intent, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

5. Entrapment

If law enforcement officers tricked or coerced the juvenile into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed, this could be a defense. Entrapment occurs when the idea and encouragement to commit the crime comes from the police, not the juvenile.

6. Chain of Custody Issues

The prosecution must prove that the evidence collected was handled properly from the time the evidence was seized until the evidence is presented in court. If there are gaps or mistakes in the chain of custody, the evidence might be invalidated.

These defenses can be complex and require a detailed understanding of the law.

A knowledgeable defense lawyer will investigate the case thoroughly and choose the best strategy to protect the juvenile’s rights and future.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps in Drug Cases

A criminal defense lawyer is very important in these cases. Here are some ways a lawyer can help:

1. Understanding the System: The juvenile justice system is different from the adult system. A lawyer can explain how the juvenile system works and what to expect.
2. Defense Strategies: Lawyers know how to challenge the evidence against the juvenile. A lawyer can look for mistakes made by the police, like illegal searches and can negotiate with the prosecutor for a better outcome.
3. Diversion Programs: In some cases, a juvenile can enter a diversion program. A diversion program allows a juvenile to seek help, like drug counseling, instead of going to court. If the juvenile completes the program, the charges may be dropped.

Advice for Parents

A child facing drug charges can be a stressful time for your family. Here are some tips to help you through it:

1. Immediate Steps: As soon as you know your child has been charged, contact a lawyer. Gather all the information you can about the case. Support your child emotionally.
2. Supporting Your Child: Keep open communication and provide emotional support by talking to your child about what is happening. Let them know you are going to help.
3. Legal Representation: A lawyer is essential. A lawyer will protect your child’s rights and work to get the best outcome. Using a lawyer with experience in juvenile cases will immensely help your case.
4. Prevention Tips: Talk to your child about the dangers of drug use. Explain the legal consequences and how drug charges can affect their future. Watch for signs of drug use, like changes in behavior or new friends. If you think your child is using drugs, seek help from a counselor or a support group.

Call the Skinner Law Firm For Help Now

Understanding the juvenile justice system and the importance of legal defense is crucial when a juvenile faces drug charges in Chester County.

A criminal defense lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and support to protect your child’s future. Taking immediate action, supporting your child, and seeking professional legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

If your child is facing drug charges, do not wait. Contact the Skinner Law Firm to speak with an experienced juvenile defense lawyer. We are ready to discuss your options and develop a strong defense strategy.

With the right help, you can work towards a positive outcome and safeguard your child’s future.

Call (610) 436-1410 or fill out our contact form to get started on your case today.