San Diego Juvenile Drug Possession Lawyers

Defending Juveniles from Drug Charges in San Diego

Drug and alcohol possession are among the most common reasons minors are arrested. The type and quantity of drugs can have a significant impact on the severity of the charges. Although marijuana has been legalized in California for personal use by adults, it is still illegal to possess it for anyone under age 21. It is also illegal for a minor to possess any other controlled substance, including meth, heroin, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, and PCP.

There are a number of reasons for a juvenile to become involved in drugs, such as an unstable home environment, stress from school, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or peer pressure. Whatever the reasoning behind it, a child or teenage should not have their entire future impacted by a drug charge. If you or your child is charged with drug possession in San Diego, then you should immediately call (760) 630-2000 to get in contact with a skilled juvenile crime defense attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys.

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What Happens When a Juvenile Is Arrested for Drug Possession?

The California court system considers a number of factors when charging a juvenile with drug possession. Rather than focusing on harsh sentences like imprisonment or fines, the court steers juveniles towards rehabilitation programs to mitigate the effects of addiction and drug use. Often, a police officer would take the juvenile to juvenile hall and file a delinquency petition, which holds significantly less penalties than a possession charge for adults.

The juvenile court will then schedule a series of hearings to determine if a crime occurred and the severity of the crime. During these hearings, the juvenile’s parents are allowed to attend and the juvenile may be represented by a lawyer If the hearings that the juvenile is a delinquent, then the court will begin a disposition to determine how the case should be handled. A charge of delinquency may result in a diversion program, juvenile detention, or probation, depending on the circumstances of the crime and the arguments made by the juvenile’s defense attorney. If the juvenile is found to be homeless or an orphan, they may be placed in foster home or a group home. Often, cases involve some form of a substance abuse program, which may result in charges being dropped upon completion.

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Secure the Experience of a San Diego Juvenile Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Young people and their families should not have to face juvenile drug possession accusations alone. The juvenile criminal justice system can be complicated and confusing to laypeople, and a source of stress for all concerned. In the most serious cases, drug convictions can completely define a juvenile’s life and change the course of their future. If your child is being accused of drug possession, then your first step should be to enlist the aid of a San Diego criminal defense attorney to ensure they receive a fair day in court.

Our founding attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys is a former police officer and narcotics investigator, and a board certified criminal law specialist, with more than 30 years of experience in the field. If your child has been arrested for juvenile drug possession in San Diego, call us at (760) 630-2000 and schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help.

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