What are Juvenile Drug Charges in New Jersey?
Juveniles charged with drug possession would be ill advised to assume that the courts will let them off easily because of their age. In fact, even first-time offenders can face serious penalties that can seriously affect their future. Common punishments for juvenile drug charges include a revocation of driver's license, probation, community service, mandatory drug rehabilitation, and detention in a juvenile facility.
There are many factors that will affect the severity of the penalties a juvenile will face for a drug crime. The court will take into consideration the criminal history of the youth, the type of drug that was involved, and the exact nature of the charges. Cases involving cocaine or heroin, for example, typically result in harsher penalties than those involving marijuana. More severe penalties are also handed out for intent to distribute cases and crimes involving repeat offenders.
Juvenile drug charges in New Jersey include possession, selling, or manufacturing of a controlled substance. Individuals with an otherwise clean record who is found with a small amount of marijuana will likely not face detention, but that does not mean the charges should be taken lightly. There is a wide range of penalties for drug crimes in New Jersey and failing to secure quality legal representation can result in unnecessarily harsh penalties that can affect the juvenile's future.
The NJ juvenile defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of New Jersey's youth. If your child is facing drug charges in New Jersey, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.
