Parents may not always know that their child is involved with drugs until they receive a call from their school or, worse, the police. However, even though your child is a minor, they can still be charged with possession in Texas.
Drug possession crimes can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors for a minor between the ages of 10 and 17. Regardless of how the crime is classified, the charge can affect your child’s future.
Penalties for drug possession by a minor
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, studies show that teen drug use is holding steady. The growth in popularity of vaping and the legalization of marijuana in many states have made it easy for minors to access drugs. However, possession of controlled substances is still a crime for minors in Texas.
Depending on the situation, penalties can include:
- Probation until the minor becomes an adult
- Substance abuse or any other treatment
- A prison sentence or detention
Felonies often come with more severe consequences than do misdemeanor offenses. The Texas Controlled Substances Act states that prescription drug and marijuana possession by minors is classified as a misdemeanor. Other drug crimes fall under felony offenses.
Texas has established drug-free zones, which include areas frequented by children and young adults such as day care facilities; playgrounds; youth centers; elementary, middle and high schools; and yes, college campuses. If your child is caught with drugs in a drug-free zone, they could be facing more severe charges, but you will have an opportunity to hire an attorney to get their charges reduced.
Long-term consequences of drug possession charges
While the penalties of drug crimes for minors aren’t as severe as those that adults have to face, they can still be quite devastating in the long run. Make sure you have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has experience with drug-related charges on board as soon as your child has been charged with a drug crime.
If this is a first offense, it’s vital that you mount the strongest defense possible, because any subsequent charges will be more severe if your child has a prior conviction. In some drug cases, if your child is found innocent or the charges are dismissed, you can get your child’s record expunged or sealed. However, if they are found guilty, the charges will be on your child’s criminal record forever. It can impact their higher education opportunities, housing options, and even employment prospects.
Hire an experienced drug offense attorney
If your child has been arrested for a drug- or alcohol-related crime like DUI, make sure you find a juvenile law attorney for drug offenses who can fight for their rights. Attorney JL Carpenter is an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of how to handle drug crime arrests in the Greater Houston area, including Friendswood, Webster, Galveston, League City, and Katy.
Discuss the specifics of your particular case with her and she will develop a solution that puts your child’s best interests first. Schedule a consultation here or by calling 713.561.5931.