Princeton Juvenile Drug Charges Defense
Juvenile Drug Charges
Drug related charges and the criminal record that comes with conviction can be a life-altering experience for an adult, but when a child faces devastating drug charges, it can ruin their adult life before it even starts. If your child is facing drug charges, it is essential that you retain the services of a New Jersey drug crimes defense attorney who has experience with these types of cases.
The courts consider any person under the age of 18 to be a juvenile. The juvenile court system generally treats defendants differently, and usually more leniently, than it treats adults. For instance, the maximum term of confinement for a juvenile convicted of a third degree drug crime, such as cocaine possession, is two years. Adults convicted of the same crime can face up to a five-year prison term. However, the penalties for a disorderly persons charge, such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, are the same for adults and minors. Conviction can bring up to six months of detention in an age-appropriate facility for adults or minors alike.
Another difference in juvenile court proceedings is that there are no jury trials. Any decisions made are left entirely to the presiding family court judge. Depending on the decision of the assigned judge, this may work in or against the minor's favor. An attorney with an intricate working knowledge of the New Jersey courts and drug crimes defenses will be able to assess all aspects of the case and mount the best possible defense given all the factors.
Most drug offenses committed by minors will be tried within the juvenile court system, as most are relatively minor offenses. But the state can prosecute minors in a regular court in some circumstances. If the alleged crime is very serious, the juvenile may be tried in the regular courts as an adult. This obviously is a situation that any defendant or parent wants to avoid.
The juvenile drug crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein are long-time New Jersey residents who are committed to protecting the rights of juvenile defendants. Youthful indiscretions involving drugs should not steal a bright future from our youth. If your son or daughter has been arrested on drug related charges, call us today for a free case consultation.