Juvenile drug charges in New York are a serious matter that can have significant implications for a young person’s future. Parents are wise to learn more about how the law applies in these situations so they can help their child navigate the charges. Common situations that can result in these types of charges include:
- Possession of illegal substances: Often occurring during school searches or traffic stops.
- Distribution of drugs: Including sharing prescription medication with classmates.
- Drug use on school property: Caught using substances such as marijuana, which is still illegal for minors in New York even after legalization for adults.
If the state attempts to move forward with any criminal charges for these types of offenses, it will need to establish certain elements. These often include:
- Possession: The juvenile had actual control over the substance.
- Knowledge: The juvenile was aware that the substance was a controlled drug.
- Illegal substance: The substance is indeed classified as controlled under New York law.
The specifics will vary depending on the details of the case.
It is important for parents to remember that charges are just that: allegations of wrongdoing. The law presumes your child is innocent until the state proves otherwise. As such, it is important to gather evidence to tailor a defense strategy to the details of your child’s case and better ensure that your child’s innocence is preserved.
What are possible defense strategies for juvenile drug cases?
In some cases, it would make sense to argue the juvenile was unaware of the substance’s presence or nature while in others the defense strategy may include allegations the police found the drugs during an illegal search, violating Fourth Amendment rights.
Juvenile drug charges in New York carry heavy consequences and require a nuanced understanding of both the law and the specifics of each case. The outcome of juvenile drug charges can affect a young person’s education opportunities, employment prospects, and more. A strong defense can mitigate this risk and help protect your child’s future.