Has Your Child Been Charged With A Drug Offense?

It is an unfortunate truth that more and more young people are experimenting with drugs at younger ages, and sometimes, they are caught by law enforcement when they do so. It can be a parent’s worst nightmare to hear that their child has been charged with a drug crime, but an experienced attorney can help to ensure that they are judged fairly.

Take The Charges Seriously

While it may be tempting to minimize the seriousness of the situation to spare your child’s nerves, it is imperative that your family take these charges seriously. In Florida and many other states, a drug conviction can usually not be expunged (though if certain criteria are met, a juvenile’s record may be sealed). In addition, other consequences may apply, such as being unable to rent an apartment, if a drug offense remains on a person’s record.

Florida’s drug laws are quite strict, mostly to discourage people from committing these types of crimes. Most drug offenses are tried as felonies, with a minimum sentence if convicted of at least 3 years in prison, plus fines and costs – and a felony conviction can create untold problems in the future with potential employers and landlords. It is a good idea to enlist an attorney to represent your child as early as possible.

Possible Trial In Adult Court

Statistics show that juveniles with a criminal record have a higher likelihood of reoffending than those whose records are clean. As a result, the state is more likely to deal with nonviolent juvenile defendants in a lenient way, trying their cases in juvenile court in order to give them a chance to get back on the proverbial straight and narrow. If your child’s case can be tried in juvenile court, they will be judged delinquent, rather than guilty – in general, the juvenile court focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment.

Despite the legislature’s balancing test, it is crucial that you keep in mind that it is ultimately up to the judge in your child’s case as to whether they will face trial in the juvenile or adult court system. Florida leads the U.S. in the number of juveniles tried as adults – and while factors like the lack of a previous criminal history can play a role in the judge’s determination, it is important that your family be prepared for whatever results. The right attorney can help.

Contact A West Palm Beach Juvenile Drug Offenses Attorney

If your child has been charged with a drug crime in Florida, it can feel as though you have somehow failed as a parent. In reality, your child made a choice, and help is available to guide you and your family through its consequences. A West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help. Call our office today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.

Source:

fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process/Early-Juvenile-Expungement.aspx