Last Updated on: 13th October 2023, 09:49 am

NYC Underage Drug Crimes Lawyers – Helping Young People Avoid Harsh Penalties

Getting caught with drugs as a minor in New York City can lead to really serious consequences that can negatively impact a young person’s future. Even a simple marijuana possession charge can lead to huge fines, probation, community service hours, suspension of driving privileges, and more. If the charges are more serious like intent to distribute or selling drugs near a school, the penalties get much harsher with potential for years in juvenile detention or even adult prisons.

As a parent, it’s so scary and heartbreaking to learn your child got caught up in the wrong crowd and made a mistake with drugs. You want to protect them from the harsh legal system and help them get back on the right path in life. That’s why hiring one of the top NYC underage drug crimes lawyers is so important.

These experienced juvenile defense attorneys know how to humanize your child in the eyes of the court – to show they are a good kid who messed up and deserves a second chance. The lawyer’s goal is to avoid detention and a permanent criminal record so your kid can move forward.

This article provides an overview of underage drug crimes in NYC, typical penalties, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can help.

Common Underage Drug Charges in New York City

There are a range of drug charges that minors in NYC frequently face:

• Marijuana Possession – This is the most common drug charge for juveniles. Getting caught with even a small amount of pot can lead to legal issues.
• Intent to Sell Marijuana – If a kid has multiple baggies, a scale, cash, or other evidence they may be charged with intent to distribute pot. Much more serious than simple possession.
• Possession of Other Drugs – Minors sometimes get caught with cocaine, ecstasy, prescription meds, heroin, LSD and more. The penalties depend on the type and amount of drug.
• Selling Drugs – Actually selling drugs like cocaine or prescription pills can lead to very harsh juvenile penalties and even adult charges in some cases.
• Selling Drugs Near a School – This leads to enhanced penalties under New York law. Charges are more likely if the student attends the school.
• Using a Child to Sell Drugs – Adults who use minors as part of their drug dealing operations face serious felony charges.

The specific charges and penalties depend on the circumstances like type of drug, amounts, criminal history, age of the minor, and more. An experienced juvenile drug crimes lawyer will determine the exact charges and conduct a thorough defense.

Consequences of Underage Drug Convictions

Some of the common penalties for minors convicted of drug offenses in New York City include:

• Up to 1 year in juvenile detention facility
• Multi-year probation periods
• Hundreds of hours of community service
• Drug counseling or rehab program
• Suspended driver’s license – 1 year or more
• School suspension or expulsion
• Permanent criminal record

For more serious charges like selling drugs or using a minor to sell drugs, the juvenile may be charged as an adult which carries much stiffer penalties like years in adult prison.

The consequences of drug convictions can be life-altering for a young person. That’s why fighting the charges and avoiding a conviction is so important.

How an NYC Underage Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Help

A skilled juvenile drug crimes lawyer will thoroughly examine the charges and build a strong defense to get the charges reduced or dismissed. Here are some of the ways a lawyer can help:

• Determine if there was an illegal search – If the police didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, evidence may be suppressed.
• Dispute any “intent to sell” claims – The lawyer may argue simple possession based on the evidence.
• Negotiate plea bargains – The attorney may be able to plea down to a lesser charge to avoid jail time.
• Advocate for diversion programs – These programs allow charges to be dismissed after completing drug counseling.
• Challenge credibility of witnesses – Police, informants or others testifying may have credibility issues the lawyer can expose.
• Present mitigating circumstances – The lawyer will put the teen’s actions in the best light possible for the court.
• Advocate for no permanent record – The attorney will fight to avoid long-term damage to the juvenile’s future.

Having a top drug crimes lawyer levels the playing field and ensures the minor has an experienced legal advocate on their side. Many parents regret trying to handle these cases themselves without a lawyer.

The lawyer’s ultimate goal is keeping the child out of detention and sparing them the burden of a permanent record. This gives youth the chance to learn and grow from their mistakes without being haunted indefinitely.

Finding the Best Underage Drug Crimes Lawyer in NYC

If your child is facing drug charges in New York City, I strongly encourage you to contact a dedicated juvenile drug crimes lawyer immediately. Look for these important qualifications:

• Extensive experience defending minors in NYC courts for drug crimes.
• Successful track record getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial.
• Knowledge of diversion programs and alternative sentencing options for juveniles.
• Compassionate approach in counseling minors and advocating on their behalf.
• Reasonable legal fees – avoid attorneys charging excessive retainers up front.
• Good rapport with judges and prosecutors which can lead to better outcomes.

Don’t leave your child’s future up to chance. The right NYC underage drug crimes lawyer can make all the difference in avoiding harsh penalties. Your kid’s livelihood is on the line so it’s critical to invest in an excellent legal defense.

Conclusion

Underage drug charges in New York City can completely derail a young person’s future if not handled properly. The penalties are severe and a drug conviction on their record will follow them for life. Fortunately an experienced juvenile drug crimes lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. If you’re the parent of a teen facing drug charges in NYC, I urge you to contact a compassionate and skilled attorney right away.