All You Need To Know About Juvenile Drug Possession

All You Need To Know About Juvenile Drug Possession

Jan 03

Drug addiction affects not only the adults but also the youth. Substance abuse in the youth happens when a person below 18 years old knowingly controls a regulated drug or substance without a legal reason. While adults who are caught possessing an illegal drug are tried in a regular court, juveniles, on the other hand, are charged and tried in a juvenile court. The cases in these types of court are handled informally.

When a young person is arrested for drugs, they can be subjected to harsh penalties. The charges that will be filed is dependent on the type and amount of drug. To be charged with possession, the prosecution will need to prove three elements:


Young individuals who knowingly and without legal justification has in their possession a controlled or illegal substance can be charged with juvenile drug possession. While being caught possessing marijuana, methamphetamine, or other illegal drugs can result to drug possession charges, possession of oxycontonin is not as long as they have a prescription from their doctor.


To be charged with drug possession, the juvenile should knowingly possess or control the prohibited substance. The prosecutor will have to prove that you were aware that you were possessing or controlling the drug depending on the circumstance of the case. For instance, if the drug was found in your backpack, the court will assume that you had knowledge that the drug was in your possession.


To be charged with possession, the prosecutor only needs to show that the juvenile had control over the area where the drug was found. If the drug was found in their lockers or rooms, the juvenile can be charged with drug possession.

When charged with drug possession, the juvenile could be subjected to any of the following penalties:

Drug Counseling. The court may order the juvenile to attend counseling sessions with hopes that the youth offender can still be rehabilitated.

Probation. When placed on probation, the juvenile offender needs to meet specific terms. For instance, they may be asked to attend school regularly, maintain or find a job, or attend drug counseling.

Diversion. Just like in probation, diversion will require the juvenile to comply with certain rules. They need not get an order from the court when attending a diversion program. Successful completion of the program could mean dismissal of the charges.

Detention. Detention could involve home confinement, placement in a foster family or guardian, juvenile home, or detention center.