Juvenile Drug Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville
When a juvenile is accused of drug possession or another drug crime in Florida, the outcome can be quite serious. Depending on the circumstances, the child’s age, any prior offenses and other factors, the case may be decided in juvenile or adult court. Consequences could range from a term of probation followed by dismissal of the charges to serving time in an adult jail or prison.
Protecting Your Child’s Future Starts Now
The juvenile justice process is more informal than adult criminal court, and that can be misleading. Though the juvenile courts are theoretically intended to serve the child as well as the community, the probation officer and prosecutor aren’t necessarily on your side. Your inclination may be to tell your child to come clean, but that can be a grave mistake.
In the criminal justice system — adult or juvenile — silence is often the best option. At a minimum, you should speak with an experienced juvenile drug crimes lawyer before you make any decisions or offer any information.
Why Choose Lufrano Legal?
Attorney Matthew Lufrano is the President of the Jacksonville area chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized by the Florida Bar as a Certified Expert in Criminal Trial Law. For more than 15 years, he has focused exclusively on criminal defense.
Mr. Lufrano has extensive experience in both the juvenile and adult criminal court systems, so he is prepared to assist at every stage in either system, from meeting with the juvenile probation officer at the outset of the case and resisting waiver to adult court to arguing a case to a Florida jury.
He also knows that if your child is facing juvenile drug charges, you need reliable advice right away. That’s why he offers free, no-obligation consultations. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call (904) 513-3905 right now.
24/7/365 Availability
Free Initial Consultation
Expert in Criminal Trial Law
What Happens if a Minor is Caught With Drugs in Florida?
A juvenile who is caught with drugs in Florida may be arrested, but will usually be released to their parents pending further proceedings. In some cases, the juvenile may be held in custody, but this rarely happens in drug cases and is time-limited.
A juvenile probation officer meets with the family and, based on that meeting and other factors, makes a recommendation to the prosecuting attorney. It’s usually best to have a juvenile defense attorney experienced with underage drug charges prepare you for this meeting and attend with you. What happens during this meeting may determine whether the prosecution files juvenile drug possession charges, opts not to file any charges, or — where permitted — files charges in the adult criminal court.
What happens next and exactly what is at risk depends to a great degree on that decision.
Juvenile Drug Crime Defense Strategies
The best way to fight juvenile drug charges will depend on the circumstances of your case and which path the prosecution pursues. For example, the same types of defense strategies may be available in a juvenile case as in an adult drug case, such as attempting to suppress evidence due to an illegal search. But, in a juvenile case, there may be options for avoiding an adjudication altogether.
An experienced drug crimes lawyer can explain in greater detail what the options are in your case and recommend a strategy.
Avoiding a Juvenile Adjudication
The first line of defense in most juvenile drug cases is to persuade the probation officer that drug charges are not appropriate. This may include a combination of positive information about the child’s life and support systems, along with any mitigating arguments or possible cracks in the case, such as a question about whether the child was actually in possession of the drugs.
Depending on the probation officer’s recommendation, the prosecution may not file charges at all, or may agree to place the child in a diversion program. This interview happens very early in the process, so it is important to seek advice from an experienced juvenile drug crimes lawyer immediately.
Juvenile Drug Court
If the prosecution files juvenile drug charges, your attorney may be able to arrange for your child to take part in the Juvenile Drug Court program. Participation in this program requires time and effort. Your child will be expected to attend court hearings, undergo substance abuse treatment, and submit to random drug testing. They must also either be employed or attending school or job training.
The program will last at least nine months. If your child successfully graduates from the program, the charges will be dismissed without adjudication.
Fighting for Your Child in Court
A juvenile accused of an offense has most of the same Constitutional rights as an adult charged with a crime, including the right to remain silent and protection against unlawful search and seizure. If your child’s rights were violated, your attorney may be able to suppress evidence, making it difficult or impossible for the prosecution to prove its case.
The prosecutor in a juvenile case also has the same burden of proof as a prosecutor in adult court–beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s a high bar, and your attorney may identify essential elements of the offense that they believe the prosecution will not be able to prove.
One significant difference is that a juvenile does not have a right to a jury trial.
Contact Us to Speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Your Child Deserves a Second Chance
Juvenile drug charges can derail your child’s life. An adjudication–or worse, a conviction in adult criminal court–can have lasting consequences beyond those directly imposed by the court. However frustrated or disappointed you may be by your child’s actions, it’s your job to protect their future and give them every opportunity to get back on track and move toward a better future.
The right defense attorney can be your best resource as you navigate the juvenile justice system. But it’s easy to make critical errors in the early days, so you’ll want to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Attorney Matthew Lufrano has devoted his career to representing juveniles and adults accused of crimes and offenses in Florida, and he’s prepared to fight for your child. Call (904) 513-3905 right now to schedule a free consultation.