What to do When Your Child is Arrested for Drug Possession
When your child is arrested for drug and alcohol related offenses, it can have serious repercussions on their future. For the possession of some substances, the related punishment is time in juvenile detention. For the possession of other, more serious substances, your child may be tried as an adult and face considerable time in state prison. At The Baez Law Firm, our juvenile offenses lawyer aims to protect your child’s legal rights and their future. For avid support at this turbulent time in your life, reach out our Orlando criminal defense law firm to see how we can help you.
How to Handle Your Child’s Drug Arrest
There are some things you should and should not do if your child is arrested for drug possession. Those things include:
Do:
Remain Calm. While you may be tempted to lose your temper with your child, it is important to stay calm and try to figure out why they had the drugs in the first place. In many instances, drugs are the result of deeper issues that need to be explored and resolved.
Contact An Lawyer. Do not just call any lawyer though. Call one who specializes in juvenile law and, if possible, criminal defense as well. An lawyer who has experience in both areas of the law will be able to adequately represent your child in court while focusing on working toward a solution that is in their best interest. For instance, convicted criminal offenders in Florida are punished with large fines and time in prison, while juvenile offenders are offered a chance at rehabilitation. The juvenile defense lawyers at The Baez Law Firm will utilize their knowledge of the law to show the courts that though your child made a mistake, he or she is simply misguided and will benefit from court mandated courses and counseling.
Be Proactive in Finding Possible Treatment Alternatives to Juvenile Detention. The courts look favorably upon parents and guardians who are active in a juvenile offender’s life. If you demonstrate a desire to truly help rehabilitate your child, the courts may forego juvenile detention in favor of a solution that you propose.
Do Not:
Give the Police Consent to Search Your Property. If law enforcement is interested in searching your home or vehicles, do not give them consent unless they have a warrant that allows them to do so. If the police find evidence of drug use or drug dealing by your child, your property may be seized and forfeited to the state.
Encourage Your Child to be a “Snitch.” Even if the police promise your child a lighter sentence if they snitch on their dealer or other involved parties, do not allow your child to agree to being an informant. Oftentimes, the police will use this as a tactic to elicit a confession out of your juvenile. Once they have their confession, and with no written promises, they will not forced to make good on their deal.
Turn Your Back on Your Child. Though you may be feeling frustrated, upset, and even angry, it will do your child no good to have you turn your back on them. Your child needs your love and support more than ever at this confusing time in their life, and by you shunning them, you will only make their problems – both current and future – worse.
Consult With an Orlando Juvenile Defense Lawyer
If your child was arrested for drug possession in Orlando, you have a long road ahead of you, but it does not have to be a hopeless one. With an aggressive juvenile defense lawyer defending your child’s rights, they can receive the rehabilitation they need to get back on track to a bright future. Call The Baez Law Firm at 800-588-BAEZ to speak with a criminal defense lawyer regarding your child’s case. We offer free consultations to parents and teens in need. Do not hesitate, and schedule your meeting today.
Resource:
djj.state.fl.us/services/prevention/youthprograms
