My Child Was Charged with Drug Possession—What Should I Do?
Getting an unexpected phone call from the police isn’t something any parent enjoys. The jolt of fear that comes with getting that call runs bone deep. Our minds immediately go to every parent’s worst nightmare, so learning instead the officer is informing you of your child’s arrest is a secondary shock to the system. As parents, our impulse is to help our children, and with a juvenile defense attorney in West Palm Beach, you can protect your child’s future.
What Parents Should Know About Juvenile Drug Charges
Unlike other charges which may be handled in a court of law differently based on the defendant’s age, drug possession carries the same consequences for juveniles and adults. Depending on the substance and location of their arrest, your child may face a few different consequences.
Marijuana Possession
Despite the changing social attitude toward medical and recreational marijuana use, possession in Florida is still illegal in most cases. If your child is found with less than 20 grams of marijuana, it is a first-degree misdemeanor which carries up to one year in jail and/or $1000 in fines. For cases which involve more than 20 grams of marijuana, the potential jail time jumps to 5 years and the fine increases to $5,000.
Controlled Substances
Illicit drugs beyond marijuana such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, the consequences are even more serious. Possession of these controlled substances is a third-degree felony and may carry up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Protected Locations
Drug possession within 1000 feet of a school or church may amplify the severity of your child’s charges and increase their sentence if found guilty. For perspective, that is just under three football fields, which means this aggravator may apply even without your child being aware. Thankfully, a juvenile defense attorney in West Palm Beach with the experience of the Law Office of Patrick McKamey can fight on behalf of you and your child for their best interest.
Your Next Steps: Hire a Juvenile Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
A Google search of ‘drug lawyers near me’ in South Florida brings up quite a few options, but not all law offices are equal. Finding someone with the experience to handle a juvenile drug possession case requires a more extensive search. However, while your child is in custody, it is important they not do anything to incriminate themselves. If you have the opportunity to speak with them, advise them to enact their right to remain silent until they can speak to a counsel. Otherwise, police officers may take advantage of their fear and naivety to intimidate a confession out of them.
Then, contact the Law Office of Patrick McKamey. With decades of legal experience on both sides of the court room, he is more than qualified to help you and your family through this trying time. As a juvenile defense attorney in West Palm Beach, his aggressive approach has helped to protect the future of many teens facing drug possession charges.