It can be a terrifying and upsetting experience to have your child arrested and charged with selling prescription medication. Understandably, no one wants to believe their kid is capable of a crime, so it can be jarring to discover they may have committed a drug crime. Then there are the possible criminal penalties they may face should they be convicted. The severity of those penalties depends on the severity of the charges.
While it can seem like an overwhelming situation to face, families don’t have to do it alone. Contacting a defense attorney can be vital to the outcome of the situation. Sometimes teenagers make mistakes, but that mistake shouldn’t impact their whole future. Eric Johnson of John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is an experienced litigator who can assess your teenager’s case and determine the best way to proceed for a favorable outcome.
What Can Parents Do if Their Teen Is Caught Selling Prescription Medication?
An attorney is a significant help to your teen’s case. However, as a parent, you may be unsure of how you can help your loved one. One thing to keep in mind is that in Louisiana if your child is a first-time offender (even for a felony drug possession), they may have the option to participate in a pre-trial diversion program. A pre-trial program is when a district attorney puts a case on hold for approximately a year, and if the teen doesn’t commit another offense, the district attorney will move to dismiss the charges. Having your child be permitted into the pre-trial diversion program is incredibly beneficial since their charges will be dropped if they successfully complete the program.
A parent can do something to help facilitate the possibility of their child entering the pre-trial program, especially if it’s a first-time offender. A parent may do the following:
1. Rehabilitation Program or Some Type of Drug Education Program
Getting your child into some type of drug education or rehabilitation program can be incredibly helpful. Parents can get information about these programs from your area’s probation or parole office. By having your child participate in these programs, you demonstrate that your child is being proactive about rehabilitation and committed to not reoffending.
When presenting this program in your child’s case, you’ll need documented proof (certificate of completion). Your defense lawyer can pass it on to the district attorney at the pre-trial conference. An attorney can use this program as proof that they are taking steps to improve their behavior and that they made a single mistake that should not define their future.
2. Drug Tests Before the Pre-trial Meeting
Showing negative drug test results alongside completing a program or rehabilitation will indicate to the district attorney that you and your child are serious about rehabilitation.
3. Speak to a Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Speaking with a drug crime defense attorney with specific experience handling charges against a minor can be not only beneficial to the outcome, but to handling communication between the district attorney and other people that may be involved in the case.
Our Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorney Can Help Your Louisiana Teen
Eric Johnson is respected in courtrooms throughout Louisiana by the district attorneys and prosecutors he deals with and is determined to help his clients get the second chance they deserve. He understands the importance of thoroughly investigating and evaluating the evidence against his clients and will work tirelessly to secure evidence favorable to his client. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we look at every fact when representing you. The mistakes made as a teenager should not define your adult life.
Contact our offices today at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form.