Teens who engage in illegal drug use or possess an illegal substance jeopardize their future. Simply warning them, however, often doesn’t do much good. What ultimately cements their understanding that drugs will lead to undesirable consequences is an arrest. If your child has been arrested for drug possession in Monroe, you can take steps to boost his or her chance of being treated favorably by the courts.
When a juvenile is arrested for drug possession, it can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for both the child and their parents. Understanding the arrest and charges is crucial in navigating the juvenile justice system. If you need assistance with your child’s drug possession case, feel free to contact us at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm.
Understanding the Drug Possession Arrest and Charges on Minors
Typically, an arrest occurs when a police officer has probable cause to believe that the juvenile has committed a crime, such as possessing illegal substances. The specific charges will depend on the type and amount of drugs found, as well as the juvenile’s prior record.
It’s essential to note that the juvenile justice system is designed to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The goal is to help the juvenile understand the consequences of their actions and provide them with the necessary support and resources to overcome their substance abuse issues. As a parent, staying informed and involved throughout the process is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Getting Involved In Your Child’s Drug Possession Arrest
As a parent, you are understandably upset and frustrated that your child has been arrested for criminal drug possession in Louisiana. You may be concerned about what will become of your child now that he or she has become entangled in the justice system. Rest assured that with a competent juvenile defense lawyer on your side, you can fight for the best resolution of your child’s drug case.
In some cases, involving a trusted family member may be necessary to provide additional support and stability for your child during this difficult time.
Drug possession is a serious offense that can lead to a whirlwind of penalties, such as steep fines and jail time. What often hurts more than completing a criminal sentence is the permanent stain on one’s reputation. A criminal conviction is the ultimate repellent for job offers, housing opportunities, and other ways to sustain and enrich one’s life.
A parent who works with a Louisiana criminal defense lawyer takes the first step in helping his or her child make the best of an unfortunate situation. Ultimately, your attorney’s primary goal should be convincing the District Attorney to accept your child into a pre-trial diversion program. However, your attorney can also assist in reducing any other penalties your child may face.
Help for Parents Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system can be complex and intimidating, especially for those who are unfamiliar with it. As a parent, it’s essential to understand the different stages of the process and how to navigate them effectively.
The first step is typically the initial appearance, where the juvenile will be advised of their rights and the charges against them. Next, the juvenile will be assigned a court-appointed attorney or a private attorney, who will represent them throughout the process. The attorney will work with the prosecutor to negotiate a plea deal or prepare for trial.
As a parent, it’s crucial to work closely with the attorney to ensure that your child’s rights are protected and that they receive the best possible representation. Understanding the nuances of juvenile court, federal law, and state law can help you better support your child through this challenging time. We at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm can also assist in this area, breaking down and explaining different legal concepts and practices.
Steps to Facilitate Participation in a Pre-Trial Diversion Program for Minor Substance Abuse Treatment
Pre-trial diversion programs exist to help nonviolent drug offenders receive treatment and reduce the odds that they will re-offend. Generally, only first-time offenders may participate in pre-trial diversion programs. As a parent, you may take steps to help your child enter a pre-trial diversion program.
Additionally, collaborating with local human services can provide your child with access to necessary resources and support systems. We recommend you do the following as quickly as possible to streamline your child’s case moving forward:
- Sign your child up for rehab without being asked to by the courts. Placing your child in a rehabilitation program voluntarily shows the court that your child is being proactive about seeking treatment.
- Be sure to keep all documents associated with the completion of the program.
- Have your child take drug tests before the pre-trial meeting.
- If the pretrial meeting is six months away, try to get three negative drug test results. Negative drug test results combined with a certificate of completion of a rehabilitation program will show the DA that your child is committed to coming clean.
- Contact and retain a criminal defense attorney for assistance while navigating the court system. Prepare to meet the district attorney.
An attorney from John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm can help your child and your family in several ways throughout the legal process, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at your earliest convenience.
What Happens When Meeting the District Attorney
Your attorney will help you and your child gather all the necessary evidence that shows your child is taking steps to control his drug problem. He or she will arrange an appointment with the district attorney before the pre-trial conference. If the district attorney accepts the meeting, you, your child, and your lawyer will discuss your child’s rehabilitation efforts. The point of the meeting is to show the DA your child is serious about rehabilitation and to request that he or she enter a pre-trial drug program.
It is also important to address any concerns related to child abuse, as these issues can complicate the legal process and impact the outcome of your child’s case.
Completing a pre-trial diversion program is the ideal way to resolve a first-time felony or misdemeanor drug offense. In the long term, it will cost significantly less than going to trial. Diversion programs wrap up the process more expeditiously and allow everyone to benefit. The first-time offender will receive education and rehab to prevent a drug addiction and allow the juvenile to be placed back on the road to a successful adult life. After the charges are dismissed, the arrest can be expunged for a clean public record.
Supporting Your Child’s Recovery After a Drug Possession Arrest
As a parent, it’s essential to support your child’s recovery from substance abuse. This can involve seeking professional help, such as counseling or therapy, and encouraging your child to participate in treatment programs.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are several things you can do to support your child’s recovery:
- Encouraging open and honest communication about their substance abuse issues.
- Setting clear boundaries and consequences for drug use.
- Providing positive reinforcement and encouragement for their progress.
- Seeking support for yourself, such as counseling or support groups, to cope with the challenges of parenting a child with substance abuse issues.
- Getting assistance from family members whenever necessary.
It’s also crucial to provide a supportive and stable home environment, free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Additional Resources
Several additional resources are available to support you and your child throughout the juvenile justice process. These include the following:
- Mental Health Services Administration: Provides access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
- Child Welfare System: Offers support and resources for families affected by substance abuse.
- Diversion Programs: Provides alternative sentencing options for juveniles, such as counseling or community service.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Offers a range of treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient programs.
If you or others in your family require additional resources and guidance, you’re welcome to reach out to John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. We’re happy to provide more recommendations and answer your pressing questions.
Advantages of Expunging the Drug Possession Arrest
Completing the pre-trial diversion program will keep the drug charge off of your child’s public criminal record; however, the arrest record will remain visible to the public. The only way to reduce the collateral consequences of a juvenile arrest is to expunge the record. Still, there are many advantages of having your child’s record expunged, including the following:
- Increased employment opportunities
- Eligibility for public assistance
- Eligibility for public housing
- Restoration of civil rights
Criminal expungement can be a complicated process that may not completely undo the damage of a conviction.
Consequences of a Juvenile Court Delinquency Adjudication
A juvenile delinquency adjudication may lead to several short- and long-term consequences in Louisiana. Depending on the circumstances, your child may experience the following drawbacks:
- A juvenile adjudication can lead to expulsion, which will thwart the defendant’s education.
- A juvenile adjudication for a drug offense can cause the defendant to be expelled from school for up to two years.
- The expulsion will prevent the defendant from re-enrolling in any state school without the approval of the new school board.
- Defendants under 17 who have a driver’s license will have their licenses suspended for one year if they are suspended or expelled from school or assigned to an alternative school for ten or more days for illegal substances.
- Juvenile defendants who receive supplemental security income (SSI) benefits will have them withheld while they are in state custody.
Drug offenders under 17 may also face repercussions that affect their entire families, such as the following:
- Juveniles adjudicated of certain drug crimes may cause their entire household to be banned from public and Section 8 housing.
- A child engaged in drug abuse can be banned from public housing for up to three years, and his or her entire family could be evicted from their current public living arrangement.
- In some cases, the entire household may be permanently banned from government housing.
- Parents receiving child support payments may also receive reduced payments if the child lives outside the home.
- Parents may be held responsible for the defendant’s legal and financial obligations if the defendant fails to pay restitution, court costs, court-appointed attorney’s fees, costs of defense, and appeals costs. These obligations do not expire upon turning 18.
For more information about specific repercussions and consequences you and your family may face, please contact John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. We can point you in the right direction and assist you in numerous ways when you retain our support.
Need Assistance With Your Child’s Drug Possession Charges? Contact John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm for Outstanding and Invaluable Legal Support
As a parent, staying informed and involved throughout the juvenile justice process is essential. By understanding the arrest and charges, navigating the juvenile justice system, and supporting your child’s recovery, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your child. And our team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is prepared to support you in many ways. Remember to seek additional resources and support when needed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance and advice.
With the proper support and resources, your child can overcome their substance abuse issues and go on to lead a healthy and productive life. Attorney Eric G. Johnson has helped juveniles and adults enroll in pre-trial diversion programs for over 20 years in Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Ruston, Louisiana. Entrust him to aggressively advocate for your child from start to finish. Call 318-377-1555 or complete our contact form to retain our support and fight for your child’s protection. We look forward to hearing from you and working together.