New Jersey Juvenile Drug Charges Attorney
Juvenile Drug Crimes Lawyer Defends Young Criminal Offenders Facing Juvenile Drug Charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout New Jersey
Many young people do foolish things. It is part of being an adolescent. It is part of growing up. And while some actions are harmless enough and can easily be brushed off, a juvenile drug charge is not one of them. If you are facing charges, you’ll want a New Jersey juvenile drug charges attorney on your side.
New Jersey has the strictest drug laws in the United States, and penalties for juvenile drug crimes are no exception. If your child has been charged with a juvenile drug crime, do not take chances with their defense; a conviction of a juvenile drug crime can have a long-lasting impact on a young person’s life.
New Jersey juvenile drug charges attorney John B. Brennan is dedicated to protecting the rights of young people accused of juvenile drug crimes. With more than 30 years of criminal trial experience and 25 years spent as a prosecutor, attorney Brennan develops a strong, tailored legal defense of the charge brought against your son or daughter to reach the best possible outcome in each case. The Law Office of John B. Brennan understands that being charged with a juvenile drug crime is upsetting and confusing; attorney Brennan offers a confidential, no obligation consultation for juveniles and their families so that you can better understand the charge brought against your child and make an informed decision regarding their defense. To arrange for a free case evaluation with The Law Office of John B. Brennan, contact our office.
Facing Juvenile Drug Charges And Have Questions? I Can Help, Tell Me What Happened.
Well Respected New Jersey Juvenile Drug Charges Attorney Protects The Rights Of Young People Who Are Accused of Drug Crimes
The New Jersey juvenile drug crimes lawyer at The Law Office of John B. Brennan draws on more than three decades of experience —- 25 years of which were in the role of a prosecutor — to build a solid, effective defense of juvenile drug crimes. Attorney John B. Brennan knows the strategies and tactics that prosecutors employ and he uses this inside knowledge to his client’s advantage. Attorney Brennan skillfully defends young criminal offenders facing juvenile drug charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey, with a track record of successful outcomes.
In New Jersey, the most common juvenile drug charge is drug possession, and the penalties vary depending upon the type of substance and the amount involved. According to NJSA 2C:35-10, a juvenile may be charged with the following drug crimes:
- Disorderly persons offense: simple possession of marijuana (50 grams or less)
- Fourth degree crime: marijuana possession of 50 grams or more
- Third degree crime: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) — heroin, ecstasy, or cocaine — of less than one ounce
- Second degree crime: possession of heroin or cocaine in a quantity of more than one ounce
If a juvenile is charged with drug possession in a school zone, which is considered to be within 1,000 feet of a school or school property, then the juvenile faces an additional sentence of a minimum of 100 hours of community service.
Get Advice From An Experienced Juvenile Drug Charges Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 856-988-5443 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
Top-Rated New Jersey Juvenile Drug Charges Attorney Successfully Advocates for Alternatives to Conviction For Clients Charged With Juvenile Drug Crimes To Reach The Best Possible Outcome In Each Case
In New Jersey, a juvenile who is convicted on a drug charge may be sent to a juvenile detention center and fined or placed on probation, in addition to a two-year suspension of their drivers’ license. But there are other alternatives to conviction, which must be advocated by a skilled juvenile drug charges attorney. Most commonly, a deferred disposition is suggested, which includes a probationary period followed by a dismissal. The probationary period may require counseling for drug or alcohol abuse, community service, educational programs, programs for anger management, and mentoring programs. There is significant leeway on the part of the prosecutor to accept an alternative to conviction and your juvenile drug charges attorney plays a critical role in advocating for this alternative.
The Law Office of John B. Brennan has extensive experience successfully advocating for alternatives to conviction, as attorney John B.Brennan brings a thorough understanding of this approach as a former prosecutor. To learn more about how The Law Office of John B. Brennan can help your child’s case, arrange for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Juvenile Drug Crimes
Although the term “possession” conjures up images of an individual having something literally in their hand, their pocket, or their bag, when it comes to New Jersey drug laws, “possession” has more than one meaning. Actual drug possession refers to an individual having a drug on their person. Constructive possession refers to a situation in which the individual knew that the drugs were in a particular location — such as in a vehicle or a house — and had the ability and intent to exercise control over the drugs. If there is a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in a vehicle, all of the individuals in the vehicle can be charged with possession. Juvenile drug possession charges can be complicated and confusing; New Jersey juvenile drug charges attorney John B. Brennan offers a free, confidential consultation for the families of a juvenile who has been charged with a drug offense. Schedule your complimentary case evaluation today.
In New Jersey, a Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) offers defendants — who are usually first-time offenders — other opportunities outside of the standard criminal justice process of traditional prosecution. PTI is designed to provide early rehabilitative services to defendants at a time when these programs have the greatest likelihood of deterring future criminal behavior. PTI’s goal is to address the personal hardships that arise from conditions that lead to crime in the first place, in an effort to deter future criminal behavior. As an alternative to the standard punishment, a defendant may be eligible to receive counseling and treatment for substance abuse in addition to job training for one to three years. Once the PTI program is complete, the charge brought against the defendant will be dismissed. The defendant may also seek expungement of the drug charge from their criminal record. To learn more about Pretrial Intervention Programs and whether your child may qualify for such a program, arrange a free consultation with the skilled New Jersey juvenile drug charges attorney at The Law Office of John B. Brennan.