Monder Law Group - News
Juvenile Drug Possession in California Part 1
When charged with possession of an illegal substance, you definitely want the best San Diego drug criminal defense attorney representing your case. This rings all the truer in cases where a minor is charged with possession. Before you start looking for court representation though, get familiar with the facts of not only juvenile drug possession California, but also other types of drug crimes.
What falls into the category of juvenile drug possession California?
Drug crimes is a term that encompasses all crimes where illicit substances are present. As broad as this definition may sound, it is, in fact, the most basic definition of drug-related offenses. Actually, any drug crime begins with a possession of an illegal substance. The differences are in the intent.
The least serious of all drug-connected crimes is possession of an illegal substance. Also, there are more serious drug crimes, such as those of drug trafficking, drug transportation, and drug manufacturing.
Although we have named one drug offense “least serious”, you have to be aware of the fact that there is no such thing as an easy drug crime. The state strictly enforces drug laws, and any violations will be punished. There is no special leniency towards juvenile drug possession California.
That is why you will need a San Diego lawyer with experience in juvenile drug possession cases. It is the only way to secure the best possible trial outcome for your case. Now, let us take a more detailed look at the types of drug crimes most common among minors in California.
Possession
As mentioned before, juvenile drug possession California is the most common occurrence of drug crimes. We have also called it “least serious”, but that is no reason to think you will not need professional representation in court.
Simple drug possession can be divided into three categories – constructive possession, actual possession, and joint possession. Actual possession entails direct physical control of an illegal substance. Joint possession deals with the amount of substance present, and is enforceable when a person has enough substance for two or more persons. Constructive possession is possession of a controlled substance you have the right to possess.
Although possession of marijuana has been legalized in the state of California for persons over the age of 21, it is still a crime to possess this drug if you’re a minor. Also, the possession of the following drugs remains a crime for any age – heroin, meth, ecstasy, PCP, LCD, crack cocaine.
Trafficking
Juvenile drug possession California is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the drug crime minors can be involved in. Although disturbing, it is a fact that teenagers are often recruited by criminal groups to serve as drug traffickers. If a minor is impoverished, the promise of a quick buck sounds like music.
It is most commonly for this reason that there are numerous instances of juvenile drug traffickers. And, even though they are minors, the consequences they could be facing if found guilty can be grave, and life-altering.
Drug trafficking involves all of the following – selling, transporting, giving, or administering a controlled substance to somebody. Even a juvenile offering to transport a certain amount of an illegal substance can face drug trafficking charges.
One more note – drug trafficking involves not only “street” drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, but also various prescription drugs, such as Xanax or Vicodin. If any prescription drugs are administered or sold outside their valid prescriptions, drug trafficking charges can, and, probably, will be raised.
Manufacturing
Finally, we come to the drug crime on the opposite end of the line from juvenile drug possession California – drug manufacturing, the most serious among drug crimes. It is true that minors are not as commonly involved in this crime, but we nevertheless feel we should take some time and explain it.
Possession of any substance that can be used for manufacturing methamphetamine or PCP, or any other drug for that matter, can result in drug manufacturing charges. We should add that it is necessary to establish intent to manufacture if person is found in possession of ingredients for drug production.
As you may have guessed, although the potential punishment for a juvenile involved in drug manufacturing is not as serious as for an adult, it is still a serious crime, and sentences are usually quite severe, even for minors. Only the best lawyers specializing in juvenile drug possession California and similar cases can provide proper defense in these cases.
Charged with juvenile drug possession California? You’ll need the best lawyer!
And Vik Monder of Monder Criminal Lawyer group certainly is the best criminal defense attorney in the state of California. We know how serious any trial connected to drug crimes can get, which is why we know the importance of adequate representation. We have experience in these types of cases, and it is that experience you will need in the courthouse. If you want the best possible defense for your drug possession case, contact us today!
