Juvenile drug possession charges in New Jersey can have a serious impact on a teenager’s future. Teenagers often engage in risky behavior, sometimes believing that negative consequences won’t affect them. Unfortunately, actions like texting while driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or drug possession can lead to life-changing outcomes, not only for the teen but for their entire family. A drug possession conviction can hinder opportunities such as joining the military, participating in school activities, or even getting into college. The long-term consequences of drug possession charge can be overwhelming, and drug use itself can lead to even more dangerous outcomes.
If your child is facing a juvenile drug possession charge, it’s important to seek legal guidance before making any decisions. At Lustberg Law Offices, our experienced New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyers understand how complex these cases can be and are dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of young individuals. We are here to support you through this difficult time and pursue the best possible outcome for your child. Contact us today at (201) 880-5311 for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward building a strong defense.
Juvenile Drug Possession in New Jersey
In New Jersey, juveniles caught with controlled substances can face serious legal consequences. A drug possession charge can profoundly impact a young person’s future. Understanding how these charges arise and the types of drugs involved is essential for addressing legal challenges and pursuing the best possible outcome.
How a New Jersey Juvenile Drug Possession Charge Can Happen
A minor can be charged with drug possession in New Jersey in a few ways. First and foremost, the minor must knowingly possess the illegal drug. For example, if a drug such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin is found in the glove compartment or trunk of a vehicle or in the child’s backpack, police may have enough probable cause to determine that the juvenile knew the substance was there. Additionally, a minor can be charged with drug possession when stashing drugs in areas they control, such as a school locker, motor vehicle, or bedroom. Ultimately, any juvenile drug charge comes from the direct knowing, control, and possession of the illegal narcotic.
Understanding the Various Types of Drugs
If minors possess an illegal controlled dangerous substance, police may charge them with drug offenses. They may face possession, distribution, and intent to distribute charges. Moreover, additional charges may be pressed against them if they are caught with drugs in a vehicle or on school property.
The New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act categorizes drugs into five schedules, which depend on factors such as the drug’s potential for abuse, pharmacological effect, the risk to public health, and dependence liability.
Schedule I. In New Jersey, Drugs classified as Schedule I are deemed to be extremely dangerous because they are not recognized to have any medical application, are highly prone to abuse, and can lead to severe addiction. Some substances, such as heroin, mescaline, peyote, and LSD, are classified as Schedule I drugs due to their lack of accepted medical uses, high potential for abuse, and potential for severe dependence. Despite its legalization for recreational use in some states, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug in New Jersey.
Schedule II. The New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act classifies certain drugs as Schedule II controlled substances. While these substances are accepted for medical purposes, they can also be highly addictive and lead to significant physical or psychological dependence. Schedule II CDS includes prescription drugs like oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and opiates.
Schedule III. Drugs listed under Schedule III include prescription medications that have recognized medical purposes but are also known to carry the risk of abuse. Substances, such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, and Ritalin, are classified as Schedule III drugs due to their accepted medical uses but the potential for abuse. When misused, they can lead to physical dependence or severe psychological dependence.
Schedule IV. The New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act designates Schedule IV substances as those with recognized medical benefits and a lesser risk of abuse than Schedule III drugs. These drugs include depressants and hypnotics like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ambien, which may cause limited physical or psychological dependence if misused.
Schedule V. Drugs classified as Schedule V have currently accepted medical uses and a low potential for abuse, and the risk of physical or psychological dependence is lower compared to Schedule IV substances, according to the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act.
| Schedule | Description |
|---|---|
| Schedule I | Extremely dangerous drugs lacking medical application, highly prone to abuse, and leading to severe addiction. |
| Schedule II | Controlled substances accepted for medical use but highly addictive and leading to significant dependence. |
| Schedule III | Prescription medications with recognized medical purposes but carrying abuse risk, leading to dependence when misused. |
| Schedule IV | Substances with medical benefits and lesser abuse risk than Schedule III drugs, causing limited dependence if misused. |
| Schedule V | Drugs with accepted medical use and low abuse potential, minimal risk of dependence compared to Schedule IV substances. |
Juvenile Drug Possession Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey’s approach to juvenile drug possession emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, focusing on corrective actions tailored to the young individual’s needs. However, under certain serious circumstances, a juvenile can be tried as an adult, facing more severe penalties typical of the adult criminal justice system.
NJ Juvenile Drug Possession Charges Differ from Adult Drug Possession Charges
While adults charged with illegal possession of a drug in New Jersey have to face those charges in a court of law, juvenile drug possession is often handled in the NJ juvenile court system. These types of charges can result in additional options for the juvenile defendant, such as:
- Providing drug counseling in hopes of rehabilitation.
- Placing the juvenile on probation.
- Placing the juvenile on informal probation, or diversion, which allows the minor to comply with the court’s rules without having to go to juvenile court. This can lead to the charges being dismissed for first-time offenders upon successful completion of the program.
- If the juvenile is a repeat offender, detention in either a juvenile detention center or home confinement may be a result of juvenile drug possession.
Can a 16-Year-Old Be Tried as an Adult in NJ?
In New Jersey, a 16-year-old can be tried as an adult in specific situations. This occurs when a prosecutor believes that a juvenile, aged 15 or older, has committed a serious crime. These crimes typically involve violent offenses, such as criminal homicide (excluding death by auto), first-degree robbery, carjacking, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, and other severe offenses.
When the prosecutor files a motion to transfer a case to adult court, the judge must review it and make the final decision. Several factors are taken into account, including the nature of the crime, whether it was committed against a person or property, and the juvenile’s age, maturity, and criminal history. The court may also consider any special education needs, mental health issues, or substance use concerns the juvenile may have. Additionally, the views of the victim and their family may be considered during this process.
If the court agrees to move the case to adult court, the juvenile will face the same legal penalties as an adult, which can be significantly more severe than those in the juvenile justice system. However, if the court finds that transferring the case is not appropriate, the juvenile may remain in the juvenile system, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment.
What Happens After a Juvenile Drug Arrest
In New Jersey, following a juvenile drug arrest, the process can vary significantly, potentially leading to interventions such as counseling or educational programs. However, in cases involving serious or repeated offenses, detention in a juvenile facility remains a possibility.
Juvenile Drug Arrest in New Jersey
If law enforcement believes a minor is guilty of a drug offense, they will usually take them into custody. Minors will often be brought in by law enforcement to answer questions before being charged with criminal delinquency.
After the court signs the complaint regarding delinquency, the court can either keep the minor in detention or give them back to their parents. New Jersey State Statute 2A:4A-34 states that a court can only hold juveniles in detention if they pose a threat to the community, or are at high risk of missing court.
After that, the case will be transferred to a hearing at the family court. A judge will then review all facts and make a decision. A judge will decide if the minor is guilty or not. New Jersey law considers delinquency a juvenile offense that, if it is committed by an adult, would be a crime or disorderly offense or violation of any other penal statutes, ordinances, or regulations. A judge will order the sentence.
New Jersey State Statute 2A:4A-39 gives juveniles the right to counsel for any matter that could lead to the institution’s commitment to the juvenile. Your child can have an attorney represent them at any hearing. An attorney can represent your child at all hearings and fight for their innocence.
Can A Minor Go To Jail?
Even though offenses by minors typically fall into a distinct category compared to those by adults, in certain cases, minors can face trials as adults and endure equivalent penalties. If a juvenile with no previous record faces drug possession charges, the case should be presented in family court. In this setting, only a judge, without a jury, hears the charges. The proceedings are private, with only relevant parties allowed in the courtroom. This legal procedure is commonly referred to as an “adjudication hearing.” The resulting record remains confidential.
If a minor is found at fault in family court, they might receive a sentence of up to two years in a juvenile detention center rather than a standard jail, along with potential fines that could amount to thousands of dollars. Those handed milder sentences might be mandated to engage in community service and undergo outpatient substance abuse counseling. In instances where the charge involves possession of a minimal quantity of marijuana, probation coupled with a fine is a probable outcome.
If you’re concerned about a minor’s legal situation in New Jersey, an experienced New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. At Lustberg Law Offices, our lawyers understand the intricacies of the state’s juvenile justice system. We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights and future of minors facing legal challenges. Contact us today to ensure guidance and a compassionate approach tailored to the specific case.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Adam M. Lustberg Can Help Your Son or Daughter Fight a Juvenile Drug Charge in NJ
If your son or daughter is facing a juvenile drug possession charge in New Jersey, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for the entire family. Our skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyers understand the concerns parents have about their child’s future in the face of such charges. At Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, we are dedicated to guiding families through the legal process and providing the support needed during such challenging times.
New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer Adam M. Lustberg can help your child tackle a juvenile drug possession case in New Jersey. Our team can work closely with you and your child to explore all available legal options and seek the best possible outcome. To discuss your child’s situation and learn how we can assist, contact us today at (201) 880-5311 to schedule a consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
