Florida Minor In Possession Of Drugs Charges

There was a time when getting an “MIP” – that is, a charge of ‘minor in possession of controlled substances’ – was seen as a rite of passage for teenagers, as if to prove how provocative or ‘cool’ they were. Nowadays, that attitude still persists for some, but more and more young people are aware that facing drug charges – especially in Florida – is not something to take lightly. If you or your child has been charged with drug possession, it is important to enlist an attorney who knows how to handle these cases.

Adult vs Juvenile Court

One important thing to keep in mind, whether you are the one facing charges or the parent of a juvenile defendant, is that Florida has tightened their restrictions on teenagers and drugs, and it is crucial to take that seriously. For example, last year, a law was signed which allows state’s attorneys to charge a juvenile with murder if they distribute drugs that lead to an overdose. Being found with a controlled substance in one’s possession also now immediately locks a young person out of eligibility for certain scholarships and grants for university.

That said, it matters whether the juvenile is tried in the adult criminal justice system, or in juvenile court. In general, juveniles are charged with similar crimes as adults, but if they are tried in the juvenile system as opposed to the adult, the outcome will be different. If a young defendant is found to have committed the crime, they will be adjudicated delinquent, as opposed to simply being found guilty. The juvenile court system in Florida is much more focused on rehabilitation, rather than simple punishment.

Prior Run-Ins With The Law?

Most juvenile defendants with no prior criminal record will be charged in juvenile court and assigned a sentence of community service or something designed to be more rehabilitative than punitive. If a juvenile has had previous experience in the legal system, however, it is likely they may face more punitive charges (though, depending on the type of offense they are now charged with, they still may be able to have their case charged in juvenile court).

On the whole, juvenile drug crimes tend to be adjudicated on much more of a case-by-case basis, because it is generally in society’s best interests to give young people second chances. However, a more serious offense like drug trafficking or drug-induced homicide will likely get the juvenile defendant charged as an adult, because the severity of the offense mandates doing so. Because these prosecutions are so often context-dependent, it is doubly important to find a juvenile drug crimes attorney who understands these cases.

Call A West Palm Beach Juvenile Drug Crimes Attorney

It can feel catastrophic when you or your child are charged with a drug crime, particularly in Florida where these offenses are taken very seriously. A West Palm Beach juvenile drug crimes attorney at Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can speak up for your child, and give them the best chance to receive a fair outcome in court. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

fox13news.com/news/hillsborough-county-officials-discuss-new-law-allowing-teens-be-charged-murder-overdose-cases