Title 3, Chapter 51 of the Texas Family Code is also known as the Juvenile Justice Code. A child is defined under Texas Family Code § 51.02 as a person who is 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age, or 17 years of age or older and under 18 years of age but alleged or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a result of acts committed before becoming 17 years of age.
Drug cases are commonly referred to the Denton County Juvenile Probation Department. While the department states that it considers “the least restrictive avenues of intervention,” juvenile drug cases can frequently involve some serious penalties.
Juvenile Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
Have you or your child been arrested for an alleged drug crime in Denton? It is going to be very important for you to quickly get yourself, legal counsel.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy defend juveniles in communities throughout Denton County. Call (940) 222-8004 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
Types of Juvenile Drug Charges in Denton County
Minors could be involved in any one of a number of different drug crimes. Frequent criminal charges involving juveniles include, but are not limited to:
- Drug Manufacturing
- Synthetic Drugs / Synthetic Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Fraud
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
- Prescription Drug Fraud
- Drug Trafficking
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Many juveniles are charged with drug crimes even when they were not the actual owners of the drugs involved. Constructive possession is often alleged in cases in which police officers find drugs in lockers, vehicles, or homes and no minors admit to owning drugs. Multiple people can be charged in such cases.
Juvenile Drug Charge Penalties in Texas
A lot of class A misdemeanor and class B misdemeanor cases result in deferred prosecution. A minor can avoid a formal court hearing and end their involvement with authorities by successfully completing a six-month deferred prosecution program.
A child, parent, prosecuting attorney, and the juvenile probation department all agree to certain probation conditions in deferred prosecution, which is a voluntary alternative to adjudication. A child who does not violate the conditions of their probation will have no juvenile record created.
A juvenile on probation could face requirements that include, but are not limited to:
- Substance abuse educational courses
- Community service
- Counseling
- Drug rehabilitation
- Confinement in a juvenile detention center
- Payment of court fees
When a juvenile is adjudicated for certain controlled substance violations, the court is required to order the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend the juvenile’s driver’s license or permit, or deny the issuance of a license or permit. Probation needs to end on or before an offender’s 18th birthday. Still, juveniles committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) are required to have their sentences completed on or before their 19th birthdays.
Juvenile Drug Charge Defenses in Denton
When minors are involved in drug charges, actual ownership is a frequent issue and an attorney will be of immediate help when a juvenile is facing drug charges because of a controlled substance that belonged to a friend or classmate. Some cases may involve minors who had valid prescriptions and drugs were taken from them without their permission.
In many drug cases, there is an issue with how authorities discovered and seized drugs. The Fourth Amendment rights of minors are often ignored when police conduct illegal searches, but a lawyer can fight to have the evidence gained through such illegal searches suppressed and made inadmissible in court.
Denton Juvenile Drug Charges Resources
Denton County Juvenile Probation Department | Denton County, Texas — The Denton County Juvenile Probation Department is committed to the protection of the community, juvenile accountability, and helping juveniles achieve goals for good citizenship. Its recommendations and supervision of juveniles take into consideration the unique situation of each child, the child’s family, and the developmental needs of children in general, and it pursues each case with adherence to Texas law, the orders of the court, and consider the least restrictive avenues of intervention, as we guide, supervise and educate those with whom we interact. Find a TJJD commitment report as well as information on the juvenile court and juvenile detention on this website.
Denton County Juvenile Probation Department
Charlie J. Cole Building
210 S. Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205-6304
(940) 349-2400
2018 Juvenile Justice Handbook | Texas Attorney General — Get an overview of how the Juvenile Justice System works in Texas by viewing this document. Learn more about steps in the offenses tried by juvenile courts, juvenile process, and parental rights and responsibilities. You can also read about juvenile courts, judges, referees, and magistrates.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Juvenile Drug Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
If you or your child have been arrested for an alleged drug crime in Denton or a nearby area of Denton County, you do not want to try to handle your criminal case on your own. Get experienced legal representation so you have the best possible chance at a favorable resolution.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will fight to minimize the penalties imposed and help you move on with your life. We can discuss all of your legal options with you as soon as you call (940) 222-8004 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.