Drug Arrest Puts Teen’s Future in Jeopardy

The Charges

A teenage honor student with athletic scholarships was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana, Under 20 Grams. The minor Defendant had no prior criminal history and his future was put on the line with this arrest.

Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams in Florida

In Florida, any marijuana possession is illegal. Those that have possession under 20 grams will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor according to the Florida Statutes, 893.13. Penalties for possession under 20 grams include up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a suspended driver’s license. 

Juvenile Diversion Programs

A juvenile diversion program is an alternative to the charges and penalties associated with possession of marijuana under 20 grams. These programs were created in order to prevent future delinquency. Many of the programs are geared towards minors that have a history of poor grades a history of, child abuse, truancy, or instability in the home.  

Community Arbitration, Juvenile Alternative Services Program (JASP), Teen Court,  STOP (Service and Treatment for Offender Prevention), Intensive Delinquency Diversion Services (IDDS), Civil Citation, Boy and Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, At Risk Intervention & Motivation, mentoring programs, and alternative schools are all various forms of juvenile diversion programs. Many of these programs will focus on prevention but others focus on intervention as well. 

Within each of these programs, the juvenile offender will be given a probation officer. This officer will make sure each youth completes the requirements associated with the program, and will also help them connect to various programs that are needed by the youth in order to successfully complete the program requirements. Should the individual break a condition of this program, they may be required to stay in a residential facility for an extended period of time.  

Conditions that are often a requirement of a juvenile diversion program include:

• Referrals made to local social service agencies
• Substance abuse or mental health counseling
• Drug screening
• Education
• Vocational schooling
• Anger management
• Drug education
• Restitution to the victim(s)
• No victim contact
• Curfew
• Community service hours

Florida’s Musca Law Firm

If your child has been charged with a crime, you will need legal assistance. Musca Law Firm is a firm that will stand behind you and your child, getting you a favorable outcome. We will develop a strong defense for your case, and will go after any weaknesses of the prosecution.

Our firm boasts over 150 years of combined legal experience, which we are ready to apply to your case. We serve all of Florida with offices in several cities. Call us today at (888) 484-5057 to set up your free initial case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. 

RESULT: The Prosecution filed formal charges against the minor Client forcing the case to a hearing. The Musca Law Defense Attorney immediately contacted the State Attorney’s office and convinced the Prosecution that moving forward with a hearing was unnecessary. The Defense Attorney kept the minor Client out of the judicial system by arranging for him to participate in a Juvenile Diversion Program. Thanks to the skills of the Defense, the State DROPPED the charge and the teenage Defender’s bright future is still intact.