Juveniles who allegedly commit criminal offenses involving drugs and or alcohol in Florida may be eligible to avoid the traditional juvenile justice system through juvenile drug court. Juvenile drug court is a type of diversion program that seeks to help minors with drug and or alcohol substance abuse or addiction issues overcome these issues to reduce the likelihood of future repeat offenses.
Drug court for juveniles may be an ideal option for children who have been accused of nonviolent misdemeanor or second or third-degree felony offenses, but may not be ideal for minors who are not guilty of the offenses of which they were charged. Kids whose parents can afford private counseling may be better off seeking such counseling instead of working through the state-funded program. To determine whether your child may be eligible for juvenile drug court, or whether you as a minor may participate, speak with a knowledgeable juvenile defense attorney in West Palm Beach.
Delinquency Drug Court for Teens in West Palm Beach
According to a national research study, 4 in 5 children and teens who wind up in the juvenile justice system test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction issues, and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing crime. State programs like the Palm Beach County Juvenile Drug Court program help reduce the rate of re-offending juveniles by providing an intense drug and alcohol recovery program.
Minors who have been charged with nonviolent offenses may be eligible for the program if certain conditions are met. The program may also be part of a minor’s probation requirement. Children and teenagers in the program are subjected to heightened scrutiny, and must participate in individual and group counseling and random drug tests. It can take about a year to complete the program, upon which a juvenile offender may have his or her charges dismissed. Charges may be expunged upon dismissal.
Among the most common charges youths face when entering juvenile drug court are charges for marijuana possession, minor in possession of alcohol, and charges for marijuana paraphernalia.
Who is Eligible for Juvenile Drug Court?
Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 may be eligible for Juvenile Drug Court in Palm Beach County if they reside in Palm Beach County, among a few other requirements. Talk to a dedicated juvenile defense attorney like Brian Gabriel who has years of experience guiding youths through Juvenile Drug Court.
Call 561-622-5575 or contact Brian Gabriel at The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel for a free consultation to discuss the criminal charges against you or your child in West Palm Beach. We are highly dedicated to our clients and strive to achieve the best possible outcome.
