Will My Child Go to Jail for Selling Drugs at School?

 Posted on August 15, 2024 in Juvenile crime

Getting a call that your teenager has been arrested for selling drugs at his or her high school is a call no parent wants to get. Aside from the immediate concern of finding an attorney who is experienced in drug charges and Illinois juvenile crimes, there is the looming possibility of a trial and a potential conviction. As a parent, you also know there are long-term consequences to any criminal conviction, even for a minor.

In some cases, penalties for drug crimes can be as harsh for a minor as for an adult. Your child may also find it more difficult to be accepted to college, secure housing, or even find a job following a drug conviction. With so much at stake, it is essential that you not only find a lawyer but that you find the best lawyer for your situation. When you choose a Libertyville, IL juvenile crimes lawyer from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., with added experience in drug crimes, you can rest easy, knowing your child’s future is in good hands.

How Serious is a Drug Trafficking Charge for a Minor?

While the state of Illinois does not take drug possession lightly, the sale of drugs can come with life-altering penalties. As an example, trafficking a Schedule IV substance like Xanax can result in up to six years in prison. Trafficking a Schedule I drug can result in 15-30 years in prison, which for a 15-year-old can change his or her life forever.

This is not a crime that can survive an "okay" lawyer. It is essential that the attorney you choose for your child has a deep understanding of the legal avenues that can potentially keep your child out of jail or prison. One of these areas involves the Illinois Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Program.

What is the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program?

If your child has not committed any violent crimes and is not denying drug use, the Illinois Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program may be an avenue your attorney will explore. The goal of this program is to reduce recidivism and guide the juvenile into a crime-free, substance abuse-free future.

Once referred to the drug treatment program, the juvenile will be screened to determine eligibility. Admittance into the program requires agreement on the part of the prosecutor, the court, and the minor. Admittance will be denied if:

• The crime committed included a violent act.
• The juvenile denies use of, addiction to, or the sale of drugs.
• The judge sees a real willingness on the part of the juvenile to participate in the program.

If the juvenile is admitted into the drug program, a comprehensive assessment will be performed to develop a treatment plan. The program lasts between 12 and 18 months. During the treatment program, the juvenile must make regular monthly court appearances while attending high school or working toward a GED.

The juvenile drug court treatment program addresses issues the abuse may stem from along with the actual issues related to substance abuse. Psychological issues or the home life of the minor may be deemed issues that caused the drug-related behavior. The juvenile must attend group and one-on-one meetings to deal with anger issues and learn how to avoid "trouble" situations.

When the juvenile has spent at least 12 months in the program while simultaneously remaining drug-free for at least six months, they can "graduate" from the program. The original charges will be dropped, and the juvenile will receive a diploma showing they have successfully completed the program.   

 Contact a Lake County, IL Juvenile Drug Crimes Lawyer

The sooner you contact a knowledgeable attorney who is experienced in drug crimes and juvenile crimes, the better the outcome of your child’s drug charges are likely to be. A Buffalo Grove, IL juvenile drug crimes lawyer from The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. will work aggressively to minimize the potential penalties and damage to your child’s future by keeping him or her out of jail. Attorney Matthew Gebhardt is a former prosecutor with extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system who takes a personal, hands-on approach to every case. To schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. at 847-239-4703 today.