Juvenile drug charges can affect a child’s life forever. If your child needs strong advocacy following criminal accusations related to drugs, do not hesitate to call an Ohio criminal defense lawyer at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA. Attorney Troy Wisehart, a former Erie County public defender, has handled over 1,000 criminal cases in Ohio and knows the local courtrooms.
Your child will not go through a jury trial for a juvenile drug offense in Sandusky, so it is especially important to protect their rights at every step of the process. We will work swiftly to investigate the charges and fight for your child’s best interests in the Erie County juvenile justice system.
To schedule a free consultation of your son or daughter’s case, contact us today at (419) 625-7770.
Common Juvenile Drug Charges
A juvenile is anyone under 18 years of age in Ohio. Juveniles must follow the same drug laws as adults. Common drug offenses minors commit include:
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possessing drug paraphernalia
- Theft of drugs
- Corrupting another juvenile with drugs
- Trafficking or selling drugs
- Selling prescription drugs
- Funding drug trafficking
- Using deception to obtain a dangerous drug
- Abusing harmful intoxicants
- Trafficking or selling harmful intoxicants
- Making or selling counterfeit drugs
Even if a minor pretends to have drugs to sell, it is considered a delinquent act. As such, it can be punished by the court.
Every person has certain rights after an arrest, including the right to stay silent, the right to be free of unreasonable searches, and the right to an attorney. Since juvenile drug charges have such far-reaching effects, it’s especially important to call an experienced Ohio juvenile defense lawyer right away.
Drug Charge Penalties
The penalties for a juvenile drug charge are based on several factors, including the seriousness of the act, any other delinquent charges, and the available programs. If adjudicated as delinquent, your child may face:
- Rehabilitation – This may include anger management, drug treatment, or other programs. Erie County has the Juvenile Success Division, a voluntary program designed to treat 12 to 18-year-olds who are at a high risk for substance abuse. This includes meetings with a counselor and regular drug screenings.
- Residential placement – Your son or daughter may be removed from your home and placed in a residential facility.
- Juvenile detention – If your child’s charge was serious, or if they have prior offenses on their record, the judge may order them to serve time in an Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) facility.
- Graduated consequences – Usually determined on a case-by-case basis, such penalties may include family group conferences, public service work, and restitution to any victims or the community.
- Immediate penalties – This may include supervision, probation, electronic monitoring, and enrollment in an alternative school.
- Mandatory school attendance – Your son or daughter will be required to attend school
regularly.
Juvenile Court in Erie County
If your son or daughter is under the age of 18, any complaint made against them will be heard in the Erie County Juvenile Court, located at:
- Erie County Courthouse – 323 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
You (or another parent/guardian) must accompany your child to court, and it’s advised that you retain the help of a criminal defense lawyer. Your child may be assigned to visit a probation counselor, mediator, or diversion counselor at the following address before their first hearing:
- Juvenile Probation/Mediation/Diversion Offices – 221 West Parish Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
If your son or daughter is adjudicated as delinquent for a drug offense, they may be sent to the Erie County Juvenile Justice Center, which houses the detention facility. This building is located at:
- 1338 Tiffin Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Call a Dedicated Ohio Juvenile Defense Lawyer
For help with your child’s juvenile drug charge, call Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA right away. Compassion is a vital component in handling juvenile drug charges, and we work within the justice system to get the best outcome for our youngest clients. Attorney Troy Wisehart has more than 25 years of experience assisting people inside and outside these local courtrooms, and he’s prepared to help your son or daughter.
To schedule a free and confidential case consultation, call (419) 625-7770 today, or reach out through our online form.