A criminal conviction of any type is difficult at best to overcome, but when the conviction involves drugs or alcohol, the long term consequences can prove to be disastrous.
This is especially true with regard to minors who are charged with possession or consumption of either alcohol or drugs or who are charged with possession of drug paraphernalia or DUI. Although this process is difficult enough for adults, it can ruin the life and future of your child. Therefore, it is extremely important to find a drug possession attorney or a criminal attorney who understands these types of charges and the effects and consequences that entering a plea of guilty to this type of case could have on your child.
Criminal Penalties
Under the Texas criminal code and Penal code, penalties (if a class A misdemeanor under § 12.21) can include fines of up to $4,000and court costs,probation, required classes,loss of driving privileges, breathalyzer devices,as well as imprisonment forup to one year. A class B misdemeanor under § 12.22is similar, however fines go up to$2,000 and imprisonment can be for up to 6 months.
Under theArizona criminal code § 4-2449 (MIP) penalties, a misdemeanor can include fines up to $20,000plus court costs, probation, required classes, loss of driving privileges, breathalyzer devices and in some casesimprisonment for up to six months. And if they are charged with a DUI as a minor, it can result in a two-year suspension of driving privileges.
These penalties will be assessed by the prosecutors based on the severity of the offense and the number of previous occurrences. If the court deems that the drugs found are particularly dangerous, felony charges may even be brought. Once a conviction is rendered, in most cases these convictions cannot be erased from your child’s record with law enforcement, however, it may be possible to seal the records from public view. Therefore, it is important to make sure that certain things are done before a plea is entered with the court or that a dismissal is rendered so that your minor is eligible laterto file a petition forexpunction or a petition for non-disclosure.
Possible Loss to Financial Aid
In addition to the immediate penalties faced by entering a plea of guilty, minors who seek further education often find that their financial aid resources are greatly diminished if they have a conviction for possession of a drug or alcohol. Many federal programs now prohibit those with drug-related offenses from any type of federal grant or loan. Likewise, individual institutions have stringent requirements for scholarships, grants and fellowship awards and any conviction of this type could render a person ineligible for these types of benefits. In fact, many opportunities decrease greatly when the person or minor has a criminal conviction.
Effect on Employment or Future Employment
Depending on the career field your child hopes to pursue, a possession conviction may completely destroy that career dream. Many professional fields such as engineering, nursing, other medical professions, and legal and financial management careers require state licensure before an individual can practice. Depending on the requirements of the state in which your child resides and into adulthood, a conviction of this type can be the cause for licensure denial.
If you have the insight to hire an experienced possession attorney or criminal lawyer who understands these consequences, in many cases the attorney can work with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or ensure that the minor has no record later on that will affect a career or his or her life and the child may be able toenter intocounseling, community service or a range of non-punitive sentences in exchange for a plea that will resolve the case. Contact our qualified Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas lawyers or our Tucson, Ariz., lawyers immediately if your child has been charged with a crime. This will ensure that your child receives the fairest possible outcome of their case.
If your child has been charged with DUI, minor in possession or minor in consumption, please contact Goldstein & Scopellite, PC for further information and assistance. Our criminal lawyers in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Tucson areas will work diligently to protect your child’s rights and interests during this emotional criminal process.
Goldstein & Scopellite, PC, is located in Dallas, Texas and was established in 2002. For more information, see our local listing in D Magazine.
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