Children under the age of 16 years old who are found in possession of marijuana in New York are classified as juvenile delinquents, and their cases will be heard within the Juvenile Justice system.
Rather than face a jury, your child’s case will be heard by a judge, who will ultimately decide what penalties apply.
When it comes to marijuana possession by minors, there is a strong presumption that incarceration is not the best outcome, but the facts of every case vary, and a child’s past run-in with law enforcement or other circumstances may change the equation for a judge.
Penalties for young people can include suspension of driving privileges, probation, fines, reform school, home confinement, and jail time.
It’s vital that families contact experienced New York drug crimes attorneys who can limit your child’s exposure to the most severe penalties.
Even as a young person, a drug conviction can have a significant impact on your child’s future educational and professional opportunities.
If your child has been arrested for marijuana possession in New York, call (212) 577-6677 to talk to an experienced NYC criminal defense attorney today.
