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    South Jersey Juvenile Drug Offense Lawyer

    Respected Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps Clients Fight Juvenile Drug Offenses in Camden County, Burlington County and Throughout New Jersey

    The New Jersey juvenile criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation, rather than punishment.  Despite this, a juvenile drug offense conviction will still have serious consequences—and in the most serious cases, your child could even be tried as an adult.  Taking juvenile drug offense charges seriously can be key to protecting your child’s future—including by increasing the odds that your child will stay out of trouble in the future.

    At Gelman Law, LLC, our lawyers and criminal defense team analyze and investigate your case thoroughly to build the strongest possible defense.  Protecting your child’s future and reputation are our number one priority. We treat all of our clients with respect—and that includes providing personal attention and support to you and your family throughout the entire defense process.

    Facing Charges For A Juvenile Drug Offense And Have Questions? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.

    No parent wants to see their teen move into adulthood carrying a prior criminal record.  Our founding attorney is a former Burlington County prosecutor who knows all too well that a single criminal offense can lead to many more down the road.  We take juvenile criminal defense especially seriously, with the aim of preventing your child from committing future offenses.

    Under New Jersey law, all juveniles must be represented by a lawyer to defend their drug offense charges.  Because all lawyers are not created equally, it is important to make sure you have the best lawyer possible advocating for your child’s best interests.  To learn more about how we can help fight your juvenile drug offense charges, schedule a confidential consultation with our South Jersey defense lawyers today.

    Get Advice From An Experienced Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 856-861-4236 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.

    Our South Jersey Juvenile Drug Offense Defense Practice

    Penalties for juvenile drug offenses largely mirror those that can be imposed in adult cases: probation, financial penalties, community service, incarceration.  However, rather than incarceration in a state prison, juveniles are held in a juvenile detention center. Juvenile drug offenses commonly involve allegations of:

    Dismissed

    Criminal Mischief

    Dismissed

    Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance

    As in adult drug offense cases, penalties vary primarily depending upon the amount and type of drug involved.  Simple possession of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense (a misdemeanor), while possession of more than 50 grams is a felony-level fourth-degree offense.  When more “serious” drugs are involved—those that are classified as Schedule I or Schedule II substances— the penalties can be much steeper. Possession of less than one ounce of cocaine, for example, is a third-degree juvenile drug offense.

    When the juvenile drug offense occurred on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property (including areas used for school purposes, such as sports fields), penalties increase.  The minor will generally be required to serve 100 hours of community service and complete any additional punishment that the judge deems appropriate.

    Knowledgeable Camden County, NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer Advocates for Juveniles Arrested on Drug Charges

    South Jersey judges generally have more leeway in assigning punishment for juvenile drug offenses when compared to adult cases.  For example, the judge may consider factors such as:

    Juvenile drug offenses are handled differently from adult drug offenses in several ways, including:

    A focus upon rehabilitation does not mean that New Jersey takes juvenile drug offenses lightly.  In fact, the opposite is true. With the ongoing opioid crisis and general concerns about drug use on the rise among young adults, New Jersey judges take juvenile drug offenses extremely seriously.  

    Our lawyers are here to help protect your child’s future and prevent incarceration in juvenile detention wherever possible.  To speak with an experienced defense lawyer, call today.

    Schedule a Consultation with Our Trusted Juvenile Drug Offense Defense Lawyers in South Jersey Today

    Thousands of minors under the age of 18 are arrested on drug offenses in New Jersey each year.  While the perception is often that drug charges involving marijuana and small amounts of drugs are not serious, this is false.  A juvenile drug offense conviction can go on your child’s record and must often be disclosed during the college admissions process.

    Our talented South Jersey juvenile defense lawyers are here to advocate forcefully to minimize the consequences of a juvenile drug offense.  To learn more about how we can help in your case, call us as soon as possible to schedule a confidential consultation. You can also fill out this online contact form.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Drug Offense Charges in Burlington County, NJ

    FAQ: What if my child is being held for a juvenile drug offense in South Jersey? What will happen?

    First, if your child is being held, an initial hearing must be held within 24 hours. If your child is remanded back to detention, another probable cause hearing and a second detention-related hearing must be held within two business days. Juveniles are also entitled to hearings periodically as they are being held in detention, with review hearings taking place again after 14 days and 21 days. Final disposition of the case must generally occur within 60 days. The goal of these rules is to handle the case swiftly and to continue to evaluate whether it is appropriate to keep your child in detention. Our lawyers can help throughout this entire process and will advocate for release at the earliest possible date.

    FAQ: What are some alternative forms of punishment that may apply in juvenile drug offense cases?

    In addition to detention and financial penalties, the judge may deem it appropriate to require:
    -Community service,
    -Substance abuse counseling or treatment,
    -Drug and alcohol testing,
    -Completion of an educational or vocational rehabilitation program,
    -Probation.

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      "David Gelman at Gelman Law is not only great at what he does but is the most honest and straightforward person you will ever meet. Had an amazing experience with him and would recommend his entire firm to anyone in need of his services."

    • Russell H.

      "Mr. Gelman was great. He was very attentive and knowledgeable about my matter. Mr. Gelman was available when needed to discuss things. Definitely recommend him to any and everyone!"

    • Veronica R.

      "My experience with David Gelman was the most professional experience I've had with an attorney. He and his staff were courteous and patient with my legal matters. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of an attorney."

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    *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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    Charges

    Dismissed

    Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapons

    Dismissed /

    Downgraded

    DWI

    Charges

    Dismissed

    Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance

    Dismissed /

    Reduced

    Sexual Assault

    Charges

    Dismissed

    Credit Card Fraud

    Dismissed /

    Downgraded

    Terroristic Threats

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    *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.