What Happens If a Juvenile Gets Caught With Drugs or Alcohol?
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The Basics
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The consequences of being caught as a juvenile with drugs and alcohol vary from state to state and community to community. The consequences can also vary widely from circumstance to circumstance. However, in all cases, the following elements will apply.
Getting Caught
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The circumstances under which a juvenile gets caught will have a lot to do with how vigorously authorities pursue punishment. Being caught drinking champagne on prom night without your car keys is different from being caught carrying marijuana while shoplifting. Neither behavior is legal, but the first is far more likely to be handled informally or with a light sentence.
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Getting Arrested
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In some cases, juveniles will be arrested, processed and taken to juvenile jail. In other cases, juveniles will receive a citation like a traffic ticket, be sent home with a warning or the officer might speak with a juvenile's parents.
Sentencing
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The process between arrest and sentencing is long and varied. In most states, a first offense results in some kind of diversion program. A juvenile will be instructed to take some education on the dangers and realities of drug and alcohol use. This might not be accompanied with some kind of community service.
If the police leave punishment in the hands of school administrators, juveniles can expect detention, suspension or expulsion for drug or alcohol use at school. This can have serious effects on your grades. Whatever the case, juveniles can expect stiffer penalties for repeat offenses, up to and including jail time.
After Sentencing
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In most cases, juveniles will be required to attend classes, undergo probation or be on parole. These situations will likely last several months or even a year or two.
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