The topic about drugs is a sensitive one, and is best handled by someone with authority. The family is the basic form of a community wherein parents can be considered as figures of authority by the young community members the children. When someone with authority gives a discussion about a certain topic, especially drugs and drug penalties, their words are given credence and due acceptance by the individuals who listen to them.
Thus, as a parent, you have the important role of effectively relaying what are the consequences of drug use for your children and guiding them to become responsible and law-abiding citizens when they grow up.
Parents are the first teachers
Parents are the primary teachers and resource persons of their children. From the moment your children were born, they have instinctively held on to you and looked at you for guidance. That is why you also have the authority to discuss about topics that can be quite sensitive, but are also necessary for the sake of their growth as individuals. The problem about drug abuse is a relevant topic that needs to be discussed with due discretion and careful explanation. As a parent, you need to consider the age of your children and discuss the terms and situations pertaining to drugs and drug penalties in an age-appropriate manner. Avoid technical terms for now and use understandable alternative terms like jail instead of prison, jail time instead of sentence and others. This way, your words of advice and caution will be effectively ingrained in their minds.
Parents are the first line of intervention
In the state of Colorado alone, there are thousands of youth facing drug charges each year, and this is a disturbing statistic. When your child is in his or her teenage years, they are more exposed to the temptations of drug use, so do your best to discuss with them the consequences and penalties of drug abuse. Show them a reliable and comprehensive resource concerning drug laws. The https://www.tranicriminaldefense.com website is among the most reliable, concise and easy to understand criminal defense websites where you can get the necessary information about drug penalties to discuss with your children. Better yet, have them sit with you as you browse through the internet and check this website and explain to them the details about drug penalties and situations that can warrant such penalties. The aim of this information drive you are conducting as a parent is not only to impart awareness about the consequences of drug abuse to your children, but also to deter them from initiating or continuing the use of illegal drugs.
Communication is a key factor in any relationship, especially parent-child relationships. Keep your communication open and constructive with your children. Allow them to ask questions and speak what’s on their minds. Being open with your communication, can gain their trust and confidence, and they will open up to you about their problems and curiosities, especially about drugs. This way, you will be the first line of intervention if you know that your child is into drugs. The sooner you know, the earlier and more effectively you can intervene and help them.
What are the penalties for juvenile drug charges?
18-13-122 CRS is the Colorado law that defines the crime of Minor in Possession (MIP). This is an offense pertaining to a person under 21 possessing or consuming alcohol, marijuana or possesses marijuana paraphernalia. While MIP is the most common juvenile offense in Colorado youth statistics, there is an alarming rise of charges related to the sale of a controlled substance. Generally, MIP is considered an unclassified petty offense and carries no jail time. Most of the times, the judge may impose the following:
- Fines
- Public service
- Substance abuse assessment and treatment.
Can an MIP charge be dismissed?
There is a possibility of having your child’s MIP charge be dismissed. These are through the completion of a diversion program or a deferred judgment.
- Diversion program this program is offered to a minor in place of a criminal action being taken against the minor. The program takes the minor out of prosecution before he/she must plead guilty or no contest. With the condition that the minor should complete the terms of the diversion program, the minor will not be prosecuted and face the potential of a criminal record.
- Deferred judgment this takes place when the minor pleads guilty or no contest, and the court does not enter a judgment of guilt. Instead, the minor is required to participate in court-ordered programs. Once the minor successfully complies with all the terms and conditions of the program, a judgment will not be entered. Thus, the case will get dismissed.
Parents should remember that drug charges are broad in scope and can range from petty offenses to felonies. To get the best possible help for your child who is involved in a drug case, seek the assistance of a capable and reliable criminal defense attorney. Choose a lawyer who will not only aggressively defend your child against the charges, but will also look after the best interests of your child both in and out of court.
One of the most painful things that can happen to any parent is when their child gets arrested on drug charges. Prevention is always the best defense to any problem, including your child’s drug problem. Thus, as early as possible, let your children know about the serious consequences of drug penalties and follow through with an open communication and monitoring. If ever your children do get into legal trouble due to drugs, you can find the best criminal defense lawyer who can protect the rights of your child both in and out of court.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Hello! In your article, you touched on a very important aspect of parenting. Parents are the first teachers because children follow their parents. It is very important to explain to the child in time the danger that may lie in wait for him in life. Drugs and alcohol are just those things that should beware first. You are truly correct that parents must understand the potential danger to their children in an understandable and confidential manner.