Mary Johnston: Juvenile Drug Crime

Juvenile drug offenses including possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances may mar a minor’s criminal record, thus barring them from certain education and employment opportunities.

In addition, these types of crimes can signify a larger problem such as drug addiction for a juvenile, subsequently requiring treatment and counseling.

Juvenile Drug Crime Information Center

Common Juvenile Drug Offenses Defined
Controlled Substances in Utah Code
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Utah
Utah’s Drug Court

Common Juvenile Drug Offenses Defined

Possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances- §58-37-8

Under Utah code it is unlawful for an individual to produce, manufacture, dispense, possess, or intent to produce, manufacture, dispense, or possess a controlled or counterfeit substance, or to engage in a criminal enterprise.

Unlawful purchase, possession, consumption by minor- Measurable amounts in body- §32B- 4-409

Unless otherwise specified under Utah Code, it is unlawful for a minor to do the following:

Buy alcoholic products;
Attempt to buy alcoholic products;
Solicit another person to buy alcoholic products;
Possess alcoholic products;
Consume alcoholic products;
Have measurable blood, breath, or urine alcohol content in the body;
Consume alcohol while riding in a limousine or chartered bus;
Misrepresent his or her age for the purpose of obtaining alcohol; or
For any other person to misrepresent a minor’s age for the purpose of obtaining alcohol.

Controlled Substances in Utah Code

Utah code §58-37-4 lists a number of illegal controlled substances. Listed below are some of the most common controlled substances included in drug crimes.

Stimulants (Amphetamine, Methylphenidate, Dexmethylphenidate, etc.)
Marijuana
Heroin
Other opiates
Cocaine
Tranquilizers
Sedatives
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
PCP

This is not an exhaustive list of controlled substances under Utah code. The Utah Controlled Substance Act provides a complete list of illegal substances.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Utah

Penalties for juvenile drug crimes vary depending on the facts of the case including the age of the accused, the amount of the substance, and whether this is a first-time offense.

Some penalties for these crimes committed by a juvenile include completion of an educational series or substance abuse treatment; and suspending driving privileges; and imprisonment.

Utah’s Drug Court

Under §78A-5-2, Utah’s Drug Court program offers a more rehabilitative alternative to jail or prison time.

This program is an intensive court-supervised drug treatment. Upon a juvenile’s successful completion of the drug court program, he or she may be able to have charges dropped or reduced.

As a participant in this program, juvenile offenders and their families are required to attend weekly court hearings, attend treatment, and complete community service. However, these activities may vary depending on the individual.

Utah Law Enforcement Teams With Zombies To Send Anti-DUI Message

With Halloween just a day away, it seems like everyone is getting into the spirit. This includes law enforcement agencies here in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. It will probably come as no surprise that police plan to increase anti-drunk-driving efforts during Halloween (and perhaps in the weekend following it).

But what is surprising is how they’ll be going about it, and who they have enlisted to help. According to a recent article in the Salt Lake Tribune, law enforcement is teaming up with a group called “Zombies Against Drunk Driving” to deliver their safety message in memorable and Halloween-themed manner. And yes, ZADD is apparently a real group.

Police say that campaigns to reduce drunk driving in recent years seem to be paying off. Utah had 217 traffic fatalities last year, and just 20 were related to alcohol impairment. However, Halloween continues to be a dangerous time. The Utah Highway Patrol says that over a 10-year period, 34 people have died around the Halloween holiday.

Commenting on upcoming enforcement efforts, a UHP sergeant noted that “It’s a great holiday for trick-or-treating and for adults to socialize at costume parties . . . But it can turn deadly or tragic because someone [drove under the influence].”

The police-zombie collaboration apparently consists of both groups being present at local bars and other public areas in order to spread the anti-drunk-driving safety message in a lead-up to the holiday. Other law enforcement efforts will include a series of DUI checkpoints on and around Halloween. These checkpoints will presumably result in some drug charges as well as drunk-driving arrests.

Whether or not you’re scared of zombies, the roads will be more dangerous in the coming days. This includes legal dangers as well as dangers related to car accidents. If you plan to celebrate Halloween with alcohol or drugs, please do so safely by arranging for sober transportation in advance.

Free Consultation with Juvenile Drug Crime Lawyer

If you need a juvenile lawyer for a criminal case, please call the experienced and compassionate lawyers at Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.