Juvenile Drug Crimes

Respected Boston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Committed to Protecting the Rights of Massachusetts Youth

If your child is facing drug charges in Massachusetts, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure what steps to take next. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we understand how serious a juvenile drug charge can be—and how important it is to protect your child’s future. As a seasoned Boston juvenile drug crimes lawyer, Attorney Murphy defends young people accused of drug offenses and works to keep these mistakes from defining their lives.

Common Drug Charges Filed Against Juveniles in Massachusetts

Juveniles can be charged with many of the same drug offenses as adults. While the consequences may be handled differently, the charges themselves are often just as serious. Some of the most common juvenile drug offenses include:

• Possession of a controlled substance such as marijuana, cocaine, or prescription pills without a valid prescription
• Possession with intent to distribute, even if the quantity is small or there is no actual sale
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, including pipes, grinders, or rolling papers
• Distribution or drug trafficking, especially when it involves school zones or repeated offenses

Many of these charges fall under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, which governs controlled substances and outlines the penalties based on the type and quantity of the drug involved.

How Juvenile Drug Cases Are Handled in Massachusetts

Juvenile drug charges are typically filed in the Juvenile Court, not the District Court. This distinction matters. The juvenile system in Massachusetts focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. However, that doesn’t mean the case will go away on its own. A judge may still impose serious consequences, especially if there is a prior record or the charge involves distribution.

The court process usually includes a summons for arraignment, a pretrial hearing, and possibly a trial or disposition hearing. Diversion programs may be available for first-time offenders, but these are not automatic. You’ll need to make a strong case for your child’s participation.

The Risks of a Juvenile Drug Conviction

Even though juvenile records are not public, they can still have long-term consequences:

• A juvenile drug charge may impact college admissions or financial aid eligibility
• The charge could affect scholarships, especially for student-athletes
• Involvement with the juvenile court system can result in probation, drug testing, or even detention
• A finding of delinquency could lead to commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS)

If your child is later charged with another offense as an adult, a juvenile record may influence how that case is handled.

Building a Strong Defense for Your Child

When defending against juvenile drug charges, Attorney Murphy evaluates not just the legal issues—but also the broader impact on your child’s development and goals. Some defenses that may apply in these cases include:

• Illegal search and seizure: If the police found the drugs during an unlawful search, the evidence may be excluded.
• Lack of knowledge: The drugs may have belonged to someone else, and your child didn’t know they were present.
• Diversion eligibility: For first-time offenders, programs focused on education and recovery may be a better option than prosecution.
• Substance abuse evaluation and treatment: Voluntarily entering treatment can sometimes help reduce the severity of the outcome.

As a Boston juvenile drug crimes lawyer, Attorney Murphy can also negotiate directly with prosecutors and probation officers to seek alternatives that avoid formal findings of delinquency.

What Parents Should Know Right Away

If your child is facing drug charges, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Don’t wait to get legal help. Early intervention can lead to better results.
• Avoid discussing the case without a lawyer present, especially with police or school staff.
• Preserve any relevant evidence like texts, photos, or videos that could help show what really happened.
• Stay involved. The juvenile system requires parental participation, and judges often want to see a strong family support system.

Speak With a Boston Juvenile Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

Juvenile drug charges can derail your child’s future if not handled carefully. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we treat every case as an opportunity to protect—not punish—young people. With over 27 years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Murphy brings a calm, strategic, and experienced voice to the courtroom and helps families move forward.

If your child has been accused of a drug offense, don’t leave their future to chance. Call today to speak with a Boston juvenile drug crimes lawyer who will fight for a fair outcome and work to keep your child on track. You can reach the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy at (617) 367-0450 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation.