Utah Juvenile Drug Charges

It is illegal for a Utah juvenile to intentionally or knowingly possess controlled substances like: methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, or any controlled substances that are illegal without a valid prescription. Possession of a Controlled Substance may include not only direct possession, but also constructive possession.

A prosecutor may argue that under the constructive possession theory, the minor may not have actually possessed drugs on his or her person, but had control over the drugs.  For example, the drugs were in the minor’s coat and the coat was near the minor, and the minor knew the drugs were in the coat.

It is essential that you contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney about what a prosecutor needs to prove in a drug possession case. In some of the district courts in Utah, specialized drug courts have been set up that emphasize treatment and rehabilitation over punishment. The drug courts are widely recognized as being very successful in turning people’s lives around once a drug problem has been identified.