Interprofessional Drug Education Alliance Established 1992 IDEA Interprofessional Drug Education Alliance Established 1992

Why are we doing this? Because we care about you. Drugs can ruin your life. Knowledge is power.

If you care about: Your LIFE. Your FREEDOM. DRIVING a car someday. Playing SPORTS.

The Law, You and Drugs

What is a Juvenile? A person from between the age of 10 to 16 . When a juvenile commits criminal mischief, paints graffiti, trespasses, or possesses marijuana, a special justice system is in place to address that conduct.

Juveniles are taken into custody and handcuffed, just like adults. Are Juveniles Treated Differently for Drug and Alcohol Related Offences? Juveniles are taken into custody and handcuffed, just like adults.

HOUSTON JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER How are Juveniles Treated Differently for Drug and Alcohol Related Offenses? Juveniles who are not released to their parents are kept in a juvenile facility overnight. HOUSTON JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER

How are Juveniles Treated Differently for Drug and Alcohol Related Offences? Activities in juvenile court are different because they deal with juveniles . JUVENILE HEARING

How are Juveniles Treated Differently for Drug and Alcohol Related Offences? Studies show that up to 80% of crimes committed by juveniles are committed while the juvenile is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sentencing A juvenile court judge upon a finding of delinquency for misdemeanors has the power to: Assess probation for up age 18 at home, or Probation in the custody of the Probation Department up to age 18.

Sentencing A juvenile court judge upon a finding of delinquency for felonies has the power to: Assess probation for up age 18 at home, or Probation in the custody of the Probation Department up to age 18, or Commit to the custody to TJJD until age 19.

Sentencing A juvenile court judge or jury upon a finding of delinquency for determinate sentencing felonies of 3rd degree, 2nd degree or 1st degree has the power to: Sentence to TJJD up to 10 years for 3rd degree felonies, 20 years for 2nd degree felonies and 40 years for 1st degree felonies. If the sentence is 10 years or less the sentence can be probated.

Be careful who you hang around. Choose your friends wisely. You might be held responsible For your friend’s actions! Protect yourself!!!

What are Some of the Drug Laws? It is a crime for anyone to possess “illegal” drugs such as cocaine (including crack), heroin, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP), etc. POSSESS means to have control over in any way, whether in your pocket or purse or clothing, or in a place that is yours but shared by you with someone else.

Illegal and Legal Drugs “Illegal” Drugs: Marijuana Cocaine (including crack) Heroin Methamphetamines (Meth, “Crystal”) LSD Prescription drugs not your own (Xanax, OxyContin, Valium, Norco, Adderall) “Cush” – synthetic marijuana

Illegal and Legal Drugs “Legal” drugs which can be “Illegal”: Alcohol Tobacco Prescription drugs (Xanax, OxyContin, Norco, Valium, Methamphetamine, Adderall) , your own Certain inhalants (glue, solvents) Smokeless tobacco (snuff, chewing tobacco) Vaping liquids

What are the legal differences? Age restrictions Prescribed by a medical professional Prescribed by a medical professional for YOU Statutes relating to possession and use (drugs and alcohol) by location (schools, public places)

What are Some of the Drug Laws? YOU DON’T HAVE TO OWN THE CONTRABAND -- ONLY POSSESS IT. Even if you are just “holding” contraband for a friend, it’s a crime to possess it! This includes alcohol! (Minor in possession)

What are Some of the Drug Laws? You can be taken into custody for possession of drugs that are under your bed at home even though you are sitting here at school. It is a crime to possess drugs with the intent to distribute them to others.

What are Some of the Drug Laws? It is a crime to deliver drugs. Right now you are at the age when older teenagers and adults are likely to be asking you to work for them dealing drugs. Remember, even though those older teenagers or adults will be punished for doing that, you also will be punished for helping them – do not do it!

What are Some of the Drug Laws? In a couple of years you may want to get a driver’s license. If you are involved in a drug crime before you are 17, you will not be able to apply for your driver’s license until after your 19th birthday. If you already have a driver’s license and you are found by the court to have committed a drug offense, you will probably lose your license.

What about Drinking and Driving? People between the ages of 16 and 24 have the shortest life expectancy of any age group.

What about Drinking and Driving? Alcohol and other drugs are the primary contributors to early deaths. They impair judgment.

What about Drinking and Driving? It is against the law to drink alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. “Driving while intoxicated” (DWI) occurs: When a person behind the wheel with the engine running and has a blood alcohol level of .08 or above; When a person is driving a car and his appearance and or/manner is driving make it clear that the driver’s mental or physical ability to operate the car safely is affected.

What about Drinking and Driving? DWI is punishable by a fine and/or jail time. If DWI results in an accident and causes serious bodily injury to another, the driver may be convicted of bodily injury.

What about Drinking and Driving? If DWI results in an accident and causes the death of another, the driver may be convicted of intoxication manslaughter. The Alcoholic Beverage Code prohibits a “minor” (someone under 21) from driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in his/her system.

What about drugs and alcohol and sports or professions? Sports consequences Drug testing Bans (Steroids -Lance Armstrong) Poor Performance Death or Injury

What about drugs and alcohol and sports or professions? Professional consequences Convictions Security clearances Drivers licensing Professional licenses (teacher, doctor, lawyer, nurse) Poor performance in school

STUDENTS WHO USE MARIJUANA ARE 1 STUDENTS WHO USE MARIJUANA ARE 1.5 TO 2 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A “C” AVERAGE OR LOWER THAN STUDENTS WHO DO NOT USE MARIJUANA

STUDENTS CAN BE SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR USE, POSSESSION OR SALE OF DRUGS!

WAYS TO JUST SAY NO The Simple No: “No, thanks.” The Honest No: “No, I don’t do drugs.” or “I don’t drink alcohol.” Make an Excuse: “I can’t. I have to go meet my friends right now.” or “No, I have to get to sports practice.” Change the Subject: “No, thanks. Hey, did you see J.J. Watt’s new shoes?” You can simply walk away

Questions???

Houston Bar Association This Presentation was prepared by the Houston Bar Association. The information presented here is accurate as revised in 2016.