Maryland Teen Charged As Adult After Drug Raid

Law enforcement officials take drug crimes very seriously. That’s because drug trafficking often leads to other crimes, such as murder and other weapon-related crimes.

A recent drug raid in Maryland led to adult charges for a 17-year-old. The incident occurred on March 12 in Hurlock when the Dorchester County Narcotics Task Force executed a search and seizure warrant at a home located on Shiloh Creek Road.

The task force located the teen inside his home. There, they found evidence of drug trafficking, including 52.3 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mix, 7.1 grams of crack cocaine, a .380 caliber semi-auto pistol, ammunition, a digital scale, three cell phones and $1,160 in cash.

The teen has been charged as an adult for multiple drug and handgun crimes. He is currently held without bond.

When Teens are Tried in Adult Court

When a minor under the age of 18 is convicted of a crime, they typically go through the juvenile court system. However, in serious cases or when the child has been in trouble before, the child could be tried as an adult.

Being tried in adult court gives juveniles some legal protections, but for the most part, there are downsides. They could receive stricter punishment and be forced to spend time in a prison or adult jail, rather than a juvenile facility.

The minimum age for a child to be tried as an adult varies by state. In Maryland, juveniles can be charged as adults if they are at least 14 years old and commit a violent crime like murder or rape. For older teens —such as those who are 16 or 17 years old — they could be charged as an adult charge for less serious offenses.

However, a child who has been initially tried as an adult does not always stay in the adult system. In Maryland, an adult court can transfer a teen to a juvenile facility while the courts make a decision about how to handle the case. The reverse is also true. If your child starts out in the juvenile court system, the juvenile court has the right to let the adult court take over if the criminal charges are deemed to be serious in nature. However, a hearing needs to take place first.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

It is rare, but sometimes teens and young adults can be charged as adults for serious crimes. This happens to hundreds of children in Maryland every year. However, this punishment is not always fair. This is a harsh sentence that can affect teens’ young lives for years to come.

If this has happened to your child, make sure they get an aggressive defense. Get the legal help you need from the Columbia drug crimes lawyers at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Regardless of the situation, we can help your child get the best outcome possible. Get started with a consultation. Fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

myeasternshoremd.com/dorchester_star/community/news/teen-charged-as-adult-after-drug-raid/article_e96d7c27-7380-52a4-a01b-79c5e972495d.html

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