Drug and Alcohol Use Often Fuels Juvenile Crimes In Daytona Beach
Parents are often perplexed and heartbroken when their otherwise smart and loving children engage in certain types of activities or behaviors that put them on the wrong side of the law. Juvenile crime is a common problem in Daytona Beach and can result in serious penalties. In many of these cases, alcohol and drug use is involved.
The Impacts Of Teen Alcohol And Drug Use In Volusia County
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is held each year at the end of March. It aims at raising awareness about the dangers substance use and abuse poses to teenagers. Drug and alcohol have major impacts on teens, with common effects that include:
- General declines in physical health and increased risk of illness and infections;
- Declines in mental health, leading to personality changes that often involve depression, increased anxiety, and fits of rage;
- Developmental impacts, causing them to do poorly in school;
- Social impacts, causing them to lose interest in their favorite activities and to isolate from family and friends.
According to a report from the Florida Department of Health, more than a third of all teens in Volusia County admit to experimenting with drugs and alcohol on a regular basis. In addition to the above impacts, substance use also results in serious lapses in judgement among teens. This makes them more likely to escalate their drug and alcohol intake, as well as to engage in other dangerous and destructive behaviors. They are more likely to be involved in accidents, which can leave them and others suffering serious personal injuries. They are also more likely to engage in illegal activities, resulting in serious criminal charges.
Drugs and Alcohol Fuel Juvenile Crimes
Using alcohol and drugs in general puts young people at risk of facing criminal charges in Daytona Beach. Underage drinking and drug possession could leave them facing heavy fines, mandatory community service, and possible detention in juvenile facilities.
Unfortunately, the compulsion to obtain these substances and the ways being under the influence impacts their behavior can lead them to commit even more serious offenses with heavier criminal penalties. According to the federal Office of Justice Programs (OJP), common types of juvenile crimes fueled by drug and alcohol use include:
- Assault and other violent offenses;
- Burglary, shoplifting, and other theft charges;
- Destruction of public or private property;
- Drug sales and distribution;
- Prostitution;
- Sexual harassment and assault;
- Vehicular homicide.
These are all serious criminal charges in Daytona Beach that could result in adult penalties if juvenile offenders are convicted.
Contact Us Today for Help
At Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., we know how heartbreaking it is for parents to watch their children throw away their future due to drug and alcohol problems. When substance abuse puts them at odds with the law, you can count on us to provide the trusted legal guidance and professional representation needed to protect them. Reach out and call or contact our Daytona Beach juvenile offense attorneys online and request a confidential consultation today.
