How much trouble can they get into?

Warning: This is basic information and cannot replace proper legal advice.
For more detailed information see Drugs and the Law

Basic facts:

• You can be arrested for possessing any class of drugs (A, B or C) which have not been prescribed to you by a doctor. For more information (see What are these Drugs? The detail)
  
  
• You may be cautioned or charged depending on the drug, the quantity, its packaging, where you are going with it, or if you are carrying large sums of money
  
  
• “Intent to supply” is a serious offence. The maximum jail sentences for conviction are, life for Class A drugs, five years for Class C
  
  
• It's illegal to grow or produce drugs, including cannabis, even for your own consumption. Cannabis, now reclassified to Class C, is still illegal
  



• A caution can be given for a first offence for possession. Under 18’s don't get an official caution. There's a three stage process: reprimand, warning, prosecution
  


• It's illegal to sell alcohol to under-18’s or tobacco to under–16’s, and for anyone to assist them in their procurement
  


• It's not illegal for under-18’s to drink alcohol or under-16’s to smoke, unless they are in prohibited or controlled places which may include public spaces, restaurants and licensed premises. Under-18’s who drink in public can have the alcohol confiscated, and the issue reported to their parents
  
  
• The age of criminal responsibility at which a child is subject to the juvenile justice process is 10, but its application may vary with the circumstances
  
  
• Your child can be prosecuted, if over the age of 10, for offences related to drugs
  
  
• Your child has a right to remain silent if arrested. Trying to talk their way out of the situation without legal advice can further incriminate them. “I was only buying it for someone else”, can translate as being a “pusher”
  


• If your child is over 17 and is arrested they may be offered an assessment with a drugs worker



• If a child over 17 is arrested, a drug test can be carried out for any offence. Refusal carries a fine of £2000. This may be extended to under-17’s in the future