Don't think teen cocaine use is a serious problem? The legal consequences of a teen caught with cocaine can destroy the brightest future.

When teens begin experimenting with cocaine use, they often convince themselves that there is nothing to be concerned about. These teens believe that even if they are caught with drugs, they would get a slap on the wrist and continue through life undisturbed. This assumption is completely wrong. The consequences of a teen caught with cocaine can be severe and life-changing. Teens convicted of carrying cocaine or other drug possession charges can permanently lose access to programs and opportunities, costing them their chance for a better life.

Life consequences of teen caught with cocaine

If a teen is caught with cocaine or other drugs, he or she will face a range of consequences that can have a long-term impact on the ability to succeed. Teens caught with drugs may end up:

* Banned from sports or other teams

* Refused membership in certain organizations

* Kicked out of school

* Unable to get college aid

* Losing college loans or scholarships

* Unable to get higher paying jobs

* Unable to qualify for housing

* With a criminal record

* Sentenced to jail, or locked up in state or federal prison

Drug possession charges for minors

Depending on the circumstances, teens can be charged for drug possession according to federal, state, and/or local laws. Information about each state's laws on drug possession can be found on the state government's website. Federal penalties may be getting much harsher, if mandatory sentencing guidelines are implemented again. With mandatory sentences, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are - the consequences of a teen caught with cocaine or other drugs will be severe. Right now, drug possession charges for minors can result in one of the following sentences:

* Drug counseling - Teens may be ordered into drug counseling, along with family members in some cases

* Probation - Teens may be given probation for six months or more, often with mandatory drug testing and community service. If they fail drug tests or fail to complete community service, they may be ordered into detention.

* Diversion - Some states may allow a first-time offender to attend drug counseling instead of facing sentencing, with charges dropped if the teen completes treatment.

* Detention - The court may order a teen into detention for drug possession, in either a juvenile home or juvenile detention center. This typically occurs if the drug possession charge is combined with other charges, such as robbery or intent to distribute.

What happens if teens are caught with drugs in school?

Penalties can be severe if minors are caught with drugs in school. If teens take cocaine or other drugs before going to school and do not bring the substance on school grounds, they can still be caught with drugs in school through random drug tests. Schools have the right to perform random drug tests on anyone who participate in competitive extracurricular activities, such as football, soccer, or cheerleading. That means that teens don't have to do anything suspicious in order to be tested, and these tests can occur with no prior notice. Schools can suspend teens caught with drugs, forbid them from participating in extracurricular activities, or even expel them. Many schools have adopted a "no tolerance" policy in regards to drugs, meaning any student will be instantly expelled if they are caught with drugs.

What happens if teens are caught with drugs in college?

In addition to legal penalties such as fines, jail time, and probation, the consequences of teen caught with cocaine or other drugs can be the end of college dreams. On FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms, students must indicate if they have been convicted of drug crimes. There is an additional eligibility process students must then go through. Some may be denied aid or only receive partial aid. If students are in a work/study program or receive federal aid and are caught with drugs, they could lose their aid. Some schools will not let students apply for scholarships or grants if they have been convicted of a drug crime.