Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance in School

Juvenile Defense Case Study #2

Matter:

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in School, Felony Level Offense


Male Youth, 16 Years Old

Service:

N/A

Summary:

Intelligent, artistic, and sensitive young man had had a series of emotional setbacks in the 18 months prior to his detention at school for possessing prescription drugs without proper medical authority. His caring, involved parents were concerned enough to place their son in a well-respected, in-patient treatment program for stabilization and assessment. Client responded well to treatment, took appropriate direction, and began to make significant changes in conduct and behavior.

After successful discharge, and despite being expelled from his school due to the district's Zero-Tolerance guidelines, he worked hard to maintain his new sobriety and continue his education in an alternative school environment. He began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every day, obtained and began working with a sponsor, and continued work with a licensed counselor and therapist on an outpatient basis.

He also entered into a written contract with his parents which clearly spelled out their expectations and consequences for any further breaking of trust. His parents asked us to help with the legal/criminal ramifications of their son's case.

Result:

The chief prosecutor of the District Attorney's Juvenile Division in this jurisdiction declined to prosecute. No charges were filed and the matter was sent back to the police so they could close out their investigative file.

We visited with the prosecutor and prepared a presentation packet for his review, which included a summary of the client's emotional and psychological difficulties, together with a frank and forthright discussion of his addictive pattern of behavior, and what had been done to address it.

After obtaining the necessary releases, we included reports from the treatment center, and other relevant medical professionals.

Highlights:

Being able to report back to the family that criminal charges would not be pursued, and hearing the relief on the other end of the phone.

References:

Our client, his family, and the referring attorney. Call our offices at 214-363-1828 or email us at info@meililaw.com for further details and contact information.

I contacted Col. Meili as a fellow practitioner to gain some context and perspective on a pretty complex set of issues. Because I practice in a different field of law, Col. Meili's extensive expertise was invaluable and he was more than generous with his time. A skilled and dedicated professional who cares deeply about obtaining the best possible outcome for his clients, Bill's a leader in this field.

- Steffen Chapin


After an exhaustive search of military attorneys, I came across the name of Bill Meili. From my first email exchange and telephone call, I knew that Bill was the right person to handle my case. I had discussed my unique circumstance with a handful of other attorneys who felt it may be too difficult to achieve the outcome that I was seeking - but Bill was interested in me and my case, and wholeheartedly believed that we had the ball in our court. I could tell that Bill cared about me as a person and soldier, not just viewing me as a paycheck.

- Anonymous