Question: What is Methamphetamine?

Answer: Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant that is manufactured in illegal labs under dangerous conditions. The manufacture of methamphetamine has a severe impact on the environment. The production of one pound of methamphetamine releases poisonous gas into the atmosphere and creates 5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste. Many laboratory operators dump the toxic waste down household drains, in fields and yards, or on rural roads causing dangerous conditions for anyone coming in contact with the waste. Effects of usage include addiction, psychotic behavior, brain damage, extensive tooth decay, open sores on the body, and an overall decrease in the quality of life.

Question: What happens if I get caught with this stuff?

Answer:   Arizona law classifies methamphetamine as a dangerous drug (ARS 13-3401) and makes it a crime to knowingly use, possess, buy, sell, transport, or manufacture. It is also a crime to possess the equipment or chemicals to manufacture Methamphetamine. (ARS 13-3407). The criminal penalties for violation of the laws are harsh and include significant prison time and fines. (ARS 13-712).

Question: Can I be arrested for not going to school?

Answer: It is against the law for anyone between the ages of 6 and 16 not to attend school.  There are some exceptions through excused absences, home school, etc. but even if you miss just one class period without an excuse, you are considered truant.

If you miss school a lot (5 days, unexcused) you are considered to be habitually truant (ARS 15-803). An attendance officer can enforce this law. The officer can give you a ticket requiring you and a parent to appear before an official of the court. (ARS 15-805) If you are habitually truant you could be put on probation, have your driver's license taken away, or have to attend counseling or educational classes. (ARS 8-323)

Question: What if I have alcohol but did not buy it myself?

Answer: A person who is under the legal drinking age and who asks another person to purchase, sell, give, serve or furnish liquor contrary to law is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

Question: If I got busted with weed what is the worst thing that could happen?

Answer:  If you are under 18 and prosecuted in juvenile court, you can be placed on probation or sent to the Juvenile Detention Center until you turn 18, and your driver's license may be suspended until you become 18. It can leave a felony on your record, which may later affect your ability to get scholarships, federal benefits like tuition loans and housing assistance, or jobs requiring security clearance. The military also has strict rules about accepting candidates with drug histories. You may be unable to enlist unless the army thinks enough time has passed and you are no longer a high risk to abuse illegal substances again. If you are 18 and over you will be prosecuted as an adult, the court must place you on probation and require that you attend substance abuse counseling. It can leave you with a felony record, which has many of the same consequences as those listed above. If you reject probation, you can be required to serve time in jail

Question: What will happen if I am caught with alcohol while I'm not driving and I have a clean record? How long will this stay on my permanent record?

Answer: The legal drinking age in Arizona is 21 years. However, a person is an adult at 18. If you are over the age of 18 in possession of alcohol you will be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced. If you are under the age of 18 you will be dealt with at the discretion of the arresting officer. If you are intoxicated, you will not be left by yourself. Your parents will be called, and if they are not available you will be taken to a juvenile facility. There will be questions as to how you got the alcohol. If you bought it with a fake ID, this is another misdemeanor. If you solicited someone else to buy it, this is a misdemeanor and is more serious. You can lose your drivers' license or at the very least you may have to wait longer to get one. If you have applied for a guaranteed tuition scholarship for college in Arizona, you may lose this scholarship for being convicted of being a minor and having alcohol in possession

How long a misdemeanor stays on your record depends upon whether you are actually charged, or merely picked up and sent home. (This depends upon the arresting officer, and may depend upon whether you are actually very drunk, or merely have a beer in your hand.) It depends upon whether you are a juvenile (under 18) at the time of your arrest, or are an adult. It depends upon whether your record stays clean following the arrest.

These are some of the legal things for kids to know. However, there are lots of extra things you might want to consider before you do something dumb, like how your family and friends will feel when they know you've been charged with a crime, or whether you will get anyone else in trouble at the same time you are cited.

You may think you will be a hero but will be shocked when you are avoided by friends and scared if you have to spend time in jail. If you love your family and value your friends and your future, before you proceed, take heed, be cool, stay in school, stay alive, don't drink and drive. Feel in need? Don’t turn to weed; ask for hugs, and avoid the drugs. You’re still in doubt? Give us a shout, we are here to help!

The staff of the Marana Municipal Court