Drugs & Law

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5. Conclusion

  • Upon review of the many consequences of being arrested and charged with an offence, it should give you cause to think before you act. Consider whether all these consequences are worth possessing illegal drugs, or hitting or threatening a person in a moment of anger. Another factor to consider is the many people that are affected by your actions.

  • Your parents may have to pay for a lawyer, your brothers and sisters may be teased because of what you have done, and further your own reputation will be affected. As stated earlier, a criminal record can affect your ability to do so many things and it is unfortunate when a moment of anger or revenge comes back to affect something you want to do years later.

  • Think before you act and make good decisions. As has been stated several times, make sure the decisions you make are good decisions for yourself and not what others want you to do, but if you know it is wrong, consider the potential consequences first. Good friends do not ask friends to break the law.

 

Information for parents and guardians

Police Officers from the Toronto Police Service (TPS) may visit your child’s school to speak to the students on the topic of Youth, Drugs and the Law. If your child asks to speak with you about what he/she learned, these are the key points of the presentation:

  • Good decisions can affect the rest of a young person's life. • Drugs can be found in homes and schools or at parties or raves.

  • The most likely person to introduce illegal drugs to young people is someone they know (e.g., friend or older sibling).

  • The most commonly used drugs are tobacco, alcohol, illegal street drugs, prescription and over the counter drugs.

  • Penalties for drug-related offences include fines, drivers licence suspensions, imprisonment and suspensions or expulsions from school.

  • Penalties for Young Offenders (12 - 17 years old) may include arrest, probation, community service, fines, curfews or treatment. If a youth is arrested and charged with an offence, the police & school principal or vice principal will contact the parents/guardian.

  • A Young Offender who commits a violent crime may be dealt with in an adult court.

  • A youth criminal record lasts for 5 years. It can affect work opportunities and travel to other countries.

 

Visit the TPS web site at www.torontopolice.ca for more information. This document was developed in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board to enhance your child's learning about drug awareness, youth & the law.

 

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Drugs Desciptions and Effects

Select a drug from the drop down menu to get more information from National Institute on Drug Abuse at drugabuse.gov :