When your child is accused of a drug or alcohol offense in Riverside County, the first thing you need is clarity, protection, and an experienced defense lawyer who understands how juvenile cases are handled from both sides of the courtroom.
Call: (951) 276-8900
for Criminal Defense Help in Riverside County
Attorney John L. Michels has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience and previously served as a Riverside County prosecutor, including time assigned to a special juvenile prosecution unit. That background gives families a powerful advantage because he understands how prosecutors evaluate juvenile drug and alcohol allegations, what evidence matters, and how to pursue outcomes that protect your child’s future.
Depending on the facts, some juvenile drug and alcohol cases may qualify for diversion, informal supervision, or another resolution focused on rehabilitation rather than long-term punishment. John L. Michels reviews whether the minor may be eligible for a juvenile diversion option, whether the case can be handled without a sustained petition, and whether the allegations can be reduced, challenged, or dismissed.
Juvenile Drug Offenses We Defend Against
Juvenile drug cases are often described as penal code violations, but many of the most common drug-related violation codes are actually found in the California Health and Safety Code. These cases still bring the minor into juvenile court and should be taken seriously by parents, even when the allegation seems minor.
H&S 11357 — Possession of Cannabis or Marijuana
This type of juvenile drug allegation may involve marijuana, concentrated cannabis, THC vape pens, edibles, or other cannabis products. These cases often begin after a school search, a traffic stop, a party, or another encounter where law enforcement or school officials claim the minor possessed cannabis.
H&S 11350 — Possession of a Controlled Substance
This type of juvenile drug charge may involve allegations that a minor possessed prescription pills, narcotics, or another controlled substance without lawful authority. These cases often begin after drugs are allegedly found in a backpack, bedroom, vehicle, or personal property during a school search, traffic stop, or law enforcement investigation.
H&S 11377 — Possession of Methamphetamine or Certain Controlled Substances
This type of juvenile drug allegation is often associated with methamphetamine, ecstasy, or other controlled substances covered under California law. These cases may turn on whether the minor knowingly possessed the substance, whether the search was lawful, and whether the prosecution can prove what the substance actually was.
H&S 11550 — Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
A minor may be accused of being under the influence of drugs based on law enforcement observations, school reports, physical symptoms, field testing, toxicology results, or statements made during an investigation. These cases require careful review because the evidence may rely heavily on subjective observations, incomplete reports, or assumptions about the minor’s behavior.
H&S 11364 — Drug Paraphernalia
Juvenile drug paraphernalia allegations may involve pipes, smoking devices, vape-related items, or other objects law enforcement claims were connected to unlawful drug use. These charges often appear alongside marijuana, THC vape, prescription pill, or controlled substance allegations.
John L. Michels defends minors against juvenile drug charges by examining how the evidence was found, whether the search was lawful, whether the minor made any statements, whether the substance was properly identified, and whether diversion or dismissal may be available.
Juvenile Alcohol Offenses We Defend Against
Juvenile alcohol offenses can create serious consequences for a minor and immediate concerns for parents, especially when the case involves underage drinking, a fake ID, alcohol in a vehicle, public intoxication, or driving after consuming alcohol. These cases may begin with a school incident, a traffic stop, a party, or contact with law enforcement in a public place.
B&P 25662 — Minor in Possession of Alcohol
This is one of the most common underage alcohol violations in California. A minor may be cited under B&P 25662 when accused of possessing alcohol on a street, highway, in a public place, or in a place open to the public. These cases often begin after law enforcement contact at a public event, near a vehicle, outside a gathering, or in another setting where officers claim the minor had alcohol in their possession or control.
B&P 25658 — Purchasing, Consuming, or Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
This section may apply when a minor is accused of purchasing alcohol or consuming alcohol at a licensed location, such as a bar, restaurant, or event venue. It can also apply in cases involving allegations that someone sold, furnished, gave, or helped provide alcohol to a person under 21. In juvenile and underage alcohol cases, John L. Michels reviews the circumstances of the police contact, where the alleged conduct occurred, who provided the alcohol, and whether the charge can be challenged, reduced, or resolved through a favorable outcome.
B&P 25661 — Fake ID for Alcohol
A minor may be accused under B&P 25661 when law enforcement claims they used, presented, or possessed false identification to order, purchase, attempt to purchase, or otherwise obtain alcohol. These cases should be taken seriously because a fake ID allegation can create court consequences, school concerns, and other issues that may affect the minor’s future.
VC 23224 — Alcohol in a Vehicle by a Person Under 21
A minor may be accused under VC 23224 when law enforcement claims they knowingly drove a vehicle carrying alcohol or knowingly possessed or controlled alcohol as a passenger. These cases often involve traffic stops, parked vehicles, parties, or group situations where officers claim alcohol was found in the vehicle.
VC 23136 — Under 21 Driving With a BAC of 0.01% or Higher
California’s zero-tolerance law can apply when an underage driver has even a very low blood alcohol level. John L. Michels helps families address the charge, the evidence, and any driver’s license consequences that may follow.
VC 23140 — Under 21 Driving With a BAC of 0.05% or Higher
This charge may apply when an underage driver is accused of driving with a BAC of 0.05% or higher. John L. Michels helps families respond quickly to protect the minor’s rights, driving privileges, and future.
VC 23152 — DUI Involving Alcohol, Drugs, or Both
A minor may face a DUI allegation when law enforcement claims alcohol, drugs, or both affected their ability to drive safely. John L. Michels works to protect the minor’s rights, license, record, and future.
PC 647(f) — Public Intoxication
A minor may face a public intoxication allegation when accused of being under the influence in a public place and unable to care for their own safety or the safety of others. We review the evidence, police contact, and circumstances behind the arrest to protect the minor’s record and future.
John L. Michels helps parents understand what the minor is facing, what defenses may apply, and whether the case can be handled through diversion, reduction, dismissal, or another favorable resolution.
Call John L. Michels for Juvenile Drug and Alcohol Defense in Riverside County
If your child has been accused of a juvenile drug or alcohol offense in Riverside County, the decisions you make early can affect the entire case. John L. Michels has built a strong reputation for protecting clients in serious criminal matters, and his background as a former prosecutor gives him valuable insight into how the other side evaluates evidence, charges, negotiations, and diversion opportunities.
The Law Offices of John L. Michels represents minors and families in juvenile and criminal matters throughout Riverside County, including cases connected to the Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Banning, and Indio courts. Whether your child is facing marijuana possession, drug possession, drug paraphernalia, minor in possession of alcohol, fake ID, alcohol in a vehicle, public intoxication, underage DUI, or another juvenile drug or alcohol allegation, call (951) 276-8900 for immediate criminal defense help.
