My son started taking drugs at the young age of 15. He was caught red handed with a supply at the age of 19 and brought to Court. The case was postponed on the day and he left the country before an alternative date was set. He has since attended rehab for a year, has a regular job and his boss is pleased with him. He has not set foot in Ireland since but the fear and stress of the whole experience has taken its toll on his health and mine and I fear for his mental health in particular. Is this a life sentence or is there any hope that he can visit Ireland ever again?
It is certainly not a life sentences but the penalties imposed can be quite harsh. Do you know exactly what he was charged with?. The matter will have to be dealt with on his return and he may well do some custodial time
Do you require further detail. Please specify
I've read your answer and replied but reply seems to have got lost ineither. I guess he was to be charged with 'possession with intent tosupply' even though the friends were the recipients and the case arose froma 'set up' in order for some person to get more lenient sentence.As free legal aid was availed of (a big mistake but hindsight is a greatthing) he/we were ill prepared for Court. The juvenile deliquent officerhad told us he'd recommend his return to school and his return to resideat his home but this was not received by us.I do fear for his future as it's very hard to survive in the world outsidebut I can't see him survive a custodial sentence. Drug addiction does notinculcate a survival mode. I guess his choices are to stay away for everand always in fear or come home and hand himself in to authorities.appreciate your reply. May God bless your work.
Essentially you have summed it up exactly. If he comes back he will have to face up to charges and deal with the consequences. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that he will serve a custodial sentence. Depending on the mitigating factors he may not go to prison