Section 21 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance provides that an adult who induces a minor to use a dangerous drug, gives it to the minor, sells it to the minor, or solicits the minor to obtain or use a drug, is liable to up to 25 years' imprisonment.
The most serious offense in the Drugs Ordinance
Section 21 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance provides that an adult who induces a minor to use a dangerous drug, gives it to the minor, sells it to the minor, or solicits the minor to obtain or use a drug, is liable to up to 25 years' imprisonment. This is the most severe penalty in the entire Ordinance, even more severe than drug trafficking, and it reflects the legislature's position: harming minors through drugs is a crime of the highest order.
How easy it is to fall within the scope of the offense
The offense does not require a classic "dealer": a young adult aged 18 and a half who passes a joint to a friend aged 17.5 at a party ostensibly fulfills the elements of the offense. In mixed groups of young people around age 18, the line of majority cuts across the group, and any transfer of a drug from an adult to a minor, even between friends, even for free, is inducing a minor. These are cases in which normative young people find themselves facing a charge carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.
What determines the actual outcome?
The courts distinguish between a systematic instigator who exploits minors and a one-time sharing between people close in age: the age gaps, the initiative behind the transfer, the consideration, the quantity of the drug, and the relationship between the parties. In less severe cases, it may be possible to seek conversion of the charge to a regular drug offense, more lenient plea arrangements, and at times even conclude the case without a conviction, but this requires proper handling from the very first investigation: a sweeping confession given without understanding its significance closes doors.
Legal representation
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents young adults and adults in cases of inducing a minor to use drugs, from the investigation through the main proceeding. Contact for an initial consultation without obligation before giving a statement.
The most serious offense under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance — what is important to know?
Section 21 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance provides that an adult who induces a minor to use a dangerous drug, gives it to the minor, sells it to the minor, or solicits the minor to obtain or use a drug, is liable to up to 25 years' imprisonment. This is the most severe penalty in the entire Ordinance, even more severe than drug trafficking, and it reflects the legislature's position: harming minors through drugs is a crime of the highest order.
How easy is it to fall within the scope of the offense — what is important to know?
The offense does not require a classic "dealer": a young adult aged 18 and a half who passes a joint to a friend aged 17. 5 at a party ostensibly fulfills the elements of the offense. In mixed groups of young people around age 18, the line of majority cuts through the group, and any transfer of a drug from an adult to a minor, even between friends, even for free, is inducing a minor. These are cases in which normative young people find themselves facing a charge carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years' imprisonment.
What determines the actual outcome?
The courts distinguish between a systematic instigator who exploits minors and a one-time sharing between people close in age: the age gaps, the initiative behind the transfer, the consideration, the quantity of the drug, and the relationship between the parties. In less severe cases, it may be possible to seek conversion of the charge to a regular drug offense, more lenient plea arrangements, and at times even conclude the case without a conviction, but this requires proper handling from the very first investigation: a sweeping confession given without understanding its significance closes doors.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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