If you’re facing drug charges, no matter how small, a conviction can end in serious consequences that impact your life for years. Even just being arrested can create problems with your finances, employment, and social life. Understanding just how serious your situation is can help you avoid making things worse.
Get a lawyer fast
The first thing you need to do is get a lawyer. Never face drug charges alone. Even if you think your situation will be resolved quickly or that you can clear it up as a misunderstanding, you need a lawyer. Without a lawyer, you’re vulnerable. The prosecutor will fight hard to get you the maximum allowable sentence, and you might not even be offered a plea deal. If you do get a plea offer, there’s a good chance it won’t be favorable.
On the other hand, when you have an attorney, they’ll create a strong defense, and the prosecutor will be more likely to offer you a fair deal. A good lawyer will protect your rights, challenge evidence, and negotiate with the prosecution, all while helping you avoid self-incrimination. A lawyer will also provide you with guidance and reassurance throughout the process and help you make informed decisions.
Employment and economic consequences
A drug arrest or conviction won’t end after you’ve been sentenced. In many cases, it impacts job prospects, housing, and economic opportunities well into the future. For example, your conviction will show up on background checks, and your opportunities for employment may be limited due to workplace policies and licensing board regulations.
A criminal conviction can disqualify you from positions in certain industries like healthcare, education, transportation, and government. Certain professional licenses require clean records, and if you already hold a license, it could be suspended. Beyond jobs, a conviction can impact your eligibility for public housing and federal student aid.
The social impact of a drug conviction
In addition to legal consequences, drug charges tend to strain personal relationships and disrupt social connections. Convictions can also lead to isolation and long-term psychological stress. For example, if you have a child, being incarcerated will negatively impact your partner and your child. If they depend on your income, the situation will hurt their financial stability.
If you’re convicted of a felony drug charge, you could lose the right to vote and you’ll have to deal with the stigma that comes with a drug conviction. Once you serve your time, it won’t be easy to reintegrate into society.
There will be collateral consequences
Once you get through your jail time and fines, you’ll face some additional consequences that are often underestimated. For example, your driver’s license might be suspended automatically, even if your conviction didn’t involve a vehicle. In New Jersey, any drug conviction comes with a mandatory license suspension of six months to two years. After a felony conviction, federal law prohibits you from possessing a firearm. There’s also a chance you might lose eligibility for food stamps or housing assistance.
What to do if you’re facing drug charges
If you’re up against drug charges, there’s no shortcut out of your situation, but there are strategic steps you can take to protect your future and minimize long-term harm.
- Know your rights. Exercise your right to remain silent and request a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything, even if you think it’s just polite conversation.
- Hire a competent lawyer. You need an experienced attorney to negotiate a deal and advise you on realistic outcomes for your case.
- Explore alternative sentencing options. A diversion or treatment program might be available instead of incarceration. If you qualify, your lawyer will fight hard to get you into an alternative program.
- Understand the implications of a plea agreement. A plea agreement will have you plead guilty to a lesser charge, usually in exchange for a lighter sentence. Never accept a plea deal without consulting a lawyer.
- Plan for your future. Talk with your lawyer about possible expungement and reintegration strategies while you can. This will be important for planning your future after your case is resolved.
Facing drug charges is stressful, but being proactive and leaning on your lawyer for support can make a massive difference in the outcome of your case and your future prospects.
Drug charges are serious – don’t let your guard down
Drug charges are far more serious than most people realize. A conviction can negatively impact your freedom, livelihood, family relationships, and reputation for many years after your case is resolved. That’s why it’s critical to treat your situation seriously and hire a qualified attorney to represent you.
The choices you make today will influence the rest of your life.
