How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Your Life
If you were recently charged with drug possession, you may feel overwhelmed and scared about your future. Even if this is the first time you have been arrested for drug possession, it can negatively affect your life. It’s important to discuss your legal options with a qualified criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are some different ways a drug conviction can impact your life.
Reduce Employment Opportunities
If you have a drug possession on your record, one of the biggest obstacles you may face is finding employment. Many employers do background checks nowadays and may be reluctant to hire someone with a drug conviction. You may especially have a tough time getting a position in industries like law enforcement, nursing and driving.
Limit Rental Opportunities
With a drug conviction, you may also have more difficulty finding an apartment to rent. More and more landlords conduct background checks on prospective tenants. They want to make sure that the people they’re renting to are honest and trustworthy. If you have a criminal record containing a drug conviction, landlords may fear you might bring drugs on the property and put other tenants in danger.
Damage Personal Relationships
If you get convicted of drug possession, your family members and friends may start to see you in a negative light. They may wonder why you ever got convicted of such a crime and lose trust in you. They might stop inviting you to different outings and get-togethers, which can make you feel isolated and alone.
Lose Child Custody
If you’re in the middle of a child custody battle with your ex, a drug possession conviction can make your situation even more difficult. It’s likely that a judge will question your character and think that you’re not a very good influence on your children. They may decide to award custody to the other parent and limit your visitation with your kids.
Lose Driver’s License
In some cases, a judge can suspend your driver’s license for a long time for getting convicted of drug possession. This can make your life more difficult, especially if you live in an area without public transportation. You’ll have to rely on others to drive you to work and other important places.
Consulting with a Criminal Lawyer
As you can see, a drug conviction can have many consequences on your life. If you’ve recently been arrested for drug possession, you should speak to an experienced criminal lawyer. He or she can build you a strong defense and improve your chances of a positive outcome.
