Possession of illegal drugs most often is a misdemeanour that can carry a jail term depending on the severity of the offence. Distribution of illegal drugs or possession with intent to distribute illicit drugs, on the other hand, is a serious criminal offence that can lead to long sentences behind bars. All in all, any type of drug-related charge has the potential to damage your reputation and affect your life negatively. Let us take a look at how drug charges may affect you and what to do about it.
Permanent criminal record
Drug-related offences can range from possession of marijuana to the sale and distribution of hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. Such offences, commonly referred to as Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) offences, will certainly affect your life negatively. Remember, a criminal record after the charges will be available to anyone to see, including your potential employer.
Thus, the criminal record could show up anytime you are looking for a job, and the potential employer does a background check on you. That will probably reduce the potential employer faith in you and is likely to deny you the opportunity to get the job.
Job loss
Drug charges have the potential to render you jobless if you were working. Most employers will, quite often, ask you for a good conduct clearance certificate from the government authorities. If you have drug charges and a criminal record in turn, you will likely be denied the clearance certificate. This can potentially lead to the termination of your current employment that will impact you and the people depending on you
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Revocation of your driver’s license
You can also lose your driver’s license owing to a drug-related charge as a mandatory suspension for such offences has become a standard legal outcome. The driver’s license suspension after you are charged with drug trafficking or possession can be indefinite or definite depending on the laws. With no driving license, you might also lose income or potential employment. You will certainly struggle to fend for yourself and your family.
Dented reputation
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, irrespective of the outcome, criminal allegations can lead people to question your reputation and also your credibility. The consequence of having your reputation at stake due to allegations can go well beyond your personal life. It can affect your professional relationship with others. Your personal brand is damaged, a feat that is difficult to reverse. Again, a damaged reputation will limit the capacity to earn an income. It can also lead to broken relationships with your family and relatives.
Wrap up
If you have been charged with a drug offence, you ought to know that this has the potential to impact your life negatively. You can have your career and source of income terminated. It can also deny you opportunities to get a job as potential employers are keen to look at your history. Worse even, criminal charges emanating from drug-related cases have the potential to damage your reputation and land you in jail! That is why it is essential to seek help from an attorney who can help fight the charges and help protect your rights.
