Being convicted of a drug-related offense can have dramatic consequences affecting the rest of your life, even if the immediate penalties are relatively mild. Unfortunately, many defendants only discover the long-term ramifications of having a conviction on their record only after they’ve accepted a plea deal from the prosecutors. Having a criminal attorney on your side can help you avoid some of these serious repercussions.

How Drug Convictions Can Impact Your Life

1. Employment Ineligibility

Many industries, from teaching to commercial truck driving, specifically bar people who’ve been convicted of a drug crime. If you’d hoped to work for the government or academia, even a conviction for simple possession can make your goals nearly impossible to achieve.

Even employers in industries that aren’t strictly regulated may have policies against hiring those who’ve been convicted of a crime. No matter what field you’re in, having a drug offense on your record can make applying for a job much more difficult.

2. Loss of Student Aid

If you’re receiving federal grants or student loans at the time of your arrest, a conviction for drug crimes can cause any future aid to be suspended. Depending on the charges against you, your loans may be suspended for a period of one year or even canceled indefinitely. Without the help of a skilled criminal attorney, college students accused of drug offenses may have to put their entire lives on hold or simply give up on higher education.

3. International Travel

Some countries, including Canada, Australia, and Mexico, have strict rules against allowing people with criminal records into the country. Depending on each country’s rules, you could be denied entry for up to 10 years, which can curtail vacation plans and ruin job opportunities that require travel. While some countries do allow you to apply for a waiver, this is often a long, difficult, and expensive process.

If you’ve been accused of a drug-related offense, a skilled criminal attorney can be essential for protecting your future for years to come. Since 1989, Michael A. Newland Esquire has provided aggressive representation to defendants throughout Ohio’s Butler County, delivering exceptional results in even the most difficult circumstances. Visit his website to learn how he can help, or call (513) 887-9595 to speak with this criminal attorney today.