A drug crime conviction can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences years down the line. It goes into your criminal record and can affect several aspects of your life even after you have served your sentence. For instance, your relationships with family and friends may never be the same again, not to mention the social stigma you might face.
Below are the possible consequences of a drug crime conviction:
Jail time
Your sentence depends on the amount and schedule of drugs in question. For instance, having a small number of drugs for personal use is a lesser crime than transporting a truckload of controlled substances. The possible jail time may range from a few months to 99 years.
Fines
You may also be required to pay fines upon conviction. Again, this depends on the nature of charges you were convicted of, which may amount to thousands of dollars.
Your driver’s license may be revoked
Previously, in Texas, all drug convictions automatically translated to a driver’s license suspension for some time. However, the current law eliminates that requirement for misdemeanors as long as the individual has no prior convictions for the past 36 months.
Difficult finding housing or employment
Landlords usually run background checks on potential tenants. If you have a criminal record, you are likely to have a difficult time finding housing. The same applies to employers who may deny you a job opportunity just because of your criminal record.
If you are facing drug crimes such as possession, it is necessary to go against these charges, given the high stakes involved. It may be a complex undertaking, but with the proper information on navigating the criminal justice system, everything might go your way. In addition, learning more about what the law says will put you in a better place and help you protect your rights and interests.
