Sahn Law Firm - Attorneys at Law

The Consequences Of A Drug Conviction And How To Avoid Them


Sahn Law Firm - Attorneys at Law | Charleston, SC Drug Crime Law Firm Drug convictions, whether misdemeanors drug possession or felony convictions are serious crimes in Charleston, SC. Although most defendants look at the charge sheets and what the law stipulates should be their sentence, there’s more to the damage that a drug conviction can have to your life than what is detailed in the law.

Even when you think you’ve escaped with a slap on the wrist, there could be dire consequences down the road, and understanding them can help you better understand how to avoid them and come out from under them.

Common Drug Conviction Penalties

Drug convictions can result in various penalties depending on the circumstances surrounding your case and what your drug crime lawyer negotiates for you.

Penalties

The law details the first consequences of drug convictions, which include fines, jail time, probation periods, and community service.

Court-ordered rehabilitation programs, as well as mandatory drug testing, are also common outcomes of a drug charge conviction.

The severity of the penalties depends on the seriousness of the crime. If you’ve been arrested with drug paraphernalia, you may expect a lower sentence than a person charged with drug dealing.

Criminal Record

Once you have been convicted of a drug crime, the actual drug conviction consequences start setting in. The first one is that now, you have a permanent criminal record. This can pose further difficulties even after serving your penalties, which can make it harder to turn your life around.

The criminal record will pop up every time a potential employer conducts a background check for you. Naturally, employers are hesitant to hire people with a criminal record, meaning finding a job will be difficult.

Sadly, your criminal history will be available to anyone conducting a background check, including financial and educational institutions.

The record can also impact your ability to get custody of your children and may affect future legal issues or arrests.

Social Impact

Other effects of a drug conviction include how people perceive you, including your family and friends. You may also struggle to find a place to live if you want to rent because many landlords don’t want to rent to someone who has been convicted of drug charges.

Immigration Status

A drug conviction can have a significant impact on your immigration status if you’re not a citizen and could lead to deportation.

How To Avoid The Consequences Of Drug Conviction

There’s no question that drug conviction penalties, no matter how light, can have damaging consequences down the line. However, if you’ve been convicted of drug crime cases, it’s not the end. There are available options you can use to avoid the consequences.

Appeal

Your first plan of action should be an appeal if you feel the penalties for your case are excessive. You need to find a highly qualified and experienced drug crime lawyer who will challenge the findings of the court and help you get a lower penalty or get you acquitted altogether. The attorney can pursue different legal avenues for the case where the prosecution and law enforcement may not have followed proper procedure. These include:

  • Challenging the search
  • Questioning the chain of custody
  • Disputing the intent
  • Seeking alternative sentencing

Expunge Or Seal Your Criminal Record

Whether it is possible to expunge your criminal record depends on your situation and the drug conviction you received. Alternatively, you can seal your records, which will make it easier to find a job and accommodation because the record will not be visible to anyone who requests it.

Sealing or expunging a record is complex and time-intensive, but having an experienced lawyer can make it more bearable and improve the chances of success.

Attend Rehab

Unfortunately, many drug crime cases are a result of substance abuse and addiction problems. One of the ways you can get your life back on track after the conviction is to get into a rehabilitation center and get sober.

There are different options you can consider if you decide to go for rehab, including support groups. In some cases, you can avoid the criminal penalties and get court-ordered rehab instead of probation or prison time. However, you will need a skilled drug crime lawyer to plead the case for you.

By opting to attend rehab, you can avoid a permanent criminal record and have the opportunity to start a new and drug-free life.

Don’t Take Any Chances Get Yourself Aggressive And Skilled Legal Representation

You can avoid drug convictions altogether instead of trying to get out from under them by hiring an aggressive and skilled drug crime lawyer with experience in the field. The best chance you have at avoiding the consequences associated with a drug conviction is a strong defense.

With over a decade of experience in criminal and drug crime cases, our law firm can provide you with the representation you need in Daniel Island, SC. We will ensure your rights are protected and help you get the best outcome based on your situation and circumstances. Call (843) 856-2222 or text (843) 273-8221 for a free consultation and to get started on your defense.

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Sahn Law Firm - Attorneys at Law, located in Charleston, South Carolina, provides representation throughout Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Daniel Island, Sullivan's Island, Georgetown, St. George, Hanahan, Santee, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Beaufort. The firm also represents people in the municipalities of Charleston County, Dorchester County, Berkeley County, Georgetown County, Clarendon County and Beaufort County.

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