Drug-related criminal charges can result in numerous consequences. People accused of drug crimes are at risk of incarceration, probation and financial penalties. Some people, including defendants with no prior record, might consider pleading guilty to allegations of drug offenses.
Their goal might be to avoid the expense and exposure of a criminal trial. In many cases, defendants hope that cooperating with the state might lead to less severe penalties. Even if they are successful in avoiding the worst possible criminal consequences, their guilty plea could still have a negative impact on their career.
How can drug convictions potentially impact the professional ambitions of a defendant?
Affecting their attendance
The need to attend court and serve a specific sentence could impact an individual’s work attendance. For example, they might miss multiple shifts to attend court or perform court-ordered community service. Incarceration could lead to a protracted absence that could result in summary termination or major setbacks with an employer. The loss of driving privileges in certain scenarios could also affect a worker’s attendance, making them late regularly or forcing them to miss shifts.
Endangering their professional license
A variety of different professionals need a state license for their careers. Acupuncturists, funeral directors and even real estate agents have to pass state tests and maintain licenses to work in their chosen profession. Criminal convictions related to drugs can make professionals ineligible for certain types of licensing. In some cases, they may lose an existing license or become ineligible for a license or a license renewal in the future.
Generating a criminal record
Most employers perform background checks before extending employment offers to professionals. In some cases, a prior drug conviction can be the deciding factor when a company has two similarly qualified candidates. Even those who intend to continue working for the same company indefinitely could find that a criminal conviction hinders their career development. Employers may conduct criminal background checks when considering candidates for promotions.
Professionals hoping to retain their jobs or develop their careers often need to respond assertively to pending drug charges. Fighting criminal allegations successfully can help people preserve their freedom and their reputation, as well as prevent circumstances that can negatively affect their career development.