What are the long-term impacts of drug related convictions?

When South Carolina residents face drug charges, they face short-term consequences. This includes time in jail, fines and fees. But the consequences do not stop at the short-term.

Today we will take a look at long-term consequences associated with drug convictions. These consequences may last for years after you serve your sentence.

Impact on employment

First, the reception you receive depends on your conviction. For example, a felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. People with a felony on their record face more hardships. Often, anyone checking your criminal record sees that you have a felony conviction. They may not care what it is for.

For example, drug convictions end up on a record that prospective employers see. This prevents people from finding jobs. If the drug charge involved a DUI, you may find it impossible to find work related to driving. Those with felony convictions also have trouble finding work involving children.

Impact on housing

Prospective landlords also have access to your criminal record. This means the same screening process could prevent you from finding housing. These two issues alone pose great risk to your well-being. Being unable to find a job or housing is threatening.

Of course, you must also consider the stigma of having a drug conviction on your record. When news of convictions get out to the public, it leads to ostracizing.

Do you wish to learn more about long-term effects of drug related convictions in the state? Visit our webpage on drug charges to learn more. You can see how severity of the charge affects the immediate sentence and the aftermath.