What Is the Long-Term Impact of a Drug Conviction in Indiana?
When you’re arrested for a drug-related crime, you already know that the consequences might be severe. The financial costs are high, and there’s a good chance that you’ll be paying for it for a long time in more ways than one. However, knowing more about the consequences may make it easier to understand how dire your situation is.
You know the charges are serious, but what is the long-term impact of a drug conviction in Indiana? Unfortunately, the costs can be both financial and social. Drug convictions can take plenty away from you, so be sure that you hire a lawyer from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm to fight a conviction.
Felony Charges Are Serious
A drug crime may be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation and the aggravating factors, like whether it’s a first offense or whether a deadly weapon was involved. Unfortunately, that means it’s relatively easy to end up with a felony conviction if you don’t have an attorney who understands Indiana drug laws and can try to reduce the conviction or have the case dismissed.
The conviction alone will likely leave you with serious fines, which could be as high as $10,000 in a felony case. The following are the possible prison times you could also suffer through:
- Felony Level 6 – Two-and-a-half years
- Level 5 – Six years
- Level 4 – Twelve years
- Level 3 – Sixteen years
- Level 2 – Thirty years
- Level 1 – Forty years
Social Impacts of Drug Convictions
In addition, a misdemeanor or felony could come with harsh social penalties. While you could have your record expunged eventually, the social consequences of having a felony or misdemeanor on your record could make it difficult to live like you once did.
For example, many employers and landlords screen applicants for a criminal background. Those with a record may be unable to apply, which limits your options for both employment and housing. Certain jobs will simply be unavailable for you regardless because of your conviction.
Even family issues can be affected. If you’re seeking a divorce or seeking custody for your children, your conviction could be used against you. Because of this, you could lose access to your children. Because these consequences are so serious, then, we recommend you fight back before you feel the effects of these consequences.
Seek Legal Counsel Before a Conviction
Most of us know that any arrest or conviction should be taken seriously, but we might not think of anything beyond the initial fees or the jail time if we don’t ask, “What is the long-term impact of a drug conviction?”
Unfortunately, the consequences may be especially high. You’re also not looking at only the initial conviction. While those consequences will impact you, the charges can haunt you for years after you’ve served your time.
If you’re concerned about your case, seek legal representation from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm. Our attorneys will fight back against your drug conviction and help you get your case dismissed. For more information on our services, call us at 1-812-232-7400 or fill out the online form below.
