Although there are some significant consequences you could face due to a drug conviction, such as jail time or heavy fines, those short-term consequences are not anywhere as significant as the long-term consequences that could impact your life forever.

Long-term consequences of drug convictions could include things such as:

• Not being able to find a job that will hire you
• Being deported if you’re on a visa as an immigrant
• Losing custody of your children in a divorce
• Becoming ineligible for some government programs
• Losing some of your rights, such as the right to vote or carry a firearm

Not every case is the same, but when you start thinking about the long-term effects of a drug conviction, the reality is that you could lose your rights and face significant consequences that you can’t eliminate.

What should you do if you want to avoid the long-term consequences of a drug conviction?

To start with, the priority has to be to defend yourself against any allegations. Legally, you have the right to an attorney and to defend yourself. You’re innocent until the judge and jury determine otherwise. So, it is in your best interests to take action and develop a solid defense as soon as possible.

One other thing that you should consider during that defense is protecting your reputation. Your reputation could go a long way in helping or hurting you in the future. For instance, if the news has a photo of you that it posts all over the internet with information about the crime, you may be guilty in the eyes of the public even if you end up being innocent. Shutting down news reports and preventing your image from spreading can help you, even if you’re still facing charges or end up with a conviction down the line.

It’s a reality that a conviction can have significant impacts on your life immediately as well as in the future. You could lose your job, be imprisoned, be ostracized from friends and family or face other unwanted consequences. A defense is just the start, but with a good one, you’ll be in a better position to protect yourself.