Many federal and Tennessee state laws impose criminal penalties for a broad range of actions, from traffic violations to drug possession. While incarceration is a consequence that people often consider, it is not the only outcome of a drug crime, and other aspects can last much longer than a stint in jail.
According to Money Crashers, the repercussions of a drug charge are far-reaching, affecting many areas of your life.
Tennessee is an “at will” state. This means that an employer can release you from your job, or not hire you for a position for any reason not protected by law. Your employer can fire you if you miss work because due to an arrest. If you face drug charges, even if you are not convicted, your employer can legally release you. The loss of your job may make paying the mortgage, repairing your car and caring for your family difficult.
A felony conviction can make getting a new job challenging. You may also have difficulty getting a loan. Depending on the severity of the drug crime, a variety of civil liberties may be affected:
- You may not obtain a driver’s license
- You cannot own a firearm
- You are ineligible to vote
- You cannot practice law
There are also a variety of positions you cannot hold, such as the executor of a relative’s estate, automobile dealer or daycare facility owner. Without access to adequate funds, and curtailed civil liberties you face life-altering changes. Understanding the law and having a strong defense in court can help reduce or dismiss charges against you. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.