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Drug charges could end the following 3 careers

On Behalf of | Oct 19, 2024 | Criminal Defense

People accused of drug offenses, particularly simple possession offenses, sometimes assume that a guilty plea is their best option. They don’t want to miss work to attend a trial or draw attention to their case by fighting the charges. Entering a guilty plea may seem like the simplest solution, but there are many drawbacks to that decision.

Obviously, pleading guilty means accepting a criminal record and whatever penalties the criminal courts decide might be appropriate given the circumstances. Beyond that, a guilty plea can have a negative impact on an individual’s career. Those who need a state license to work in a specialized profession could be at risk of losing their license because they plead guilty to a drug charge.

Medical professions

Nurses, psychologists and medical doctors all need to maintain licenses issued by the state. Those licenses help protect patients by establishing a baseline for educational requirements and allowing the state board to track concerning misconduct. Disciplinary measures after a criminal conviction can put a professional’s license at risk. The Mississippi State Board of Nursing, for example, could respond to a conviction by summoning a licensed nurse for a formal disciplinary hearing. Those with a history of drug abuse may no longer be eligible for certain types of medical licensing or may have to undergo specialized treatment to become eligible again.

Commercial drivers

Obtaining a commercial driver’s license requires specialized training. It also means submitting to a higher standard of behavior on the road. A driver doesn’t have to get arrested for impairment at the wheel for a drug charge to raise questions about their safety on the job. A CDL could be vulnerable in scenarios where there is reason to worry about the professional having a substance abuse disorder.

K-12 teachers

There are strict standards for the professionals who interact with children and help shape their minds. Typically, any felony offense is enough to cut an educational professional off from licensing. Many drug charges can result in felony convictions.

Fighting pending drug charges can help those who have invested in their careers protect the licenses that allow them to work well-paid jobs. Otherwise, a drug crime can very easily lead to a loss of opportunities for a licensed professional who pursues a specialized career.