The Collateral Consequences of a Georgia Drug Trafficking Conviction

A drug trafficking offense in Georgia has consequences that stretch far beyond jail time and fines. While the mandatory minimums get a lot of attention, the average person is unaware of the other consequences that can stick with you for a lifetime. This includes every aspect of your life.

Prison time is only the beginning

Georgia has several drug trafficking offenses that are outlined under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31. These offenses impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence depending on the type of drug and the quantity. They also impose fines on defendants, which can go into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When an individual is released from prison, however, they often find that their sentence was not the end of their penalty.

Employment and professional licensing consequences

A felony drug trafficking conviction can significantly limit your job opportunities if you have a conviction on your record. Many companies will conduct background checks on prospective employees. They can deny a job to anyone with a felony drug offense on their record. If a person has a professional license, such as a contractor, a drug trafficking conviction can lead to the revocation of their license, which can end their career.

Even a self-employed person can be denied a business license due to a drug trafficking conviction.

Housing and financial consequences

Housing is another area where there may be collateral consequences. Rental applications can be denied based on a felony drug conviction, and there may be denial of certain federally assisted housing programs.

There may also be financial consequences that remain after the case is over. There can be additional consequences other than fines and court costs that can be part of a Georgia trafficking case, and this can include asset forfeiture, which allows the state to seize property such as cash and cars that are associated with drug activity. Getting this property back can be difficult, even if the charges are downgraded.

Loss of civil rights

A conviction for a felony of trafficking can lead to a loss of important civil rights. These rights include:

• The right to own and acquire firearms
• The right to serve on a jury
• Restrictions on voting rights during imprisonment and supervision

However, it is possible to regain some of the rights that are lost after a conviction. The process is not automatic.

Probation, parole, and supervision challenges

Once an individual has served their time in prison, those who have committed a drug trafficking offense can be placed on probation or parole with stringent restrictions. These rules can include reporting requirements, employment requirements, travel restrictions, and continued testing for drug use. If an individual is suspected of violating any of these rules, they can be sent back to prison.

Since drug trafficking is considered a serious felony, the rules that an individual must follow while on supervision are more stringent.

Talk to a Roswell, GA, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Have you been charged with drug trafficking in Cobb County? If so, call the Roswell, GA, drug trafficking attorney at Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. We can help prepare your defense to the charges and force the state to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Call today to learn more.