If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a drug offense, your job search just got more complicated. Unfortunately, many employers don’t just see a conviction, but a risk. Likewise, even if you’re qualified and ready to work, a drug conviction may be the one thing standing in your way. The good news? You may have legal options to protect your future before it’s too late.
At Eppes & Plumblee, our drug crime defense lawyers help many people in Greenville, SC, navigate these difficult situations. We believe that a drug charge or conviction doesn’t have to define your life or your career path. However, you will need a solid plan.
Employers Will See You as a Liability
Even a minor drug offense can follow you into interviews, background checks, and HR screenings. While the city of Greenville has stopped asking initial job applicants about their criminal record, private employers can legally consider criminal history when making hiring decisions, and many still do.
Some have blanket policies that automatically disqualify applicants with drug convictions. Others may not say anything outright, but quietly move on to the next resume. Likewise, even when the sentence is years old or related to a low-level offense, it can still impact your chances, particularly if it involves drugs.
How a Drug Conviction Can Limit Your Career Path
A drug conviction doesn’t just make job hunting harder. It can make entire industries off-limits to you. Specific professional licenses, such as those for nursing, teaching, law enforcement, or pharmacy, require background checks and moral character assessments. A conviction for possession or distribution can put your application in jeopardy or result in automatic disqualification.
Federal law also restricts people with drug convictions from working in sectors like transportation or aviation. Likewise, if you’re hoping to work in government, healthcare, or finance, expect your record to come up early and often. Even temporary agencies and gig platforms may disqualify applicants based on recent drug-related offenses.
These limitations can have long-term consequences, especially for younger people. Additionally, even retail and warehouse jobs can be challenging to land if the employer runs background checks through third-party services.
Don’t Plead Until You Know What’s at Stake
Pleading guilty may seem like the easiest route at the moment, especially if the prosecution offers a fine or probation in exchange. However, once you plead, you lock in a conviction that could haunt you for years, and that damage isn’t always reversible.
In SC, some first-time offenses qualify for pretrial intervention (PTI) or conditional discharge. If you complete these programs, they can result in your charge being dismissed and potentially expunged later. However, you must qualify, and timing is everything. If you miss the application window, it may not come around again.
Even if you’ve already been convicted, the law allows certain drug offenses, such as first-time simple possession charges, to be expunged after a waiting period. This means the charge is removed from your public criminal record, giving you a second chance at passing background checks and getting hired.
When you work with a competent Greenville, SC, drug crime attorney, they will ensure that you understand your options thoroughly. They will scrutinize all aspects of your situation, including your employment goals, licensing requirements, eligibility for expungement, and the strength of the prosecution’s case to determine your chances of avoiding a drug conviction.
Talk to Our Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Now
If you’re worried about how a drug conviction could affect your job prospects, contact Eppes & Plumblee today. Dial 864-581-3450 or contact us online to arrange your confidential consultation.