How Will Multiple Drug Crime Convictions Affect My Record?

Drug Crimes Lawyers Providing Vigorous Defense Against Lab Errors in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan

At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan drug crime attorneys know that having a criminal record will negatively impact many areas of your life. If you have been convicted on multiple drug offenses, this information is available on your record, which means potential employers, creditors, and others have access to it. As you can imagine, this can be devastating in many ways, making it difficult to secure employment, student loans, even housing. It may also affect your current employment.

Regardless of whether the drug crimes you were convicted of were considered serous (a misdemeanor or felony), the negative impact of a criminal record on your life is evident in many areas, including:

• Professional license. If you hold a professional license in your career as many people do (doctor, nurse, realtor, insurance agent) that license may be threatened.
• Disqualification from certain grants or scholarships.
• You may be ineligible to serve in the military
• Where you may live can be impacted
• You may not be permitted to enroll in a graduate school or other educational program

Regardless of How Minor or Serious a Drug Conviction May Seem it May Still Impact Your Record

You may believe that having something as minor as marijuana possession on your criminal record is no big deal. The fact is, whether the offense is something you would consider as of no consequence, or something as serious as a conviction for heroin possession with intent to deliver or distribute, you still have a criminal record - and it still affects your life, because any record at all is frowned upon by society today. Even convictions on minor or misdemeanor offenses can leave you looking like a "criminal" in the eyes of others.

What are Your Options?

As experienced Michigan drug crimes lawyers, we know there are a few options which may be available to individuals who have multiple drug crime convictions on their records. Expungement and appealing your convictions are two options, although they may not be applicable in every situation.

Until recently, an individual could request to have certain convictions "expunged" or removed from his or her criminal record, although an expungement could only be granted to someone with a single criminal conviction. Today, Michigan laws have changed and you may be able to have one felony (if you have one felony and not more than two misdemeanors on your record) or either or both of up to two misdemeanor convictions (if the two misdemeanors are the only convictions on your record) expunged. The age at which the felony or misdemeanor offenses were committed is no longer a factor under a recent change to Michigan law.

Another option you may want to consider is post-conviction appeal. While winning an appeal is not a simple matter, an attorney who with thorough experience and skill in this area is often capable of reaching positive results. The appeals process is extremely complex, so it is critical that you have a capable lawyer to support and guide you throughout.

In drug crime cases, it isn't unusual to be charged with two or more criminal offenses related to a single incident. For example, you may be charged with cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia on one occasion. This means that if convicted, you will have two convictions on your criminal record.

Contact an Aggressive Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

Regardless of your situation, it is imperative that you consult with a capable, experienced attorney. At Grabel & Associates, we have the experience, skill, dedication, and aggressive approach essential to obtain a positive outcome. We are available 24/7, contact us today at 1-800-342-7896 or online for a free consultation.