A felony drug charge for possession with the intent to distribute (PWID) can feel like a door slamming shut on your future. In Maryland, the courts treat this with significantly harsher penalties than simple possession. Besides jail time and fines, your career can also be at stake.
If you are worried that a conviction can impact your career, you are right to be concerned. However, you are not without options.
Industries with strict standards on employment
Many industries require more than just a clean background check. They follow the standards of state licensing boards, and one of them is maintaining good moral character.
The health care industry is extremely particular about felony convictions. Their governing body can deny or revoke a license if the judge convicts you of PWID. Similar risks exist for the transportation industry. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can suspend or disqualify your commercial driver’s license if you used a motor vehicle to distribute a controlled substance.
While Maryland law prevents employers from asking about your criminal record during initial application, they can run background checks before hiring you. Unfortunately, a PWID conviction can signal to them that you are a risk to their company. This may make it difficult to obtain jobs or licenses in health care or transportation.
Protecting your future potential
The most effective way to protect your career is to prevent the conviction from ever happening. Having a strategic defense may help you convince the judge to reduce or dismiss your charges. However, this complex task is too risky to navigate alone. Seeking legal counsel can offer guidance in facing your felony drug charge.