Criminal drug offenses can lead to severe penalties on conviction, such as significant fines and prison time. But a conviction can also lead to long-term effects that can impact a person long after their sentence.
One area where a person convicted of a drug crime may feel this aftereffect is in their pursuit of employment. This blog will explore how a criminal record for a drug offense can affect one’s job prospects.
Impact on employment opportunities
Although there are federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace, that hasn’t stopped some employers from having reservations about hiring people with criminal records.
Nebraska law allows employers to access applicants’ criminal records within the past seven years, which could influence their hiring decisions. Legislation prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history exists, but only for public employers such as local governments and departments.
Those with a criminal record for drug offenses can have their convictions set aside by a judge. However, the applicant must meet several requirements before a judge approves a set-aside. In addition, even if a person has their conviction set aside, a potential employer doing a criminal background check can still see the conviction and the set-aside order.
Impact on professional licensing
Certain professions require licensing, and a drug conviction could complicate the procedure to attain one. For instance, state law says that healthcare licensing boards may deny application or refuse renewal of a person’s professional license if they have any misdemeanor or felony convictions, including those for drug offenses.
A drug conviction can present obstacles to employment. If you’re currently facing charges for any drug offense in Nebraska, don’t wait until your conviction to act. Consider working with a legal professional who can represent you in court and fight for your case.
