If you are facing drug charges in Sayville, you probably already know that you are facing some serious consequences. You might have to spend time in jail or prison depending on the severity of the charge. You could have to serve probation which often includes mandatory community service and regular meetings with a probation officer. The court might also restrict your travel and you could find yourself confined to the county.
In addition to the above, a drug conviction can carry a heavy financial cost. Here are a few ways a criminal conviction can cost you.
Court costs
If you have ever committed a minor traffic offense, you have already felt the pinch of court fees. In many traffic violation cases, the court fees add a hefty amount to what you already owed in fines. When more severe offenses occur, such as possession or the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, the fees can become astronomical.
After a conviction, you might have to pay fees to cover general court costs, probation costs, recordkeeping and various other costs associated with your conviction. In addition, you might have to pay fees just to enter jail and again when leaving. Depending on the severity of the offense, these fees can easily add up to thousands of dollars and, if you don’t pay them, you could find yourself back in jail.
Employment costs
If you were employed at the time of your arrest, there is a strong chance that your boss will fire you. Even if you do not receive a conviction, you could still lose your job due to the time you have to take off to attend court proceedings. If you do receive a conviction, it may be difficult to find another job even if you do not spend any time in jail. Many employers will refuse to hire you if your criminal background check comes back with a conviction.
Other costs
In general, a conviction can open the door to a multitude of financial problems. If you cannot find gainful employment, you might be in violation of the terms of your probation. Even if you are able to get a job, you could have trouble keeping up with living expenses while still paying the required court fines. You could find yourself in a position where you have to make a choice between keeping the lights on and staying out of jail.
If you are facing a drug charge, it is important to remember that you still have rights. With a proper defense, you might be able to beat the charges and avoid the various consequences that come with a conviction.