Being charged with a drug crime is never something to take lightly, and a conviction can carry harsh penalties long after a defendant has paid his or her debt to society. Unfortunately for those who have been convicted of a drug crime, they will face serious barriers to leading a normal life, such as difficulty finding rental properties that will accept them as tenants, and difficulty finding employers who will hire them. Thankfully, a new proposed bill offers Kentuckians some good news for those who have been convicted of drug crimes or are struggling with drug addiction.
Under the proposed bill, a criminal conviction may not mean an automatic denial for those seeking a professional license. Under current law, many kinds of professional licenses are denied automatically if the applicant has some forms of criminal conviction. The bill recognizes that being able to find a job and support oneself is an essential part of changing directions and staying out of destructive behavior. The bill would allow those with drug convictions and other kinds of convictions to apply for professional licenses in job sectors from security to air conditioning repair.
Another component of the bill specifically benefits those who might face a drug charges. Under the proposed bill, those struggling with drug abuse would have the ability to seek help from police departments throughout the state without the fear of being prosecuted on drug charges. This privilege may not be extended to repeat offenders, but would give those with a clean record some room to work with.
Despite the signs of reform within Kentucky’s legal system, drug charges remain a very serious issue that can derail a person’s entire life. With proper representation by an experienced attorney, you can ensure that your case is heard fairly, and that your rights remain protected.
Source: U.S. News, “Bill Aims to Make It Easier for Felons to Get Jobs,” Adam Beam, Feb. 14, 2017