Your criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. This would involve a guilty plea in exchange for a lighter prison sentence. However, before you agree to plead guilty, it’s important to talk to your defense attorney about the lifelong consequences of a felony drug conviction in Ohio. Your criminal defense lawyer in Columbus can explain how a felony conviction can affect your federal benefits, licenses, military service, and other areas of your life.
Federal Benefits
In addition to no longer being able to vote or possess firearms, you could risk losing certain federal benefits if your felony drug crime defense isn’t enough to keep you out of prison. Having a drug-related felony on your record will prohibit you from receiving food stamps or benefits from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). You’ll also be ineligible to receive federal education loans, grants, and work assistance. You may be able to restore your eligibility if you complete a drug rehabilitation program.
State Licenses
In Ohio, a felony drug conviction leads to the revocation of certain state licenses. This includes licenses for pawnbrokers, transient dealers, peddlers, junk dealers, and itinerate vendors.
Military Service
Felons are barred from entering into any branch of the armed services. This means that you’ll lose the opportunity to use military service as a path toward job training and employment. The only exceptions may be granted by the Secretary of Defense.
Deportation
Let your defense attorney know if you’re an immigrant. If you’re an alien, you could be deported if you’re convicted of a felony. Additionally, felony offenses could prevent you from applying for a U.S. visa or citizenship in the future.
International Travel
Depending on the specifics of your case, your passport could be revoked. This could be a significant problem for you if, after your release from prison, you secure a job that requires international travel. Once your passport rights have been restored, you’ll still need to verify whether you’re eligible for a visa from the country you plan to visit.