Substance abuse can result in a great deal of misfortune, as the actions of those who are addicted begin to spiral out of control. However, what many fail to realize is the difficult futures that come through criminal records. For, such a history oftentimes drags itself on the heels of those who struggle with alcohol and drug misuse—presenting a great deal of problems for them. Yet still, there is legal action that can be taken—which can allow one’s content to be erased from his/her public record.

This is where expungement law comes in, as it “deals with the state court procedures for removing criminal records from public view”. For, without such that information is available to a wide range of people, causing the individuals to lose opportunities—such as jobs—that they might not otherwise. The reason behind this is because employers that are looking to hire are able to access that individual’s information, and upon doing so they can decide whether or not they want to hire him/her—based on his/her background history, and other such content.

As a result, it can be difficult for one to secure as many job opportunities as he/she might like—or one job in particular that he/she might have interest in—due to his/her past history. But, expungement takes care of such, so that the individual can gain the ability to start anew—with a clean record. Even so, the process differs from state to state, and there are certain requirements that one must meet—in regards to their offense—in order to qualify.  

In turn, offenses that may seem small to the outside world—DUIs, DWIs, etc.—can cause a great deal of suffering for the individual that is involved. However, if he/she chooses to expunge the charge, then those records can be be “erased” after the expungement has been approved. Upon doing so, it’s up to the individual to submit proof through documentation—and/or the expungement order—to agency databases, so that his/her information may be updated.

In conclusion, if individuals have faced charges—resulting from substance abuse—they have the ability to not only turn their lives around—through recovering from their addiction—but to turn their records around as well. It is through doing so, that they can restore—and/or regain—their opportunities—whether it be oriented around career, transportation, organization, family agencies, and so on. As a result, the most beneficial course of action that one can take is looking into the process of expungement in regards to his/her state.

Those who are caught using drugs, dealing drugs, or both can face grave legal consequences after further assessment. However, what many do not realize is what action is taken to determine the severity of one’s addiction. It is through such that various individuals—addicts or not—can begin to understand DSM (and/or a specific medical criteria for substance abuse and addiction). According to such, “you have a substance use disorder if your substance use is causing significant problems in your life, like health issues or disability that are related to your substance use and/or not meeting your responsibilities at work, home, or school”.

As a result, what this criteria includes is listed as follows; “hazardous use, social or interpersonal problems related to use, neglected major roles to use, withdrawal, tolerance, used large amounts/longer, repeated attempts to control use or quit, much time spent using, physical or psychological problems related to use, activities give up to use, and craving.” It is through these categories that a diagnosis—of one individual, or many—can be made.

When one begins to meet a majority of these it can begin to not only take a toll on his/her personal life, but his/her good standing within society as well. It is then that the need for the substance can overpower one’s morals—and/or even values. As a result, they might find themselves saying that it will only happen that one time, or finding other ways to justify that what is taking place is okay. In doing so, the willingness to do whatever it takes to get the substance—whether it be drugs, alcohol, or both—can begin to overpower their better judgement.  

In conclusion, several drug related arrests take place on a daily basis all because of the addiction that one is faced with—whether it be through alcohol, tobacco, opioids, hallucinogens, etc. For, they may have been under the influence of one or more substances at the time of the crime—or they may have taken part in criminal activity so that they could obtain a particular stimulant.

However, this is something that is oftentimes overlooked because many solely see the crime itself, instead of the reason behind such. But, as the individual receives the treatment he/she needs—to aid in his/her recovery—what he/she is struggling with can be handled right at its source. Through such, addicts can begin to find treatment before the legal consequences—of criminal offenses—even take place, resulting in a healthy, and jail-free life from then on out.

Substance abuse can cause a wide array of issues—that go way deeper than DUIs—and can affect students who are struggling with addiction, no matter their age or gender. As a result of such this can bring about a number of problems, but two of the most crucial for those still in school are listed as follows; 1. Loss of employment, and 2. Loss of Financial aid for college.

First and foremost is loss of employment which can create a great deal of stress for those—with a DUI—whose income is based solely off of their jobs. In turn, this can cause a significant amount of anxiety for students who have a series of bills to pay for—on top of school—such as; rent, car insurance, etc.

Not only that, but it can also cause problems later on down the road—depending on what the particular individual wants to pursue career wise. For example, if someone wants to do something related to transportation (truck driving, etc.) this can pose as a problem because employers will look at crucial information—such as criminal records—via background check. Upon doing so it might cause them to think twice about hiring that individual in particular.

Another example where this is oftentimes seen is if one is pursuing teaching—and/or child education. For, it is through such that he/she will find himself/herself around children of various ages, but a DUI or DWI can jeopardize that because employers might not feel fully comfortable—and/or fully trust that person enough—with that kind of responsibility.

Second is the loss of one’s financial aid. Financial aid, more commonly known as FAFSA, is briefly defined as “any grant or scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses”. In turn, even though FAFSA doesn’t ask questions in regards to alcohol related misdemeanors/felonies one’s drug conviction(s) can cause a great deal of problem if there were drugs in the vehicle at the time that he/she was pulled over. Then, if his/her FAFSA is suspended this can put a breach his/her school plans—by postponing his/her education.

In conclusion, the legal consequences of DUIs/DWIs can greatly affect students—and cause an unnecessary amount of stress, as they try and attend school. Therefore, it is important that they get help for the substance abuse that they are struggling with early on so that they can not only benefit their present, but their future as well.

The legal consequences that come through DUIs and DWIs can be of great severity, but even more so with parents. As a result of such, they might find themselves 1. losing custody of their children, and 2. facing jail time—among a number of other possibilities. And even if it’s the individual’s first offense, it can still cause him/her a great deal of problems, by not only affecting him/her in particular, but also the lives of those around him/her.

The first factor to take into consideration is one losing custody of his/her children because if that parent is under the influence—with his/her son or daughter in the car—then he/she can be seen as a high risk. For, it is not safe for the child to be in the car—while the parents perception is in disarray, and/or askew. This, in turn, can put him/her in danger, and will be seen as such by the court.

Not only that, but the parent might find a social worker getting involved with the case, as a way to check and ensure that the child is safe, and not in harm’s way. A majority of issues can arise through such—especially if this is a first offense on the parent’s part—because it can cause an unnecessary amount of stress, as he/she is monitored, along with his/her child.

The second factor is jail time which varies depending on the classification of the DUI—and/or DWI. For example, a first offense “is classified as a misdemeanor, and punishable by up to six months in jail”. In turn, depending on the amount of time that one has to serve, it can be difficult as a parent—especially if he/she is the primary caretaker. Not only that, but if the individual’s blood alcohol content is at a level which exceeds the legal limit—especially to a great degree—this can also cause consequences of a greater severity.

In conclusion, legal consequences don’t just affect the individual struggling with substance abuse, but his/her family as well. That’s why it is important that one gets the help he/she needs sooner rather than later—so that he/she isn’t at risk of losing his/her children, jail time, and other such things. It is then that he/she can ensure himself/herself of a healthy and safe well being—along with that of his/her kids.