Moving Forward After A Drug Conviction – Christina Scott

The desire to change is truly the first step to moving forward and getting the most out of your life. Change is possible after being charged with a criminal act such as drug possession, but it takes a dedication to daily, diligent working to achieve your life goals.

Get Back on Track

The payoff is definitely worth it, as you will not regret a single moment that you spend taking charge of your life once again. We will discuss some of the unique challenges you will be facing, as well as their solutions.

Going Back to School

There is the idea among many people that people convicted on drug charges cannot be approved for financial aid, but this simply isn’t true. Because of this, it is advised that you do research, contact the financial office of the school of your choice, and don’t give up.

In addition, there are programs available at the local level that can include halfway houses, the United Way, and other GED programs that can help you get your high school certification if you need it. You will want to research your chosen field of study ahead of time to make sure there are no barriers to your receiving certification at a point farther down the road, so that you do not waste time and resources traveling down that path.

Finding Work

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of holding a prior record. When you apply for a job, instead of waiting for the question to come up, write an explanation that you can attach to any application or resume that you submit.

This will give you the opportunity to explain your situation and where you life is heading now. You can use this resource to find employers willing to hire people convicted of a felony, and you can consult an attorney about the possibility of getting the conviction expunged from your record.

Other People’s Judgments

A good way to better one’s reputation is to take up volunteering or working with an organization from which you can get a good reference. Also, if your attitude, styles of dress, grooming, speech patterns, and work habits continually demonstrate the resolve of a person who takes responsibility for their life, public opinion is likely to change.

Healthcare

Lack of healthcare is an important issue, especially if you are leaving prison without access to diabetic or behavioral medicines. In states where Medicaid was expanded, 90% of ex-inmates are eligible for coverage. Talk to your local Social Security office as well as churches, ministries, and local organizations that can help you apply and receive medical coverage.

Talk to local doctors and their staff to see what local resources they are aware of as well.

The Right to Vote

The renewed right to vote is available in most states, though the rules and terms may vary. Click here for a listing of states and their rules. The harshest re-enfranchisement restrictions are typically reserved for those who committed violent crimes or acts of treason. You can also visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the complete rules of your area.

23% of people released from prison don’t go back and 46% don’t go back to drugs after rehabilitation. The most important keys to success are a willingness to leave behind the old friends and associates that you used to do drugs with, having a religious affiliation, being close to family support, and making the choice to live a different life.

The truth is that it is possible to be successful, that it’s worth it, and that it is really up to you.

John F. Marchiano Law Corp. is Henderson’s oldest law firm. John has over 35 years of professional experience providing personalized, criminal defense representation to residents of Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source

http://www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/can-i-go-to-college-if-i-have-a-criminal-record/

http://archive.fortune.com/2010/08/27/news/economy/drug_conviction.fortune/index.htm

https://www.jobsforfelonshub.com/how-to-get-a-job-with-a-felony-drug-conviction/

https://www.michigan-drug-attorney.com/how-will-a-drug-conviction-on-my-record-affect-my-future.html

http://www.attn.com/stories/565/interview-felon

https://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/welcome.aspx

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/us/california-convicts-are-out-of-prison-after-third-strike-and-staying-out.html?_r=0

http://www.tncollegeaccess.org/ex-offenders-federal-financial-aid-and-other-barriers

http://felonvoting.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000286

http://www.npr.org/2015/07/16/423257919/is-it-possible-to-let-more-people-out-of-prison-and-keep-crime-down

https://www.prisonfellowship.org/resources/training-resources/reentry-ministry/on-going-ministry/helping-ex-prisoners-get-medical-care/