When people are charged with a drug-related offense, there are many different hurdles they have to overcome. From emotional challenges such as anxiety to financial problems, losing one’s job and the prospect of spending time behind bars, these cases wreak havoc in the lives of those facing charges. For some people, such as parents, drug cases are especially disruptive.
If you are a parent, it is very important to handle a drug case carefully. Whether you are going through a divorce and are worried about your ability to secure custody or visitation rights, you fear that your reputation as a good parent is at stake or you have concerns about child care while you spend time behind bars, it is vital to approach your drug case cautiously.
Unfavorable custody outcomes
Parents who are facing drug charges often experience hardships when it comes to divorce and child custody. Even if a couple splits up later on (and drug cases cause many marriages to fall apart), one’s record is sometimes used against them when an ex wants to gain the upper hand in a dispute over child custody. Moreover, parents who are charged with a drug-related offense sometimes lose the ability to take care of their child, such as those who have to spend a long time behind bars.
Your relationship with your child
Aside from legal consequences, parents also experience challenges with respect to their relationship with their child. Sometimes, their children lose respect as a result of their case and the charges create friction within the family. Make sure you go over all of your options if you are facing charges due to a drug-related offense.