What are the consequences of a drug offense?

In Massachusetts, the consequences of a drug offense can vary greatly depending on the type of drug involved, the amount or quantity of the drug, and the circumstances surrounding the offense. Generally, drug offenses in Massachusetts are prosecuted as felonies, which carry a jail sentence usually ranging from one year to life. The most serious drug offenses are punishable by lengthy prison terms and can also include substantial fines, lengthy probation or parole sentences, and community service. Other consequences may include the seizure of property used to facilitate the drug offense, the assessment of court costs (including attorney’s fees), the imposition of drug treatment orders, mandatory drug testing, and the requirement to submit to searches of persons or possessions while on probation or parole. In addition to criminal penalties, a drug offense may also result in the suspension or revocation of a person’s professional license or driver’s license, the loss of government benefits such as student loans or public housing assistance, and the denial or deportation of an immigrant to the United States. Drug offenses can also have long-term consequences such as a permanent criminal record, stigma in the community, and difficulty obtaining employment or housing. Therefore, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney when faced with a drug offense in Massachusetts.

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What are the consequences of a drug offense?

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