Having to go to court for a drug offence can be daunting, and you may be concerned about the implications of pleading guilty or being found guilty of an offence such as drug possession or drug supply.
Your concerns may include the impact on your present employment or future career prospects, your ability to travel and your standing amongst friends, colleagues and loved-ones.
But rest assured, while it is sometimes said that a criminal conviction is a permanent stain on your reputation, the fact of the matter is most state as well as Commonwealth drug convictions will be removed from a National Police Check after a crime free period.
This article provides an overview of drug offences before delving into the question of how long a conviction or finding of guilt that does not proceed to conviction – such as a section 10 dismissal or good behaviour bond – stay on your criminal record.
