What Happens if You Test Positive On A Drug Test?
If you are wondering about what happens if you test positive on a drug test, you’re going to want to read this post! Here we will discuss some of the common pitfalls you may face if you fail a drug test. We’ll also go over everything you need to know in relation to the topic.
So let’s get started and learn everything there is to know about testing positive on a urine drug screen test. Whether you’re getting drug tested for work, pre employment or probation, it’s a very important subject that isn’t discussed frequently.
PRO TIP: You may also want to read this post and learn more about whether or not you could go to jail if you fail a drug test. We know it will be very insightful!
Testing Positive On A Drug Test
If you’re like many individuals, you may have wondered if a failed drug test is a one way ticket to jail. Maybe you are taking the test for a prospective employer, or at a doctor’s orders, or even the orders of a judge.
No matter why you’re taking a drug test, it’s important to know all the facts. It often seems that no one is upfront about the potential consequences of failing. Will it be a slap on the wrist? Will you be reported to police officer or official? Or is it possible that you could go to jail?
Below we will discuss the likelihood of these suggested consequences and what could happen if you fail a drug test today, tomorrow or in the future.
Consequences Of Failing A Drug Test
Consequence 1 : Slap on the Wrist
Say you are at a doctor’s office for an unknown illness, you are likely going to have to consent to a drug test. If you fail the test, not much will happen to you honestly. They will list it in your record and depending on how sick you are, they may sit down to have a heart to heart about how this affects your health. Whether they address it or not, they will still treat you just the same as they would any other until you’re well. That’s their job and that is all there is to it. Little slap on the wrist, and you are free to go.
Consequence 2: Reported to an Official
If you are applying to a job and you fail a drug test, you will probably not get the job. Annnnd that’s about it. It will be on record that you failed the test, reported to the hiring official and it is likely in the future you will not be called for an interview if you apply for that company again, but then you can walk right out the door and apply for another.
If you have to take a drug test for a current job, chances are the stakes are a little higher. If you fail this test, it again will be reported to the company official who ordered the test, and more actions can be taken. Depending on the company, you may lose your job, or be given an ultimatum of being fired or rehab. This stays on your record as well and will follow you through the company. A good thing to always remember though, if you choose to go to rehab for help overcoming a drug addiction, your employer is more likely to work with you on your road to recovery which may result in less consequences in the future.
Pro Tip: Read our guide to drug possession charges in Louisiana before you continue with this post. We know you’ll learn a lot from it!
Consequence 3: Off to Jail
Finally, the answer we’ve all wondered about. Can I be sent to jail? Yes, it is definitely possible. While failing a drug test isn’t really the same thing as getting caught with drugs, here’s what you should know!
If you are on probation and you fail a drug test, you have violated the terms of probation and are detained for it. You can learn more about what happens when you violate probation in this post here to really better understand the severity of what could happen.
This goes for all court issued drug tests. Even if you are applying to a job, are randomly tested at work, or have to be tested at a doctors office. If you are on probation and fail any of these tests, you’re going to jail. You will not lose the time you served on probation, but jail is certainly the less desired option of the two. Depending on the previous charges against you, and the state and judge you are subject to, some people’s jail sentence will be longer than others. Unfortunately there is no way to guess how long you will have to stay since there are so many factors involved, but knowing the risks before hand can help you be prepared if you find yourself in this position.
To Sum it All Up: What Happens If You Test Positive On A Drug Test
To sum it all up, nobody tells you if a failed drug test is a one way ticket to jail. Maybe we are left to wonder on purpose, maybe it is just assumed that everyone knows, but good news is, now we all know. Sometimes the answer means off to jail, but most likely it doesn’t. Unless you are on probation or your test is being ordered by some government entity, you will remain free to go about your day.
You should now have a much better understanding on this topic! If you need a lawyer and are located in Baton Rouge, LA, you should contact Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney for help with your drug charges case. You should now know what happens if you test positive on a drug test and we wish you all the best!
