Any arrest or criminal record also reduces your future earning potential significantly and hence your tax value to the state. In some studies it can be mid-20%-

Any arrest or criminal record also reduces your future earning potential significantly and hence your tax value to the state. In some studies it can be mid-20%-ish. Drug convictions or even arrests make you ineligible to enter many other countries, make it very difficult to travel, and make it difficult to get a job. You don't have to end up in prison to waste the state's money and to materially impact your life and productivity.