How Can A Criminal Conviction Affect Your Life?
Being convicted of a crime can have serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, a criminal conviction can result in hefty fines, jail time, and other penalties. But it doesn’t end there.
Even after the sentence has been served, the repercussions of a criminal conviction can continue to affect your life long-term. If you are facing criminal charges and want to protect your future, contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers to get legal counsel. Our Georgia criminal lawyers can help you develop the best possible defense strategy to fight against the charges and avoid or minimize the negative consequences associated with the crime.
6 Ways a Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Life
Here’s an overview of what you need to know about how a criminal conviction may impact your future.
Loss of Freedom
The most immediate consequence of being convicted is that you could be sentenced to prison or jail time. This means that you will lose your freedom while serving your sentence and may be separated from family and friends for an extended period of time. In some cases, individuals with prior convictions may be subject to harsher sentences or mandatory minimum sentences if they are convicted again. It is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you have been charged with a crime in order to ensure that all applicable defenses are explored and considered.
Loss of Employment and/or Professional License
In some cases, having a criminal conviction on your record can disqualify you from certain jobs or professional licenses. Certain industries like healthcare, finance, law enforcement, education, etc., require background checks before granting employment or licensing privileges. A criminal conviction could keep you from getting hired or obtaining the necessary license for these fields. Additionally, certain employers may not hire anyone who has a prior felony conviction due to the perceived risk associated with hiring someone with such a record.
A Publicly Available Criminal Record
In most states like Georgia, having a criminal record makes it publicly available information through background checks accessed by employers, landlords, schools, etc., which could make it difficult for you to obtain employment opportunities or housing in the future since these entities view this information when making decisions about chances for success within their organizations or properties.
Lifelong Difficulty Finding a Job and/or Housing
When looking for employment or housing, having a criminal record can make it difficult for individuals seeking either one or both opportunities because potential employers and landlords view this information as evidence that shows poor judgment and/or lack of trustworthiness when considering applicants for their respective positions/properties. It is important to note that certain restrictions exist on when employers are allowed access to your criminal history so be sure to research this further before applying anywhere so that you understand what type of information they might see when running your background check during the application process.
Deportation or Removal from the U.S.
If you are a non-citizen, having certain convictions on your record could make you subject to deportation or removal proceedings. It is best to discuss your particular situation with an experienced lawyer to discuss what you can do to protect your rights as a non-citizen facing charges in the United States. Convictions for crimes of moral turpitude and aggravated felony may make a non-citizen “deportable” under 8 U.S.C. § 1227.
Loss of Custody of a Child
Having been convicted of certain types of crimes can also lead to a loss in custody battles over children due to courts viewing this as evidence that the parent could endanger their children. If you are facing criminal charges, working on your defense becomes even more pressing if you have children because the last thing you want is to not be able to see your kids.
Contact a Criminal Lawyer to Avoid a Conviction
If you are facing criminal charges, our results-driven lawyers at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers can work on your defense to help you avoid a conviction or minimize the potential penalties. Our criminal lawyers represent individuals facing charges in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Atlanta, Gwinnett County, Cobb County, Fulton County, and other parts of the state. Request a free case evaluation by calling 770-685-6400.
Source:
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1227&num=0&edition=prelim
