What Happens If You Are Convicted Of A Crime?
If you are convicted of a crime, you will receive a sentence. You will be required to serve this sentence in whatever capacity it entails - failure to do so may result in further penalties. Your conviction will likely go on on your permanent (and public) criminal record, which means that you may continue to feel the effects of your conviction for years after your sentence has been served. Here are a few examples of how a criminal record may impact your life.
Difficulty Obtaining Housing
Individuals with a criminal history often find it challenging to obtain quality housing. If you are attempting to lease an apartment, you will likely be required to submit to a background check during the application process. Landlords are often hesitant to offer leases to individuals with criminal history. Unfortunately, buying a house may not be much easier; serving time in prison can create financial challenges that may lower your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain a mortgage loan.
Difficulty Obtaining Employment And Education
Education and careers are integral components of successful adulthood. Unfortunately, individuals with criminal records often find it much more challenging to secure stable, high-paying positions or be accepted into educational programs that may allow them to pursue professional positions later on. Applications for both jobs and schools often require you to reveal whether or not you have a criminal history, and this fact may deter companies and institutions from accepting you into their workforce/program.Difficulty Obtaining Professional Licenses
Depending on your criminal background, you may find that certain careers are even more difficult to pursue than others - in some cases, certain careers paths may be completely out of reach. For example, careers that require a professional license (massage therapist, counselor, real estate agent, etc) often require applicants to submit to a background check before their application will be approved. Depending on your conviction, your application may be denied.
Difficulty Obtaining Child Custody
The desire to be closely involved in your child's life is natural and strong, but convicted felons often find it difficult to be legally granted custody. In some cases, visitation rights may also be limited. Custody is often determined based on who the court believes will be best able to provide for the child's best interests. If you have a criminal history, the court may deem you unfit to care for a child.
Other Impacts
Though serious, the challenges we just discussed are only a few examples of the ways that a criminal conviction can impact your life down the road. A conviction can also impact your life in numerous other ways, such as:
- Denying you your ability to vote
- Prohibiting you from owning a firearm
- Limiting or denying your driving privileges
Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney For Representation
If you are facing criminal charges, securing representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney is the first step to protecting your rights and preserving your freedom. Depending on your situation, a Lake of the Ozarks criminal defense attorney may be able to reduce your sentence and penalties. You may also be able to protect your future by getting your records sealed or, in rare cases, expunged. Your Missouri criminal defense attorney can help you determine the best strategy for your specific situation.
Contact Gibbons Law Firm to schedule your free initial consultation.
No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.
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Gibbons Law Firm
4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300
Osage Beach, MO 65065
No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.
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