How a Criminal Conviction Affects Your Life
Criminal charges often come with harsh consequences. You may be subject to expensive fines and even jail time. While many people are focused on the immediate consequences of a criminal conviction, there are also long-term effects to consider. Learn how a criminal conviction can affect other aspects of your life.
Limits Your Career Opportunities
Even after you have served your jail time and met all the requirements of your conviction, you may still find it difficult to find a job. A criminal conviction limits certain career opportunities. You may not be eligible for certain professional licenses depending on your charges. You may not be able to work in a career that requires that you drive a vehicle. Some employers may just deny you employment after your criminal conviction shows up on a background check.
Limits Your Housing Options
A criminal conviction can even limit where you live. Some property managers may deny your housing application if they find a criminal conviction on your background check. Some criminal conviction information is also public, which means your neighbors may not welcome you even if you do find housing.
Loss of U.S. Citizenship
Some criminal convictions can void your U.S. citizenship. If you’re visiting the U.S. on a temporary visa, a criminal conviction can lead to deportation. If you’re in the process of trying to get U.S. citizenship, a criminal conviction can make the process much more difficult and, in some cases, impossible.
Inability to Fund College
Some criminal convictions can also deem you ineligible for student loans. This means if you want to attend college to improve your career opportunities, you may be solely responsible for the costs.
Loss of U.S. Rights
While less common, certain criminal convictions can also lead to you losing your rights. You may lose your right to own a firearm in some states. Some states may even take away your voting rights. However, New Jersey law restores voting rights after completing your sentence.
Difficulty Getting Credit
You may also find it difficult to get credit with a criminal record. Banks may choose not to lend you money. If they do agree to lend you money, it may be at higher rates.
A criminal conviction follows you around for the rest of your life. Despite trying to turn around your life, things like a lack of career opportunities or difficulty finding housing can make this seem impossible.
When to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
It’s often much harder to petition to have your criminal record sealed after the fact. The best option is to fight against your charges from the beginning. Either way, you deserve a chance to move on after a criminal conviction. A criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate your case and find a way to move on.
If you’re currently dealing with criminal charges, it’s important to build a strong defense that considers both the short and long-term consequences. If you have already served your time and are ready to move on, a criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate your options. Don’t let a mistake ruin the rest of your life.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Charges in Camden County
Were you arrested or charged with a crime in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with a crime in Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rte 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
