A criminal conviction carries more than just immediate penalties like fines or incarceration – it can have profound long-term effects on just about every aspect of your life. And these consequences don’t go away quickly.
In many cases, they can carry with you for decades, impacting your relationships, career, finances, and basic freedoms.
Don’t Take a Criminal Charge Lightly
You might think a criminal conviction only impacts the next few months or years of your life, but it can actually have an influence for many decades to come. That’s why it’s vital to hire a good criminal defense attorney. Otherwise, you might face some of the following long-term issues:
1. Employment Challenges
One of the biggest long-term consequences of a criminal conviction is the difficulty in finding and keeping a job. Almost all employers conduct some sort of background check as part of the hiring process. If you have a criminal record, it can be much harder to get hired. Some employers might be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal background, fearing potential risks or liability issues. And in many large businesses with shareholders and people with a vested interest in the hiring decisions of the company, having a criminal record is an immediate disqualifier.
Even if you manage to secure a job, your criminal record can limit your opportunities for advancement. Certain professions, particularly those requiring licenses or certifications, may be off-limits to you. For example, jobs in healthcare, education, and law enforcement often have strict rules about hiring individuals with criminal records.
2. Restrictions on Travel
A criminal conviction can also affect your ability to travel, especially internationally. Many countries have strict entry requirements and may actually deny entry to you if you have a criminal record. For instance, countries like Canada and Australia have stringent rules and may refuse you entry based on certain types of convictions.
Even within the United States, your freedom to move around can be restricted. If you are on probation or parole, you might need permission to leave your state or travel long distances.
3. Difficulties in Securing Housing
Finding a place to live can become a daunting task with a criminal conviction on your record. Landlords and property management companies run background checks on potential tenants, and a criminal record can be a red flag.
This can force you into less desirable living situations, such as substandard housing or areas with higher crime rates. In some cases, even public housing and housing assistance programs may have rules that exclude individuals with certain types of convictions, making it even harder to find stable housing.
4. Impact on Civil Rights
A criminal conviction can lead to the loss of some of your most basic civil rights. This varies from state to state – so you’ll have to do some research on your specific circumstances – but common restrictions include the right to vote and the right to own firearms. For example, in some states, felons lose their right to vote permanently, while in others, they can regain it after completing their sentence.
Firearm ownership is another right that can be severely restricted. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms. This restriction can be lifelong and applies even if you never used a weapon in your crime.
5. Social Relationships
The social stigma attached to having a criminal record can affect your personal relationships. Friends and family might view you differently, and new relationships can be difficult to form. The stigma often leads to feelings of isolation and shame, making it harder to integrate back into society.
It should also be pointed out that romantic relationships can suffer, too. Disclosing your criminal record to a potential partner isn’t easy. Whether fair or not, some people might be unwilling to pursue a relationship once they learn about your past.
Taking the Situation Seriously
As you can see, the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction have the ability to create a harsh cycle. After serving out the terms of your sentence and dealing with the penalties, you could still find yourself in a situation where it’s difficult to find a job and housing. And when you don’t have a good job or good housing, it’s hard to have good mental health and build relationships and take steps forward in your life.
All of this speaks to the importance of hiring a good attorney up front. You need someone on your side who can increase your chances of having a better outcome in a case where you’re facing criminal charges. That’s the only option – so make it a priority!