Hidden Consequences of Convictions

At the start of a case, each defendant has their charges and the range of punishment explained to them by the judge during the arraignment, so the direct consequences of a criminal conviction shouldn't surprise you. These can include fines, time in the county jail, or time in a state prison. However, there are a number of hidden costs to a criminal conviction, especially felonies, which you might not be aware of. These consequences could affect your employment, housing, immigration status, voting, and firearm ownership.

EMPLOYMENT

If convicted, you will likely difficulties with finding work. For example, 33% of those released from prison failed to find employment of any kind in the first 4 years. Even if you do find employment, keeping that employment will be difficult and worse, the jobs you do find may lack promotion opportunities and rarely provided the chance for pay raises.

HOUSING

Once you have a criminal record, you may find discrimination when you apply for housing. While blanket denials for criminal records are illegal, landlords can choose not to name the conviction as their reason for the denial, and this makes it very difficult to prove. As many as 16% of all inmates go through periods of homelessness as a result of their conviction.

IMMIGRATION

If you're an immigrant, you may face deportation if convicted. Legal immigrants seeking residency status and resident aliens seeking citizenship can see their green cards or work visas revoked and pathway to citizenship blocked.

VOTING

If convicted of a felony, you will have your voting rights stripped. While this is temporary, and the right to vote is restored once a sentence is fully served, this can include the entire time for probation or parole, not just prison sentences.

FIREARMS

Your 2nd Amendment rights can be taken away from you for certain criminal convictions. Not only felony convictions, but also misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence can result in losing your right to possess a firearm. This can also extend to the household you live in, even if the people you live with don't have a criminal record.

CONCULSION

If you are worried about these potential consequences of an upcoming criminal case, don't try to go this alone. You need legal help. We would be happy to talk with you and see if there is anything we can do for you. Call us at 816-787-1979 to schedule a free criminal consultation today!