Most of us go through our lives feeling like we would never be in a situation where there would be an accusation of a serious crime. But what if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time? Unfortunately, it can happen, but what does that mean for your future?
An accusation of a serious crime can impact your life in several ways. The stress of the charge can wear a person down and be quite an emotional experience. How a severe criminal accusation affects your life may depend upon the nature of the accusation.
You will want to prepare for how this accusation can impact your life. Being accused of a serious crime is a traumatic experience, and it is vital to have a lawyer who knows the process and is not emotionally invested in it to help guide you.
Employment Impacts
All employers perform background checks, and any charge that appears, with or without a conviction, can result in being passed over for a position. Additionally, most applications specifically ask you about any previous convictions. Usually, they ask about felonies, but some employers may extend this to misdemeanors as well.
Be sure to answer these questions truthfully. If you are not found guilty of a crime, you do not need to disclose it, but be prepared to defend it when the employer asks. Depending upon the nature of the criminal charge, the prospective employer may not hold it against you if the offense is something that would not affect the position requirements.
Child Custody Impacts
When child custody is in question, some criminal offenses may be used against you, impacting your right to custody of your children. For example, violent charges and child-related charges are at the top of that list.
Child Adoption Impacts
Some states have laws barring child adoption based on certain offenses. The offenses don’t need to be felonies. Instead, some states will ban adoption with certain misdemeanors. Considerations include weapons, child concerns, alcohol, and drugs, among others.
Driving Impacts
Depending upon the offense and the severity of the crime, the state may remove your driver’s license privileges. Violations could also lead to a driver’s license suspension or a requirement to complete specific courses such as drug education, anger management, etc.
Firearm Impacts
If you have firearms, certain criminal charges could cause their removal from your possession. Alternatively, if you don’t currently have guns, there could be a ban on your future ownership possibilities. These laws depend on the state and the nature of the offense. In the case of a felony, your right to own a firearm is revoked for at least several years, barring a pardon or other unique circumstance.
Immigration Impacts
While you are not a United States citizen, a criminal offense could impact your ability to obtain a green card or change your status in any way. Additionally, you could lose your ability to even remain in the United States.
Future Criminal Activity Impacts
Like progressive discipline in a job, future criminal activity can receive a more severe penalty based on an existing criminal record. Thus, each new offense will compound the problem.
College Admission Impacts
Most colleges have policies about criminal records. However, the procedures vary from college to college. Even if you have been admitted to the university, acquiring financial aid may be a challenge with a criminal charge on your record.
Other Potential Impacts
Licensure in healthcare is strict, and any type of record may eliminate the possibility of receiving or maintaining your license as a medical professional.
Some states may allow potential landlords to exclude specific applications based on a criminal record. This refusal to rent or lease is especially true of sexual offenses.
Financial Impacts
It stands to reason that the inability to obtain a job or the possibility of losing a job may result in a negative financial impact. In addition, there will likely be court costs, legal representation costs, and financial effects that can easily domino into significant financial struggles. Facing ongoing prosecution continues to mount expenses.
Unless you are eligible for a public defender, criminal defense costs can be costly. Rates depend upon experience, specialty, geographic area, among other factors. Court costs can include court fees for the court costs, court recorders, probation, supervision, recordkeepers, and more. These fees are in addition to any fines or penalties.
Even if you are not guilty, these expenses still exist since the accusation still needs to be defended. In addition, the court process can be time-consuming and long-lasting.
What’s First If You Have A Serious Criminal Charge?
The best defense is a good offense. Therefore, as soon as there is an accusation of a severe criminal charge, it is crucial that you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Select someone who is knowledgeable in your specific charge and defense.
Jeremy Widder Law is a Maryland-based legal firm specializing in protective orders and minor offenses, substance-related offenses, property crimes and non-violent felonies, as well as major offenses and violent felonies.
Getting charged with a crime can be scary. You want someone who will listen and be your advocate. We are committed to walking with you from start to finish and giving your unique case the attention it deserves. Contact Jeremy Widder Law today.
