The Long-Lasting Effects of a Conviction
One mistake should not define your entire life. However, if you are convicted of a crime, it very well might. If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Texas, it is important to understand the consequences you face. For many, these consequences can adversely affect their entire lives.
When someone is convicted of a crime in Texas, the consequences can last long after they have served their sentence. A criminal record can make it difficult to get a job, housing, or credit. It can also lead to problems with immigration status. Even if the conviction is for a minor offense, the effects can be significant and last for many years.
Convictions Can Impact Employment
A criminal record can make it difficult to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process and may not hire someone with a criminal record. This is especially true for jobs that require bonding or security clearance.
In some states, there are laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against applicants with criminal records, but these laws vary from state to state. As such, you might find your future employment prospects to be bleak after an arrest and conviction.
Convictions May Affect Housing
Housing is another area where a criminal record can have lasting effects. Landlords may be reluctant to rent to someone with a criminal record, fearing that they will cause problems or damage their property. In some cases, public housing authorities may deny housing assistance to applicants with certain types of criminal records.
Getting a Loan is Difficult After a Conviction
A criminal record can also make it difficult to obtain credit. Lenders often consider an applicant’s credit history when making decisions about loans and other forms of credit. If an applicant has a criminal record, this may indicate to the lender that the applicant is not a good risk and the loan may be denied.
Convictions Cause Immigration Issues
Finally, a criminal conviction can lead to problems with immigration status. Non-citizens who are convicted of certain crimes may be deported from the United States. Even if they are not deported, they may have difficulty obtaining a visa or green card in the future.
Other Long-term Consequences of a Conviction
As if losing out on jobs, housing, and the ability to obtain a loan isn’t bad enough, there are other long-term consequences you could face as well, including:
- Sexual offender registration. If you are convicted of certain sex crimes, you may be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life.
- If you are convicted of offenses in certain states, you may lose your voting rights or the ability to hold public office.
- Some countries, such as Canada, refuse to admit a person into the country who has been convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies.
- Some courts will revoke or reduce custody time for parents with a criminal conviction.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
From the moment you are arrested, your future is in jeopardy. For that reason, you need an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney on your side from the very start. Your lawyer can prevent a conviction by providing a strong defense and challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
One of the ways your attorney can help you is by negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor, which can result in a lighter sentence or even a dismissal of charges. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to have the charges against their client dropped entirely.
A criminal conviction can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects. It is important to understand the potential consequences of a criminal conviction before pleading guilty to a crime. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the possible consequences of a conviction and help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact Our Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal guidance immediately. At Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C., we know how serious a conviction truly is. We know the impact this can have on your entire life, your career, and your future. That’s why we do everything in our power to protect you through this trying time. Call us at (713) 981-0600 or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about how we provide exceptional legal defense for all types of internet crimes.
Roger Jain is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists his clients in the following areas of practice: civil litigation, business law, criminal defense, juvenile law, estate planning and family Law.