If you are charged with a relatively minor crime, you might not think that pleading guilty and accepting the punishment is such a big deal. After all, you might pay fines and serve probation, but you might not be concerned since you do not have to go to jail. However, most people do not recognize just how much even a misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record can impact your life.
Having a criminal record is frowned upon by many parties you will encounter in your life, and even a seemingly minor conviction can have a serious stigma and cause damage to your reputation. It can also affect your finances, close relationships, and much more.
Some of the long-term effects of having a criminal record can include:
- Not getting hired for jobs
- Being ineligible for certain professions, such as financial services if you have a fraud or money-related conviction, or teaching if you have a domestic violence conviction
- Having your child custody rights threatened
- Facing immigration consequences, such as removal or deportation proceedings
- Not being approved for rental housing
- Losing academic scholarships or acceptance into educational institutions
- Not qualifying for a professional license or certification or having one revoked or suspended
- Being ineligible for financial assistance from the government
All of the above can persist long after you finish a court-ordered sentence for your conviction, which makes it more important than ever that you have a strong defense against your charges – no matter how minor they might seem.
Speak with a Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
If you are arrested or charged with a crime – even a misdemeanor – you should not wait to seek help from a Greensboro criminal defense attorney at E.J. Boswell Law Office. Contact us online or call 706-417-8299 to learn how we can help in your situation.