Maintaining a clean criminal record is of great importance. This means that you have not been involved in any criminal activities. Having a criminal history can impact your life in a variety of ways. It can limit your freedom. Whether you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, it can appear on your record and result in a number of negative consequences for you. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, while felonies are more serious ones. Being convicted of either of these will result in a criminal record. We will be discussing the implications of having a criminal record in this post.
The Impact of a Criminal Record
A person with a criminal record will see a number of impacts on their personal and professional life. The most important areas are as follows.
1. Limited Career Opportunities
Since many employers make background checks before hiring employees, having a criminal record may disqualify you from being hired. The more serious the offense, the harder it will be for you to get a job. Although you may have the qualifications for the job, having a criminal record can make it difficult to get a work permit or a professional license.
2. Problems in Renting an Apartment
Landlords may have an unwritten rule about not renting out to people who have a criminal record. If you have just stepped out of prison, it can become difficult to get a place to reside. Most landlords will also require proof that you have a reliable job with a decent paycheck that shows that you can pay the rent. This will become challenging for you if you have a criminal record.
3. Legal Difficulties
If you have a criminal record, it may limit your ability to own firearms, vote, or even the right to get a passport in some cases. If you are a repeat offender, it may result in harsher punishments, higher bail amounts, and more severe sentencing.
4. Challenges in Obtaining Credit
Banks are generally reluctant to give loans or credit cards to those who have been convicted of a criminal offense. They are considered a credit risk. It can consequently become difficult to own a home, purchase a car or begin a business venture.
5. Negative Social Implications
Once you have been convicted of a serious criminal offense, it may result in your being abandoned by both friends and relatives. The social boycott will result in a lack of support from the people on which you depend the most. It can lead to feelings of rage, despair, and isolation.
Conclusion
We all make mistakes, some more serious than others. You may be a victim of circumstances or an unwitting ally in a crime situation. If there is an instance in which you run the risk of being convicted, contact a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer like the Treyz Law Group. They specialize in a number of areas and can help dismiss the charges or get an acquittal in your case. Contact them today to see how they can help you. It is important that you contact them without loss of time because the state has already moved against you.
