What Are the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?

 Posted on December 19, 2022 in Federal Crimes

When someone is convicted of a federal crime, their life, as they knew it, is irrevocably changed forever. The immediate consequences of being convicted of a crime may be prison time, probation, or monetary fines. Regardless of the immediate consequences, it may be argued that the most severe of consequences are not set by a judge but by the drastic changes you may experience in your life as a result of being convicted of a crime. In addition, as many convicted individuals discover, there are “collateral consequences” that they may encounter. These consequences are related to changes imposed on your life not by a court but by the crime you have been convicted of. 

The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. Sometimes, you do not need to be convicted to feel collateral consequences. Sometimes, being associated with allegedly committing a crime can be enough for some people to feel the repercussions of being accused of committing a crime. The most effective thing someone can do to prevent or lessen the collateral consequences of a crime is to hire a highly knowledgeable attorney to work with as you navigate the particulars of your case. 

What Are Some Collateral Consequences of a Federal Criminal Conviction? 

More than simply serving your time or paying any necessary fines is needed to escape the effect of a conviction. However, this is not true. Collateral consequences for having committed a crime often include the following: 

• Losing your job – It is very common for people convicted of a crime to be fired. Losing a professional license is also a possible consequence of being convicted. It is challenging for convicted felons to go back to the job they had once they have been convicted of a crime.
• Problems in your personal life – People who were once your friends may no longer wish to be around you. Being convicted of a crime can alienate others around you.
• Lifestyle changes – As stated previously, it is doubtful you will be able to have the job you had before you were convicted of a crime. As a result, you may need to take a position that, before your conviction, you never would have considered. You may also have trouble finding housing, as landlords may hesitate to allow individuals to rent from them if they have a criminal history.

Contact an Illinois Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

The best way to avoid the collateral consequences of being convicted of a crime is to avoid being convicted in the first place. Contact the esteemed Chicago, IL, federal criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney to give yourself the best possible chance for a positive outcome in your case. Call 312-629-0669 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/251583.pdf