Being convicted of a crime is no laughing matter. The consequences of a conviction can be quite severe. It can leave a lasting stain on your record and life for decades to come. Many of the negative impacts are in fact irreversible. Below are seven long term consequences of being convicted of a crime.
- You May Lose the Right to Vote
If politics are important to you, you may have to forget about ever taking part in the political process again after a criminal conviction. In most states, you will not be allowed to vote with a felony on your record. You won’t be able to run for office either.
- You May Lose the Right to Own a Gun
If you are an avid gun enthusiast, you should know you will have to give up your guns after a felony conviction. Federal law specifically prohibits felons from owning firearms. The second amendment only applies to non-felons.
- You Will Be Barred from Certain Careers
Certain jobs require licenses and certifications. Those with criminal records are often barred from obtaining such licenses. You will, for example, never be allowed to be a legally licensed pawnbroker.
- You Won’t Be Allowed to Serve in the Military
Convicted criminals are specifically restricted from joining and enlisting in the different branches of the military. For an exception to take place, the Secretary of Defense has to approve it.
- You Will Have a Hard Time Finding a Job in General
If you’re used to full-time employment, you may find yourself hard pressed to find good work after leaving prison. Most employers do background checks and screen employees for their criminal records.
- You May Not Be Able to Drive
According to Appleton criminal defense attorneys at Hammett, Bellin & Oswald, LLC., you could lose your license if convicted of a DUI. The first offense could result in up to a nine month license suspension. A third DUI charge could result in a three year suspension.
- Your Reputation Could Be Ruined
Like it or not, criminals gain a stigma that is very hard to get rid of. Your reputation with the community and even your own family members could remain tarnished for the rest of your life.
Overall, a criminal conviction can have extremely negative consequences for the long term. Do your best to avoid committing criminal acts. If you have been charged with a crime, hire a good attorney and try to mount a vigorous defense. The stakes are high.
This article is from Lizzie Weakley, a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her four-year-old husky Snowball.
