Facing a criminal charge is a difficult position to be in. Many people who are facing this situation are concerned with what sentence they’ll face from the court if they’re convicted. But the court-imposed sentence isn’t the only one they need to consider.
Criminal convictions come with collateral consequences, especially if the conviction is a felony instead of a misdemeanor. These are effects that a person convicted of a crime has to deal with, but they aren’t imposed as part of the criminal sentencing process.
Lifestyle consequences
Some of the most immediate collateral consequences a person has to deal with are ones that directly impact their lifestyle. One of these is difficulty finding or keeping a job. Many employers conduct background checks, which can quickly bar a person from getting a job. This is particularly true if a violent crime, such as robbery or sexual assault, was at the heart of the case.
Another lifestyle challenge that often appears has to do with housing. Some landlords do the same background checks as employers. Private landlords and public housing can opt to refuse housing to individuals with a criminal history, typically violent crimes or drug convictions.
Rights consequences
There are many specific rights that can be impacted by a criminal conviction. The right to own a firearm and the right to vote are two that are common collateral consequences. Serving on a jury and being able to hold a public office are also possible.
People who are facing a criminal charge should explore the potential collateral consequences that may result if they’re convicted. It may behoove them to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters so they can make decisions about their defense strategy that are in their best interest.