A criminal record is a legal document that records a person’s criminal history. Having a criminal record can negatively impact an individual’s life. If you have been convicted of a criminal offense, contact an experienced Rockland County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help defend your rights. Our firm is committed to helping clients get reduced or dropped charges. We are ready to fight on your behalf.
How can a criminal record affect my life?
A criminal record can affect an individual’s life in several ways including:
Employment
A criminal record can severely impact an individual’s livelihood. When an individual has a criminal record, they may have difficulty landing a good job with high earning potential. Employers have the legal right to obtain and assess an individual’s criminal history through a background check. A criminal record puts individuals at a disadvantage as many employers believe they may act unethically, commit acts of misconduct, or steal from them. If an employer does not like what they see from an individual’s criminal past, they can deny employment.
College admission
If an individual is charged and convicted of a misdemeanor or any other crime, it will go on their criminal record. When an individual applies to college, the college typically runs a background check. It could prevent them from being accepted into the school or hinder their ability to recover financial aid. An individual’s chances of earning a degree are reduced.
Child custody
Child custody rights can be severely reduced if an individual has a criminal record. If their convicted crimes involved domestic violence or any other violent offenses, the consequences regarding child custody will be more severe.
Adoption/ Fostering
Individuals with criminal records will face more obstacles to adopting or fostering a child. They are not fully ruled out, however, it is unlikely they will be allowed to adopt or foster a child. However, depending on what the offenses were, individuals with a criminal record may be able to adopt and foster a child.
Renting
Individuals may have a hard time finding the perfect home if their criminal past is still haunting them. When a person applies for tenancy, a landlord has the legal right to deny a person solely based on their criminal record. However, they may only do so if they are acting to directly preserve the safety of the premises.
Driving
Depending on the criminal offense an individual is convicted of, they may lose their privilege to drive. People may face the suspension or revocation of their standard license as a consequence. For instance, if an individual is charged with driving while under the influence (DUI), they may lose their driving privileges.
Professional licenses
When an individual seeks professional licensing, an individual’s criminal history will be assessed. Individuals with criminal records may not be able to acquire professional licensing in certain fields such as real estate, health care professions, or other professions that require proper certification and licensing.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, reach out to one of our skilled and determined attorneys. We can help defend your interests and help ensure your mistakes don’t follow you for the rest of your life.