A criminal record can have a serious impact on your future. Read on to learn more about the long-term consequences of a record and your potential options.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of a Criminal Record?
Committing a crime can only take a moment, but the consequences can last a lifetime, including:
- A criminal record can impact your job prospects. When you apply for jobs, you will often be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime.
- If you received a DUI conviction, it may also prohibit you from applying for a commercial license, further limiting your job options.
- If you are an immigrant here in the United States, certain criminal convictions can warrant your deportation from the country.
- Certain criminal convictions may prevent you from renting certain properties.
- Certain criminal convictions may percent you from securing certain loans.
- If you are a convicted sex offender, this will likely become part of the public record.
- In certain cases, criminal convictions can affect child custody agreements. For example, if you are convicted of an act of domestic violence or substance abuse, your former spouse may argue that you are unfit to be a parent, on the grounds that these actions violate the core of your custody agreement, which is to serve your child’s best interests.
What to Know About Sealing a Record in New York
In some cases, you may be able to have your criminal record sealed. A sealed record is removed from the public record and cannot be viewed by others, even though it still exists. While this is true, sealed records can be accessed or re-opened through a court order. The following crimes can be sealed in the state of New York:
- Possession of less than ⅞ of an ounce of marijuana, three years after their conviction
- Non-criminal violations, such as trespassing
- Certain crimes committed as a juvenile
- Any charge where there was no conviction
- Certain misdemeanors or felonies, as long as the offender either entered court-mandated alcohol or drug treatment program, have no additional pending charges, and have satisfied any sentence or request mandated after they completed treatment.
Reach out to our firm to find out more about sealing your criminal record.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.
