What Happens if I am Convicted of a Crime?

We all make mistakes, and Attorney Spector understands that. This is why our firm has been dedicated to helping those charged with crimes in Rockland County for over 30 years. Do not let yourself be bogged down by the long-lasting effects of a criminal record. If you are someone facing criminal charges, you should read on and reach out to our experienced New York criminal defense attorney to learn more about criminal records and what we can do to prevent you from obtaining one. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How can a criminal record affect my life?

If you are convicted of a crime, that history will be made available to the general public. This means that you may not work at certain places, you may not be able to take out certain loans, you will be barred from living in certain areas, and, if you are an immigrant, a serious enough crime could potentially warrant deportation. That is why it is so crucial you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight, tooth-and-nail, for your rights.

Can I get a criminal record expunged?

Depending on the nature of your case, there is a chance that at some point down the road you may have your record sealed. This means that your criminal record will only be available to a small number of government entities, though it will not be available to the public, meaning yes–you will no longer have to check “yes” in the box that asks if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime when applying for a job, among other things.

The crimes that may qualify for an expunction or a sealed record in New York State can include noncriminal offenses, like disorderly conduct convictions, which can sometimes be sealed. Additionally, certain drug convictions may also be expunged, provided you meet certain criteria. In other cases, certain misdemeanor/felony convictions can be expunged. However, you must have no more than two convictions (only one of those two can be a felony) within 10 years. That being said, certain crimes simply cannot be sealed, including Class A felonies, sex offenses, and violent felonies.

Contact our experienced New York 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.