There’s no doubt that it’s stressful when you’re up against criminal charges. If this is your first time being accused of criminal wrongdoing, then you might be wondering about what the process will look like, but you’re probably more concerned about the potential penalties that the prosecution seeks to thrust upon you.
Although understanding these potential penalties can be scary, it can also be informative, thereby helping you figure out the best way to approach your criminal defense. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the penalties that you might face if you’re convicted of the charges you’re facing.
The most common penalties imposed after conviction
There are a lot of different penalties that can be placed upon you. You may not be hit with all of the possible penalties, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you have a better understanding of what you’re up against. Here are some of the most common and harmful penalties seen in criminal cases:
- Incarceration: This might be your top concern, and for good reason. Depending on the charges you’re facing, you could end up spending years in jail or prison if you’re convicted. This not only strips you of your freedom, but it can also disrupt your relationships with your loved ones.
- Fines: You might also be hit with fines and orders for restitution if you’re convicted. This can disrupt your financial stability for a long time to come.
- Employment issues: A criminal record is almost certainly going to affect your ability to secure and maintain a job. This is because most employers run background checks prior to offering a position. This disruption in your employment can have a ripple effect on your financial stability and your ability to build the life that you want, even after you’ve paid your debt to society.
- Housing trouble: Although a criminal record shouldn’t prevent you from securing housing, oftentimes landlords are hesitant to lease to those who have been convicted of a felony, especially if that felony is drug or violence-related. As a result, your quality of life can diminish as you find yourself in less than favorable living conditions.
- License suspension or revocation: Some offenses, like those relating to drunk driving, can result in driver’s license suspension or revocation. This can make it hard to travel to a job, take care of your children, and visit loved ones.
- Professional license issues: If your career requires you to hold a professional license, then your criminal conviction could derail your entire career if it results in that license being suspended or revoked.
- Custody issues: A criminal conviction can also be used against you in your divorce or paternity case. Here, your child’s other parent might use your conviction to demonstrate that a custody modification is warranted, thereby reducing or even eliminating your time with your child.
Are you ready to fight to protect your future?
As you can see, the impact of a criminal conviction can wreak havoc on your life. There may even be other collateral consequences that you’ll face if convicted, too. But don’t let those possibilities paralyze you. Instead, use them as motivating factors to build the strongest criminal defense possible in your case. While the hope is that you’ll be able to beat the charges levied against you, even negotiating a plea deal may spare you from the harshest penalties mentioned above.