Collateral Effects of a Criminal Conviction
Most people are aware of the significant consequences that come with a criminal conviction. These consequences include time behind bars and fines that are largely dependent on the severity of the crime. There are other consequences, however, that are less obvious. Collateral consequences have the potential to impact numerous aspects of your life such as your right to own a firearm, voting rights, and financial aid. All criminal offenses are serious. If you were recently convicted, you should contact an experienced attorney who can walk you through the potential effects a criminal conviction can have on your life. You can schedule a free case consultation with Joslyn Law Firm by calling or by submitting your information in the online contact form.
Information center
- Professional Licenses
- Immigration Status
- Security Clearances
- Gun Rights
- Parenting Rights
- College Admissions and Financial Aid
- Voting Rights
- Adoption Rights
Professional Licenses
If you have studied and worked towards a profession that required you to have a license to practice, you may have just thrown it away. A criminal conviction can severely impact your ability to practice the profession you have work so hard for. Even a misdemeanor conviction can cause your professional license to be suspended. If you are a licensed professional facing a criminal charge, you should contact Joslyn Law Firm right away.
Immigration Status
If you have worked tirelessly to gain the opportunity to come to the United States and have begun the process to obtain a green card, you could be risking everything you have worked for if you are convicted of a criminal offense. With a criminal conviction on your record, you are not only risking your chances of getting a green card, but you are also facing the chances of deportation.
Security Clearances
If you are planning to work in certain professions that require a security clearance, you may not be able to do so with a criminal conviction on your record. Security clearances are typically conducted as a part of background checks. Professions that are most commonly impacted include teaching, working with children and security.
Gun Rights
Being convicted of certain criminal convictions can bar you from the ability to purchase or have a firearm in your possession. You may be able to regain this right by filing an application with the Common Pleas Court.
Parental Rights
If you have custody of a child or other parental rights, convictions of certain criminal offenses have the potential to terminate these rights. Regardless of what happens with your parental rights, you will still have to fulfill other legal responsibilities such as child support and contribute to medical expenses.
College Admissions and Financial Aid
Colleges are not fond of accepting applicants that have been convicted of criminal offenses. All colleges are different, but there is a possibility that you will not be admitted if you have a criminal offense on your record. If you are accepted, or you are already enrolled at a university, you may not be able to obtain financial aid if you have a criminal record for drug or sex-related crimes.
Voting Rights
Being convicted of a criminal offense can impact one of your most basic rights as an American, your right to vote. Those who are convicted of felony offenses are ineligible to vote while they are in jail, on probation or parole. This right will automatically be restored once you have completed your sentence.
Adoption Rights
If you are convicted of a criminal offense that involves family, failing to report the sex abuse of a child, solicitation of a minor, robbery or public indecency, you could lose your right to adopt children.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, OH
Being convicted of a criminal offense has the potential to entail penalties that last long after you get out of jail. To mitigate the chances or facing jail time and the collateral effects that entail a criminal conviction, you should contact a defense attorney right away. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm understand how important your rights are, and we will do everything in our power to ensure they are protected. To schedule a free case consultation with Joslyn Law Firm, call (614) 444-1900 or submit your information in the online contact form.
