What Are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction?
Getting convicted of a felony in Florida can have many negative consequences in your life. As a felony lawyer, can explain, these consequences can last long after you’ve served your jail sentence or probation. Here are a few ways a felony conviction can impact your life.
You May Have Difficulty Finding Employment
If you get convicted of a felony, you might notice that it’s more difficult to get a job than before. Many employers conduct background checks on job candidates nowadays and may be reluctant to give the position to someone with a criminal record. They may view someone with a felony conviction as untrustworthy.
It may be especially difficult to gain employment in certain fields, like education, healthcare, and banking.
You May Trouble Getting Approved for an Apartment
With a felony conviction on your record, you may also find it trickier to get apartment rental applications approved. Like employers, many landlords conduct background checks on prospective tenants. They may be weary about renting to someone with a criminal history, particularly if that person was convicted of a drug or violent crime.
As a result, you may be forced to move in with a family member or friend.
You May Be Unable to Get Child Custody
If you are in the middle of a divorce, a felony conviction could hurt your chances of gaining custody of your children. Judges are less likely to award custody to parents with criminal records, especially if the crime involved violence. They’re looking out for the best interest of the children and may believe that a person with a criminal record isn’t a responsible parent.
It Can Hurt Your Immigration Status
If you were born in another country and are trying to obtain a green card or citizenship in the U.S., a felony conviction could put a stop to that. Foreign nationals who get convicted of a crime are at risk of deportation.
It Could Affect Your Personal Relationships
A felony conviction may also hurt your relationships with your family members and friends. Some of them may start to see you in a negative light after finding out you got convicted of a felony. They may stop spending as much time with you.
If you’re trying to remove a felony from your record, contact a reputable felony lawyer.
