How A Criminal Record Can Impact Your Life
Before pleading guilty to any type of crime – or accepting any type of bargain tied to a criminal accusation – it’s important to truly understand what having a conviction will mean for you.
It’s vital you understand all that you are up against before you take any actions. While your thought may be that jail or prison time is not forever, the truth is that a conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life.
The Ripple Effect Of A Conviction
Pleading guilty or being found guilty of a crime is the very tip of the iceberg for many. Now, the consequences start. You could be facing any number of repercussions, including:
- Prison time: Depending on the crime, you could end up behind bars for a substantial amount of time. This means no more freedom. No more being able to come and go as you please.
- Substantial fines: A conviction is expensive. There are court costs and typically fines that come along with a conviction.
- Trouble keeping or finding a job: Having a conviction on your record can make employment difficult. Depending on the crime, you could lose your current job – even if you don’t have to serve time. Looking to the future, having a conviction on your record can also bar you from certain professions and make it that much harder to land a job. You could be the perfect candidate, but as soon as the employer sees the conviction, suddenly the offer is off the table.
- Social stigma: While some crimes carry more stigma than others, regardless of the crime, many people are going to start to see you differently just because you have a conviction on your record. Suddenly, they may not want to be around you. Or they won’t feel comfortable letting their kids be around your kids.
Don’t Take Chances. Talk With An Attorney Right Away.
The best time to talk with an attorney is as soon as you suspect that you may be under investigation. However, even if an arrest has already happened or you know for sure you will be facing charges, now is still the time to contact a lawyer.
I am Charles L. Waechter, a criminal defense attorney in Maryland. For more than 40 years, I have been actively and aggressively protecting the rights of people facing criminal charges. No case is too big or complex. From sex offenses to drug charges, I handle it all. Call the Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter today at 844-899-3179 or contact my firm online. We can meet at one of my offices in either Baltimore, Bel Air, Annapolis or Ocean City. I want to make sure you fully understand what you are up against before taking any action.
