Ft. Lauderdale, located on Florida’s southeastern coast, is a city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. However, like any city, it has its legal challenges, with individuals facing criminal charges that can have lasting consequences on their lives.
The assistance of Ft. Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys can be crucial in mitigating the effects of these charges. Beyond legal penalties, a criminal conviction can disrupt various aspects of life, impacting personal, professional, and financial well-being.
Effects of Criminal Conviction on a Person’s Life
- Employment: Having a criminal record may negatively affect your chances of landing and keeping a job. Employers often conduct background checks on applicants, and if an applicant has a criminal past, many employers may not consider hiring them. Employers may believe that a prior conviction makes an individual unreliable and, therefore. Employers are entitled to deny an individual employment if the convict’s record is related to the current job or industry. For example, a person with a history of embezzlement may not be able to land a job in the financial sector.
- Housing: A criminal conviction may make it more difficult for you to get housing. Many landlords conduct background checks before renting to a prospective tenant. A criminal record can be a major deterrent for landlords, who may choose to reject an application based on the conviction. Criminal convictions like robbery, assault, and murder can cause landlords to deny housing on the basis that the individuals may pose a risk to other tenants.
- Education: Applying to college in the US is a very competitive process. A criminal conviction may just add to the chances of an individual’s college application being rejected. A college may refuse admission if the charge is serious or recent. This also applies to professional certifications. Some certifying authorities don’t let those with criminal records take on the licensing examinations. The chances of getting a scholarship or financial aid may also be significantly impacted by a criminal conviction.
- Finance: The financial stability of those with criminal records can be jeopardized. Having a criminal conviction can make it difficult to obtain loans, which can make it difficult to find a home or launch a business. Financial difficulties can also be caused by increased insurance premiums and difficulties getting professional licenses.
- Social Stigma: Family ties may suffer as a result of a criminal conviction. Family dynamics can be impacted by the stigma associated with being incarcerated or having a criminal record, as well as the practical difficulties they present. Those with criminal convictions may also face stigma and isolation from members of society, like their neighbors and colleagues. This can have a huge impact on the self-respect and self-worth of a person.
In conclusion, a criminal conviction can have devastating implications for a person. Hiring the right attorney can be the key to avoiding being charged with such crimes.
