We are all familiar with the saying that to err is human, and forgiving is divine. Some minor offenses could let you get away with a slap on the wrist. However, a criminal charge on your record will follow you around like a bad smell. No matter how much you try to get back to normal and integrate into society, you will have a constant reminder of your past. Having the charges dropped won’t be a big help either since the damage will already be done. This article will discuss how a criminal record can affect your life.
Adoption
Children in the system have no doubt gone through many ordeals in their lives. Therefore, we understand why the Government and law enforcement would like to ensure they get the best care possible. In certain states like Texas, the law will not allow you to adopt a child if you have a misdemeanor charge involving family matters. The law will bar you from adopting a child if you have alcohol and substance abuse charges or let a child access a firearm.
Employment
Managers and business owners prioritize applicants with a clean background to help maintain the integrity of the enterprise. Therefore, it goes without saying that a criminal record or a minor charge such as a misdemeanor could prevent you from getting employment. There is also the concern that you might break company rules, act violently or fail to be honest, especially if the employer finds out you were charged with a severe criminal offense.
Child custody
Separation and divorce are messy and could scar the children for life if you don’t take the necessary precautions to shield them. Unfortunately, a criminal charge could worsen the situation and cause you to lose custody of your kids. If your charge had something to do with violence and domestic abuse, you could say goodbye to the prospect of taking care of your children. You will be lucky to get even a few hours of supervised visits.
Traveling
Travel agencies usually conduct a background check before issuing a Visa. Most countries worldwide will not grant you access if you have a criminal record, regardless of the severity or whether the charge was dropped. If you don’t have a passport by the time you are charged with a severe crime, acquiring one becomes extremely tedious and time-consuming.
Renting
Leasing is a big deal, and landlords would not want their building to host a supposed criminal. Most landlords will look into their applicants’ criminal backgrounds before making a final verdict. It doesn’t matter whether the charges were dropped or how much time has passed since you received your criminal charge. Once they find out about it, they will most likely refuse to rent to you. A criminal defense attorney can help reduce your charge or hopefully get it dismissed, so you are free to resume house-hunting in peace.
Driving privileges
Criminal charges involving drugs and alcohol will lead to the loss of your driving privileges. Safety on the road is paramount; you wouldn’t want to risk your life, your passengers, and other drivers’ lives by driving under the influence. In addition to the 15-hour course on drug education, the authorities will suspend your driver’s license for at least 180 days.
Professional licenses
Anybody would be uncomfortable knowing their healthcare provider has a criminal record. For this reason, obtaining a healthcare license with a criminal record on your back might be nearly impossible. Even a charge as small as a misdemeanor could cause your professional license to slip away from your fingers.
Reputation
Society will most likely stigmatize you if they catch wind of your criminal charge. Even your friends and family could act differently around you or take care not to get too close to you lest they meet an unfortunate fate. As a result, you could experience emotional and psychological suffering due to the isolation and loneliness of living in a society that wants nothing to do with you.
Ownership of firearms
In Texas, a class A misdemeanor or a felony could cause you to lose your right to own a firearm. Given the need to protect the general public, we understand why the law would withdraw this privilege. If you had a gun, they would withhold it with immediate effect.
Wrap Up
A criminal record is as frustrating as spilling a cup of strong coffee on your new white dress. You know for a fact that stains will never come off your dress. Therefore, we suggest you stay on the right side of the law to avoid criminal prosecution. A single criminal charge could change your life for the worst.
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