A criminal conviction remains on your record forever, unless you’re lucky enough to be one of those select few who qualifies for an expungement or pardon. Convicted defendants are likely to face “collateral consequences” that extend far beyond their incarceration — meaning that their punishment continues long after their sentence is over.
These complications that defendants are likely to face in the aftermath of their conviction compared to non-criminals impact recidivism in the U.S.
What are the collateral consequences do convicts face?
Government officials impose many restrictions on anyone convicted of a felony. These laws may temporarily or permanently prohibit these convicts from qualifying for government benefits, voting or owning a firearm on the premise that it’s in the public’s best interest for them to do so.
Perhaps one of the most glaring collateral consequences that convicts face is finding employment. Data compiled by the American Bar Association shows that there are a total of 46,000 known collateral consequences that exist. Their analysis of the data reveals that 70% of them are work-related.
Many people wish to work in fields that require them to secure a professional license, whether as a barber, cab driver or contractor. Those with felony records often can’t pass the moral turpitude clauses of these licensing boards. Employers use similar justifications for not hiring qualified individuals to work as teachers, bankers, nurses, and in virtually any other profession.
Everyone has basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Convicted felons who find it too challenging to secure these following their release from incarceration may resort back to a life of crime to secure the basics, a factor that may result in them ending up back in prison.
What can you do to ensure you have a bright future?
Supporting yourself is likely to be quite complicated if you end up convicted of the felony charges you’re facing. A conviction is likely to place limits on your life in many other ways other than merely having difficulty in finding a job here in Colorado.
You owe it to yourself to not take your charges lying down but to fight them with all of your might instead. A Lakewood defense attorney can be the advocate you need to take on a felony battle in your Lakewood case.