A person who’s arrested on a violent crime charge has a lot to think about. One of the most important is how they will handle their defense strategy because the consequences of a potential conviction can affect every area of their life. While many people will focus on the sentence that a court could impose, there are others that can also change their life in significant ways.
Collateral consequences can affect a person’s ability to work, find housing, go to school, handle family responsibilities, and participate in community life. Some of these consequences happen automatically, but others depend on the realities of life post-conviction.
Background check considerations
A violent crime conviction can inspire difficulties with finding a job because so many employers conduct background checks. Certain jobs, such as those involving children, the elderly, or vulnerable individuals may have restrictions regarding people who have violent crime convictions. Health care, security, transportation, education and regulated industries may also have strict restrictions about certain convictions.
It can also be challenging to find suitable housing because many landlords have similar restrictions about criminal convictions. Housing that’s available without a background check might be in less desirable areas. Public housing and other government benefits might not be available because of the nature of the conviction at issue.
Other potential effects of a violent crime conviction
A violent crime conviction can also lead to restrictions on firearm possession, jury service or voting rights. Some convictions may also affect child custody, the ability to adopt and other family-related situations. Social opportunities might also change as people learn about the conviction.
The effects of a violent crime conviction can last for years, even if a person has already completed their court-imposed sentence. Understanding all the ways a conviction can impact a defendant’s life may help them to determine how they want to shape their defense strategy.