A criminal conviction can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, and live your life.
If you’re convicted of a crime, there are two layers of consequences for the conviction. The first layer consists of the direct, legal consequences, including fines, incarceration, community service, probation, and other similar penalties. Those consequences can have a significant impact on your life, but for most crimes, they do have an endpoint.
But once you’ve completed your sentence, you still have to deal with the second layer of consequences. Having a criminal record, and especially a felony conviction, can have a variety of secondary effects on every aspect of your life, including but not limited to:
Employment
In Florida, employers are generally allowed to inquire about an applicant's criminal record during the application process, although some cities and counties have restricted this practice. Additionally, most employers conduct some form of background check that may reveal your criminal history. Even an arrest or charge that ultimately does not result in a conviction may appear on a background check, but a conviction will have a significantly more substantial impact.
Moreover, if you are in a career that requires a professional license, certain criminal convictions can result in the temporary or permanent suspension of your license. Likewise, if your job requires you to drive, a conviction for a criminal traffic offense, such as DUI, can permanently affect your ability to do that job.
Ultimately, the impact of a criminal conviction on your career will depend on the type of conviction and the nature of your job. Keep in mind, though, that even if you are facing a conviction that would not have a major impact on your current career, having a criminal record will always limit your options down the road.
Housing
In Florida, it’s generally legal for landlords to consider a tenant's criminal record when making housing decisions. If you’ve been convicted of a crime that might indicate you’re an unfit tenant, or even a threat to the safety of other tenants—such as a crime of violence, drugs, or destruction of property—then landlords may reject your rental application. Some landlords will go so far as to automatically disqualify people with criminal records.
You may know that your criminal conviction was a one-off issue and you’re no threat to anyone else, but why would a landlord who doesn’t know you take that risk? It’s no surprise that having a criminal record can severely limit your housing options.
Other effects on your future
Voting: In Florida, convicted felons generally cannot vote until they have completed the entirety of their sentence, including paying all fines and fees. Certain convictions disqualify you from voting even after you’ve completed your sentence, unless your rights are restored by the State Clemency Board.
Education: If you plan to attend college, having a criminal record can impact your acceptance chances, depending on the school's policies and the nature of the offense. Certain convictions might also affect your ability to qualify for student housing or financial aid.
Personal relationships: In Florida, criminal records are generally public information, and the overall impact on your reputation can affect many aspects of your life. Having a conviction may impact your ability to date, form friendships, or participate in social and community groups.
Protect your rights with an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney
Because the consequences of a criminal conviction can be so far-reaching, you need a criminal defense attorney who is prepared to listen to your story, explain your options, and build a strategy that puts you in the best possible position.
Sometimes, that means getting your charges dismissed or fighting for an acquittal at trial. In other situations, it may be in your interest to negotiate a plea deal—the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, for example, can be massive in terms of the effects on your life—or pursue a diversion program.
Attorney Mark Sieron and the legal team at Aguilar & Sieron, P.A. are ready to fight for your rights. Give us a call or contact us online today.
"Mark and Kathy are amazing. They went above and beyond my expectations and even saved me when the unexpected happened. They always laid out the plan and followed it to a T. Highly recommend Mark for any Clay County, North Florida issue you may run into." – Rick P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐