Impacts You Could Face If You Have A Criminal Record In Florida
Criminal charges in Pinellas County are a serious matter. You could be facing heavy fines and court costs, a potentially lengthy jail sentence, and a permanent criminal record. To prevent this and the impacts that can result, get our Seminole criminal defense attorney on your side.
Six Ways A Criminal Record Could Impact You In Pinellas County
Penalties for even misdemeanor crimes in Seminole, such as driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, and petty theft, include fines of up to $1,000 and up to a one-year jail sentence. Felony offenses, such as aggravated assault, burglary, possession of controlled substances, and murder, can carry fines of up to $10,000 and up to 30 years or more in state prison.
Even after you complete your sentence, your criminal record could follow you for the rest of your life. Ways in which this can impact you in the years to come include:
- Your ability to get a driver’s license.
If convicted of a DUI, drug possession, manslaughter, or certain other offenses, you may face the loss of your driving privileges. Driving under suspension can result in a complete revocation of your license.
- Your rights to housing.
The Fair Housing Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, but it does not protect criminal offenders. Your criminal record will likely be a factor when filling out housing or apartment rental applications and a criminal conviction can result in an automatic denial.
- Your ability to get an education.
Drug offenses and certain types of felony crimes can impact your eligibility for student loans or grants, preventing you from getting an education. A criminal offense can also prevent you from being accepted to the college of your choice. If it happens while you are a student, it could result in your immediate expulsion.
- Your ability to find a job.
Background checks are part of many job applications today. A criminal conviction could prevent you from being hired. If you have a felony conviction on your record, it could also prevent you from getting a professional license or being bonded. This is often a requirement for people in the accounting, childcare, construction, cosmetology, education, legal, and medical fields.
- Your rights in family court proceedings.
A criminal record could impact your rights in Pinellas Family Court proceedings. It is a frequent factor in adoptions, divorce, and child custody disputes.
- Your ability to serve your country.
The U.S. Armed Forces place a high priority on good moral character. A criminal conviction could prevent you from serving or result in a dishonorable discharge.
Let Us Help You Today
At Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff, we provide the strong legal defense you need to avoid a criminal conviction. If you already have a criminal record, we can advise you on the options for getting it expelled. Reach out and contact our Seminole criminal defense attorney today to request a consultation today.
