THE EFFECTS OF A CONVICTION

Sometimes when you are charged with a crime, it seems like the best solution is to accept the plea bargain the prosecutor is offering.  Before you do that, consider these consequences of a conviction:

-       Some occupations preclude employment if you have certain convictions or have licensing laws that allow the state to deny employment for criminal convictions.  Examples include

• Dealer of dogs and cats
• Mortgage, real estate, insurance agents
• Court clerk
• Lottery retailer
• Pawn broker
• Doctor
• Attorney
• Nurse
• Teacher
• Funeral Director
• Contractor
• Locksmith
• Bill Collector
• Geologist
• Bus Driver of Children
• Athlete Agent
• Counselor or Therapist
• Police Officer

-       Anyone convicted of a felony is ineligible to serve in the armed forces without an authorized exception issued by the Secretary of the armed services branch.

-       A State employee convicted of a felony that was related to the employment or official capacity is not entitled to receive retirement benefits from the State.

-       A landlord may evict a tenant after the tenant has been charged or convicted of an offense that could present a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants.

-       If convicted of a felony, a person is automatically ineligible to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury.  It is possible to have these rights reinstated.

-       A convicted felon may not be able to own a handgun.

-       A convicted felon may not be able to change his or her name.  This is definitely the case for anyone listed on a sexual offender registry.

-       Depending on the type of conviction, the felon may have to register as a sexual offender.  This carries various limitations based on the crime that will limit where a felon can work, live, etc.

-       Depending on the crime, some crimes require lifetime supervision.

-       State and federal drug offenders may be ineligible for federal grants, licenses, contract, and other federal benefits.

-       Passports will be revoked for felons convicted of drug offenses.

-       Future sentences will be enhanced based off of the previous conviction.

RULE OF THUMB:  Be very careful and think through all of the consequences before accepting a plea agreement.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net