If you are contemplating arrest or have already been charged, you may be curious about how a prospective charge or conviction may affect you in the future.
A criminal record might impact you in two ways. First, a criminal record can be used by the police to investigate potential criminal behavior and can be used against you in later criminal trials. Second, it may show in an official police record that you have requested. The second of these scenarios is the one that has sparked the greatest interest.
What is a Criminal Record?
A criminal record is a record of any past convictions and charges that a person may have had. If a person has a past conviction, they are said to “have a criminal record.” This can have a wide range of consequences in a person’s life. Even if a person just has one past conviction on their record, it can still have long-term consequences.
Alternatively, the term “criminal records” can refer to a database of criminal cases kept by municipal and county court systems. These documents are typically open to the public and can be viewed by anybody, regardless of their relationship to the individual being sought. Certain criminal records may be sealed.
Consequences of Criminal Records
1] Employment Obstacle
For most people, one of the most damaging elements of obtaining a conviction is that it harms your reputation when others learn about it. When you disclose your criminal offense to possible employers, landlords, or banking agents, you may be refused services or chances.
Many businesses need a criminal background check before employing applicants. Currently, any conviction, no matter how old, is recorded on your criminal record. Employers may choose not to hire you if you have been convicted, or they may dismiss you if they hear of your past even if you are doing adequately.
2] Driving and other Privileges
Criminal records can result in the loss of driving privileges, the right to carry a firearm, and other rights. Criminal histories can make it difficult for a foreign individual to get a green card, become a naturalized citizen, or modify their immigration status.
A criminal record may have further consequences. In certain situations, this may be determined by state or municipal criminal laws, as a sentence and other legal choices vary by area.
Can My Records be Expunged?
Previous criminal offenses are frequently expunged from a person’s record. This must typically take place some years after the person’s sentences have been served (anywhere from 5-10 years, depending on the seriousness of the charges). The individual must ask for and request that their record be sealed or deleted in writing. After the erasure or expungement procedure is finished, the public will no longer be able to view the person’s criminal records.
If you are facing criminal accusations, you must act quickly to defend yourself and your rights. By providing your side of the story, a criminal defense attorney might persuade the court to lessen or even drop the accusations against you. If you have a criminal record, your attorney can help you with the expungement procedure.
Your attorney can gather evidence to build a convincing defense in your favor, negotiate with prosecutors, and advise you on the actions to take to obtain the best possible conclusion. Contact Autrey Law Firm to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest to discuss your case.
