Felonies are the most serious crimes, often resulting in harsh legal penalties. However, the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and steep fines are not the only consequences you need to be worried about if you face felony charges.
A conviction can adversely affect your life long after serving your sentence in various ways. Below are some of them.
It may not be easy to secure employment and housing
A felony conviction on your criminal record does not look good to a potential employer or landlord. As a result, you may find it hard to land a job or lease a property simply because of your criminal past. While a viable solution exists in expunging or sealing your criminal records, not all felonies are eligible for these. You may also have to wait for years to qualify for an expungement.
You could lose certain civil liberties
Your right to possess a firearm, vote, serve as a juror and hold public office of trust or profit are some of the civil liberties you may lose due to a felony conviction. While some of these civil rights can be restored after serving your sentence, it is not always guaranteed.
Your relationships with friends and family may be affected
A long prison sentence can create a disconnect with your friends and loved ones. It can be impossible to rekindle once close relations or make new ones since some people may hesitate to associate with you. Living with the stigma and stereotyping can be discouraging and frustrating.
Are you facing felony charges?
If you’ve been charged with a felony, it’s always wisest to seek qualified legal guidance representation. The stakes are very high in such cases, and getting a viable defense strategy against the charges against you is best started early.