If you’re facing criminal charges and thinking about the ramifications of a conviction, you probably start with things like financial fines or time in jail. And a conviction certainly can lead to these types of ramifications, along with things like probation, the loss of a driver’s license and much more, depending on the specifics of the charge.
But another thing to remember is that a conviction can have a long-term impact, especially when it gives you a permanent record. In many cases, this makes it much harder to find a job. There certainly are opportunities for those who have a record, but employers often prefer to hire applicants without one. So in a competitive job market, if you have the same skills and experience as another applicant, but they do not have a criminal record, the employer may choose the other applicant.
The type of conviction can play a role
One thing to remember is that the type of conviction you have can influence what jobs you are and are not able to obtain.
For example, perhaps you were convicted on drunk driving charges. This could make it much harder to work as a delivery driver, a rideshare driver or a commercial truck driver.
On the other hand, perhaps you were convicted of embezzlement. Securing a job as a truck driver may still be an option, but you would be less likely to find work as a financial officer or an accountant.
Your defense options
When looking at the big picture, you can see just how much a conviction could change your life. This is why it’s so important for you to understand exactly what legal defense options you have at this time.