If you have been charged with a crime, it is not just your immediate freedom that you should worry about. From school to employment to loans, there are many reasons you should be concerned about a criminal record.
Currently, there are 44,000 federal and state statutes that can affect those with criminal records, limiting everything from where you live to your ability to vote. When you are deciding how to handle an arrest, consider how a criminal record can affect you.
What shows up on a criminal record that affects your chances for getting a job?
If you apply for a job and you have a criminal record, your potential employer may find out about it through a background check. A record can include any of the following:
- Past and current court warrants and arrests
- State and federal tax liens
- Basic information about your identity
- State and federal bankruptcies
- Any property you own
- History of divorces or marriages
- Any distinguishing body markings
- Misdemeanors of felonies on your record
- List of relatives
If an employer is choosing between you and another potential candidate, your record may weigh heavily on their decision.
What other things are affected by a criminal record?
A criminal record can also affect your future in the following ways.
- Child custody: your custody rights may be limited if you have a criminal record.
- Immigration: criminal charges can affect your ability to become a naturalized citizen or obtain a green card.
- Other criminal cases: if you already have a criminal record, you may be penalized more severely for subsequent crimes.
- Other privileges: you could have your license revoked or lose the right to own a firearm.
Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying event and not something you should take unnecessary chances with. To protect your future and get the best deal for your alleged crime, you should consult a criminal defense attorney.