fighting long lasting effects

A criminal conviction can follow you for life. Most people can easily identify the direct consequences of a criminal charge, most obviously the potential for incarceration, fines, and costs. Not to mention criminal convictions can carry the obvious direct consequence of embarrassment and loss of reputation in the community. What many people don't realize is that a criminal conviction can have very real and lasting effects on future opportunities. Criminal convictions, and sometimes even arrests, can affect your goals, aspirations, career plans, citizenship, and even where you can live or your rights as a parent. There are literally thousands of possible collateral consequences that can affect your life as a result of a criminal prosecution. Below are just a few of the potential collateral consequences that can result from a criminal prosecution. One of the most important parts of zealous client-centered, holistic representation is identifying and attempting to fight collateral consequences that can drastically affect your life, even long after a case has been closed. 

Employment and education

Aside from the obvious difficulty that can come from having to disclose an arrest or criminal conviction to a potential employer, many convictions carry collateral consequences of denying future employment or professional licenses. Criminal convictions can not only lead to expulsion from higher education but also affect your ability to pursue your desired education in the future.

Driver's license

Most people understand that facing a DUI charge can result in the loss of your driver's license. In Tennessee, any criminal conviction can result in the revocation of your license if court-ordered costs, fines, and potential restitution has not been paid within a year from the date of conviction, regardless of the length of the sentence.

housing

Criminal convictions and sometimes even arrests can have drastic effects on where you can live. Many leases contain provisions that can result in termination of the lease and potential eviction. For homeowners, many convictions can lead to the government moving to seize your home, belongings, and personal property.

civic rights, citizenship, travel restrictions

Criminal convictions can affect your right to vote and your right to ever possess a gun. Convictions, even what some might consider to be minor misdemeanor convictions, can have drastic immigration consequences for non-citizens. Criminal convictions can keep you from serving in the military or travelling outside the country. Did you now that even a DUI conviction can keep you crossing the border into Canada?