If you are convicted of a crime in Mecklenburg County, you will have to deal with the long-term consequences of having a permanent record. This is true even if you are convicted of a misdemeanor, such as DWI or reckless driving.
When facing criminal charges, you must understand the long-term ramifications of a conviction and the punishments you face if you are found guilty to make the best decisions in your criminal case. You should also immediately retain an experienced Charlotte criminal defense lawyer to mount an aggressive defense.
Long-Lasting Ramifications of a Conviction
Some life-long consequences are the same for misdemeanor and felony convictions in our state. Here are the major ramifications of having a permanent criminal record that you should know about:
Employment
Depending on the questions asked on a job application or by a prospective employer, you may have to disclose your conviction. Another way an employer could find out about it is through a background check. They could decide not to interview or offer you a job due to your conviction.
A conviction on your record could exclude you from certain professions or jeopardize your professional license. For example, you could not be a truck driver if your commercial driver’s license was suspended due to a DWI.
Loans
You could have difficulty obtaining a mortgage, auto loan, or another loan if you have a permanent criminal record. The lender could view you as a high-risk borrower and deny your loan application.
Student loans
If your conviction is for possessing or selling an illegal drug, you may be ineligible for financial aid. In other situations, having a criminal conviction may not automatically exclude you from obtaining a student loan. But it may make it harder for you to qualify for one.
Rental housing
You could have difficulty finding an apartment, condo, or house to rent if you have a permanent criminal record. Your conviction is a public record and could be easily discoverable by a landlord when they do a background check, even if they do not ask about it on the rental application. Your housing options would be even more limited if you were convicted of a felony or a sex crime.
Sex Offender Registry
You must register as a sex offender on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry if you are convicted of a sex crime, such as child pornography. The registry is a public record that anyone can search. Being listed as a sex offender on the registry could severely limit your ability to find employment, housing, and more.
Immigration Status
A conviction could jeopardize your immigration status. You may lose your right to remain in the United States or to become a citizen. You could also face deportation proceedings.