How a Misdemeanor Conviction Can Impact the Rest of Your Life
The word “criminal” often carries significant weight in the world, and for the most part it’s a term that people want to avoid being associated with. Yet when it comes to the types of crimes that you can be arrested for, it’s not just arson or murder that brings about criminal charges. Even violations of the law that are misdemeanors come with serious consequences and life-long implications.
What Exactly Is a Misdemeanor?
Less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor is a criminal charge that can be punished with fines and jail time. Types of misdemeanors include vandalism, trespassing, or public intoxication, and are actions that can land you in legal trouble. Many refer to a misdemeanor as a crime having to do with a lapse in one’s moral judgement rather than something more serious like taking someone’s life.
Often times people don’t think this type of charge is serious, since they might only incur a reasonable fine and spend a night or two in jail. However, a misdemeanor stays on your record for the rest of your life and is the type of charge where a defense attorney can help you out immensely.
Ways Your Life Can Be Impacted
With a criminal charge on your record, you might face hurdles in both your professional or personal life. Here are just a few ways you can be affected:
- Many employers run background checks and inquire about criminal charges before hiring someone. A misdemeanor doesn’t automatically mean you can’t work again, but it will require some explaining to prospective employers.
- Criminal records are made public and anyone can search to see if you’ve been charged with a crime. While this might not make a difference for some people, others may want to keep their personal misconduct private.
- If an immigrant faces misdemeanor charges, it could have a serious impact on their ability to stay in the United States. Should the crime be severe enough, a misdemeanor might be cause for deportation proceedings to begin.
- Misdemeanors could also affect your ability to be accepted to college or to rent future property. Although less serious than a felony, a misdemeanor is a crime that carries permanent implications.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, do not take it lightly. Just like any other criminal charge, a misdemeanor requires a strong defense attorney to help you reach the best outcome for your case.
Inkelaar Law works with clients who need a criminal defense and can help you with your misdemeanor charge. Contact us today with your questions and we can get started on your case right away.