If you’ve been accused of criminal wrongdoing, then you’re probably on pins and needles thinking about what the future has in store for you. This is understandable given that the prosecution is probably threatening you with the harshest penalties allowed under the law.
But what’s really at stake in your case? Is it as bad as the police and the prosecution have made it out to be? Let’s take a look at what could be at stake in your case.
The penalties associated with a criminal conviction
Depending on the specific offense that you’re charged with, there may be multiple penalties on the line, and their impact can fall almost anywhere on the spectrum of severity. That said, let’s look at some of the most common penalties associated with cranial conviction so that you have a better understanding of what could befall you if you’re found guilty of the charges levied against you:
- Incarceration: This is most people’s main concern, and it’s true that you may end up facing jail or prison time, especially if you’ve been charged with a serious crime. This can strip you from your friends and family for a significant period.
- Fines and restitution: Conviction on your criminal charges might also lead to large fines or an order to pay restitution. This can be a massive financial burden that leaves your financial stability devastated in the years to come.
- Restriction on driving privileges: Your conviction might also lead to license suspension or revocation. This can make your day-to-day life difficult, and it can render it challenging to get to work and keep your employment. It can also make it hard to visit family and friends, which can leave you emotionally distraught, especially if you need to travel to take care of a sick loved one.
- Employment issues: A conviction is probably going to cause you to lose your job. As if that’s not enough, your lingering criminal records will also probably make it harder for you to secure employment even after you’ve paid your debt to society. This can make it hard for you to obtain financial stability in both the short term and the long term.
- Housing complications: A conviction can also make it difficult to find appropriate housing. Many places are hesitant to rent property to those who have been convicted of a felony, which might leave you with less than desirable housing options.
- Negative implications for family law issues: If you have a child and are subject to an existing custody order, then your conviction could have ramifications for how much time you get to spend with your child. In fact, depending on the type of conviction, you may even have your parenting time suspended, which can be catastrophic to your relationship with your child.
As you can see, there’s a lot at stake in your criminal case. And the effects mentioned above may not even be everything that you’re up against, which is why if you want to protect yourself and your future, then you need to think through how to aggressively defend yourself as strongly as possible.
Are you ready to build your criminal defense?
Even though these potential impacts can seem scary, you might have strong criminal defense arguments available to you that can help you avoid these penalties. So, if you’re ready to find the best way to approach your criminal case, then now is probably the best time for you to reach out to a legal advocate who will give you zealous advocacy that you need on your side.
