5 Ways a Criminal Record Hurts Your Future

When you get convicted of a crime, it becomes public record. Anyone who runs a background check will see your entire criminal history – from a small misdemeanor for marijuana to a serious felony.

Because background checks are so important to everyone from potential employers, loan providers, and rental organizations any type of criminal past creates substantial barriers. This makes the collateral effect on your life one of the most important reasons to fight a criminal charge.

To avoid a criminal record you need to fight the charges. Learn how and contact an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney at (713) 222-6767.

Initial consults are free and we’ll review all your options.

5 Drawbacks of a Criminal Record

1.Difficulty Finding Employment

Both misdemeanors and felony convictions make it extremely difficult to get a job.

A felony on your background, particularly for violent crimes, sex crimes, or drug offenses can make employers afraid to hire you. A DWI conviction can make you look reckless and irresponsible. They may not trust you to maintain a safe work environment – even if it happened years ago. They might also be concerned about you repeating an offense, and they’ll have to hire someone new again.

Individuals with criminal records often have to find employers willing to take a chance on them or accept positions below their educations or previous pay levels.

2.Trouble with Housing

People with criminal records can have a difficult time being approved for safe, affordable rental housing. This affects more than the person with the record. It hurts families too.

Being unable to find a decent apartment or house can make it hard to maintain custody or visitation. Convicted felons, in particular, have a tough time with housing. As a result, this can lead to further crimes.

Some offenses even ban individuals from subsidized housing. Therefore, many individuals with a criminal record experience homelessness.

3.Federal Student Aid Ineligibility

Certain drug or sexual convictions prohibit you from receiving grants or student loans. For many, this means not being able to afford or attend college. For drug convictions, you can sometimes become eligible again by attending a drug rehab program.

Regardless of becoming eligible, the inability to receive federal aid can seriously disrupt your education.

4.Difficulty Getting a Professional License

Even after someone with a criminal record obtain work or goes back to school, there are still be obstacles to moving on. For instance, you may have a hard time getting a professional license.

Most careers in the medical, legal, and financial fields require an official license. In addition, jobs in real estate, cosmetology, and pharmaceuticals also mean getting a professional license. A criminal conviction can derail your professional goals.

Obtaining a professional license usually requires you to disclose prior convictions and report criminal charges going forward. These professions’ governing bodies may question your ability to uphold the standards of that job.

5.Firearm Restrictions

Under Texas law, a convicted felon must wait 5 years after his or her prison sentence or parole ends to own a firearm. In addition, people with felony convictions can only legally own a firearm in their residences.

If you are found with a gun in your vehicle or elsewhere, you can be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Arrested in Houston? Call an Attorney Today

The impact of a conviction doesn’t end with jail time and fines. If you’ve been arrested in Houston, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, you need to take it seriously. A criminal record, even for what may seem like a minor crime, can have significant consequences.

Contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett at (713) 222-6767.

Initial consults are free, confidential, and we’ll walk you through how you may be able to avoid a conviction.