If you stand accused of a crime, it is important to understand the full range of consequences you could face. Especially when offered a plea deal, it can be easy to zone in on the immediate sentence and perhaps consider it a deal worth accepting. Yet the consequences won’t just stop there. However short the custodial sentence might be and however payable you find the fines, a conviction could have much more long-lasting consequences for you.
Here are some of the effects admitting guilt or being found guilty could bring:
The loss of your right to own a firearm
If you consider owning a firearm an essential part of your life, be it for safety or recreation, then you must understand that a conviction on certain grounds could prevent you from doing that.
A lower chance of getting a job
The job market can be tough, whatever field you are in, and the best-paying jobs in any sector can be some of the most competitive. Some employers simply won’t accept a person with a criminal record or with a certain category of criminal record. Others might just decide that a record makes you less attractive than a candidate with similar skills and experience who does not have one.
Other consequences may include restricting the voluntary posts you can apply for and limiting the range of social housing and education opportunities that you could potentially pursue.
If you face criminal charges, seeking help to understand the full range of options and the entire breadth of consequences each option could bring will better allow you to make appropriate decisions as to how to proceed.
