I have seen far too many people plead guilty in their criminal case without considering all the consequences that a conviction carries. This is why it’s important to find a criminal attorney who will fight for you every step of the way. It may seem like you’re getting a good deal from the state when you don’t have to go to prison, but a conviction can leave a mark on your life long after your case is over.
What Can be Impacted by a Criminal Conviction?
Your Voting Rights
- In Massachusetts, you cannot vote while incarcerated for a felony, but you can vote again once you’re released.
Employment
- A felony conviction can mean that you’re not eligible for a professional license or certain forms of employment, such as law enforcement.
- You will also have to report your conviction on any job applications you complete in the future.
Federal Benefits
- A drug crime conviction can mean that you are not eligible for federal student loans or food stamps.
Driver’s License
- If you’re convicted of OUI, that may cause you to lose your drivers license for a period of time, or indefinitely
- The same is true for some drug convictions
Your Right to Own a Gun
- Under both federal and Massachusetts law, if you are convicted of a felony or many domestic violence offenses, that disqualifies you from being able to legally be in possession of a gun
- Even misdemeanor convictions can greatly impact your gun rights
- If you have an LTC or FID, a misdemeanor conviction will automatically result in the revocation or suspension of your gun license
- Many misdemeanor convictions will disqualify you from legally owning a gun ever again
- Even if you are not convicted, the charges themselves can result in you being found unsuitable to have a gun license.
- If you are facing criminal charges and have an LTC, do not wait to appeal your suspension!
Child Custody
- Any criminal conviction, even if it’s a misdemeanor could negatively impact your child custody rights.
- This is especially true if the conviction was for domestic violence or assault
- If you are falsely accused of domestic violence, you should hire a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights to see your family
Immigration Status
- If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction could cause you to be deported, and if you’re in the process of adjusting your status, this could lead to the denial of your Green Card
- Even if you’re here legally, your immigration status could be jeopardized
- If you were not born in the Unites States and you have been charged with a crime, it is critical that you hire an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law.
Even if pleading guilty to a crime doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to prison, it’s critical that you understand the possible consequences of a criminal conviction. I am an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, and I will fight for you every step of the way. If you’ve been charged with a crime, contact me, and I will leave no stone unturned to assure that you’ll have the best chance of obtaining a positive outcome at the conclusion of your case.
I have office locations in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, but take criminal defense cases all over Massachusetts. Call or text me today at 617-295-7500!
