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Can a misdemeanor conviction disrupt the rest of your life?

If you have found yourself in trouble with the law, not matter what the outcome is, you should take the consequences seriously. Especially if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor. You should not look at the conviction as “only having a misdemeanor.” Being found guilty of any kind of crime can have a dramatic and, in some cases, a devastating effect on your future. 

What is a misdemeanor?

If you believe that a misdemeanor is the lowest form of offense you can be charged with, you are mistaken. Regardless if you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, you will have the term “criminal” associated with you. A misdemeanor is a serious crime that can bring with it up to one year in jail. A misdemeanor is typically associated with actions that clearly show a lapse in proper judgment. This may make some believe that the crime is no big deal. If the thought of spending up to one year in jail does not convince you that a misdemeanor is serious, then just know that it can stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life.

How your life can be impacted by having a misdemeanor on your record

When you have criminal charges on your record, you will face challenges that other people with a clean record will not have to deal with. Both your personal and professional life may be impacted. Here are a few things you may encounter by having a criminal record:

  • If a prospective employer runs a background check and finds your criminal history, it may cause them to take you off the list of potential prospects. Your best course of action would be to have a chance to explain to them the circumstances of your conviction and hope they give you a chance to prove yourself.
  • A school can also check your background and use it as a meter to decide your status for admission. If you at some point you decide on a career that requires a degree, you may have to look far and wide for a school that will accept you. This may take you far away from where you want to live. It can also affect your chances of acquiring a professional license.
  • Your criminal record is public information that can be searched by anyone to see if you have been charged with a crime. Prospective landlords and personal relationships can also be affected by finding out this information.
  • If you are an immigrant, your misdemeanor charge could result in deportation proceedings if the crime is deemed to be serious enough.

As you can see, there is no reason to take a misdemeanor charge lightly. If you are facing charges, you should speak with a knowledgeable defense attorney who can assist you in reaching the best result that you deserve.