Understanding the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction

 Posted on May 15, 2018 in Criminal Defense

When people are facing the immediate consequences of having a criminal conviction, their first goal may be to simply pay their dues so they can move on with their life. However, what many individuals do not realize is the long-term side effects that having a criminal conviction can create. Depending on the severity of the crime in Illinois, people can spend anywhere from several hours to several years behind bars.

According to Time Magazine, the consequences of having a misdemeanor conviction is not much different than having a felony on one's record. Even though jail time is not always required for people who have been charged with a misdemeanor, it can certainly affect their record and present consequences that can hinder a person's success over the long run. For example, folks may struggle to be approved for loans, to acquire desirable housing rights and to be awarded specific family rights. In all, between federal and state requirements, there are over 45,000 consequences.

For people who are able to pay their dues and move away from their conviction, they may encounter difficulty when they wish to apply for a job. Career Trend suggests that when people have a significant gap in their work history, that they include a brief note in their resume to explain why. Another option is for job applicants to use their cover letter as a place where they can briefly discuss their conviction and how they have since made changes in their life. People who take responsibility for their actions and do not try to make excuses will have a much better advantage than those who lie about their past.