Although the court can give you jail time, probation, or fines, the less obvious and longer-standing effects are quite unexpected. These consequences, at times, prove to be more difficult hurdles to overcome than the original legal judgments. In fact, these discreet, yet profoundly impactful, sides of an assault conviction in Annapolis can profoundly affect your life for significantly more years.
As of 2020, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 114,376,500 people in the United States hold some type of criminal record, and many of them face unexpected consequences. Getting hit with a criminal charge, especially for something like assault, isn’t just a one-and-done deal. The collateral damages associated with a conviction like this are often intricate and can pose challenges that surpass the gravity of the primary sentence.
An assault charge can ruin your career
This stain on your record can cast a long shadow over your professional life, hindering your chances of securing job opportunities and career advancement. The challenges of finding employment with a criminal record are daunting, as many employers conduct routine background checks.
Plus, certain professions and industries are exceptionally sensitive to criminal convictions. Fields like law enforcement, education, healthcare, and finance often have strict regulations and licensing requirements, making it incredibly difficult to break into or advance within these areas with a tarnished record. Even in less regulated industries, potential employers may be cautious when considering candidates with criminal convictions, making it a steep uphill climb to rebuild your career after an assault conviction in Annapolis.
Loss of security clearance
Security clearances are important, especially in the Navy, military or other government-related careers, where national security is at stake. Assault convictions cast doubt on your reliability and trustworthiness, making it exceedingly difficult to maintain a position where access to sensitive information and national security are central concerns. As a result, this can deal a severe blow to your career as it can lead to the revocation or denial of security clearances. If you’re in the military or government service, this loss can be devastating, jeopardizing your career and any opportunities for advancement.
For people in Annapolis and beyond, an assault charge – let alone a conviction – can also cost you your right to carry, which in turn can affect your security clearance. Folks who rely on firearms for their jobs, like security personnel or law enforcement officers, could see their careers completely derailed.
An assault conviction can affect your housing options
The stigma of an assault conviction in Annapolis can drastically limit your housing options, as many landlords and property managers conduct background checks, often leading to denials or stringent conditions. In fact, it’s been found that formerly incarcerated people are 10 times more likely to be homeless when compared to people who have never done jail time. With limited access to safe and stable housing, individuals face higher risks of homelessness or residing in substandard conditions, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of belonging in the community.
An assault conviction may lead to the revocation of driving privileges
A conviction like assault can result in the suspension or even revocation of driving privileges, which can have a far-reaching impact. The loss of mobility can be a substantial challenge in daily life, obstructing your ability to commute to work, run essential errands, or simply go about your day-to-day activities. This restriction can also prove to be a significant barrier to employment opportunities, as many jobs require a valid driver’s license. This affects your personal independence and professional prospects, making the journey to rebuilding your life all the more complex.
Wait until you see how an assault charge affects your personal life
The strain an assault charge can put on your personal connections is significant. Friends and family members may distance themselves, often due to the stigma that comes with such a conviction. This isolation can be painful, and it can result in a tangible loss of support systems and social connections. In some cases, it may be the weight of disappointment or fear of association, but the consequences can be profound, leaving individuals with a heavy emotional toll and a diminished support network, making the journey towards rehabilitation all the more challenging.
Planning to travel? An assault conviction may stop you
The freedom to travel can also become significantly constrained. These restrictions can be a heavy burden, impacting both personal and professional life. While it’s not just about hopping on a plane for a vacation, international travel may become an impossibility for those with certain felony convictions. Even domestic travel can pose challenges due to heightened security measures and background checks.
Unfortunately, the consequences of a serious assault conviction can indirectly ruin your autonomy as many felons need court approval to leave the country. Additionally, certain nations, including Canada, may refuse entry based on your history of violent behavior, even if your charge was only a misdemeanor. This adds another layer of complexity to international travel for both pleasure and business.
Facing criminal assault charges are serious. The consequences can significantly affect the rest of your life, far beyond any fines or jail time. If you find yourself in the challenging position of confronting assault charges, don’t try to handle it on your own. Reach out to Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, today. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for individuals facing serious legal challenges, just like you. With so much at stake in an assault charge, it’s so important to work with a professional every step of the way. To schedule an appointment in Annapolis or Ellicott City, call us or fill out our contact form. Your future deserves the best possible defense.
And remember – Keep Calm, and Call Drew.
