When you are convicted of a federal crime, the next step is sentencing. In sentencing, the judge will decide what the appropriate legal punishment for your offense is. This may include fines, jail time, or a term of probation. You may think that once the sentence imposed by the court is over with, you will be free to move on with your life as it was before. Unfortunately, a return to normalcy is unlikely for most defendants due to what is known as “collateral consequences.” Collateral consequences are any consequences of a conviction not imposed by the court. They are very real and may change the course of your life forever. In some cases, you may experience collateral consequences even if you are not convicted. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney may give you the best odds of avoiding or minimizing collateral consequences.
4 Collateral Consequences of a Federal Conviction You Could Face
In a more ideal justice system, serving your sentence would be the end of the matter after a conviction. In reality, it almost never works out that way. The more things have been going well for you, the more you stand to lose. Collateral consequences may include:
- Job loss - Companies routinely fire employees who have been convicted of a crime. You may lose any professional licenses you hold. It can be exceptionally difficult for felons to find a job that is anything close to what they had before their conviction.
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Social problems - You may find that people you considered friends are no longer interested in associating with you. Your neighbors may make you feel unwelcome. You may become a target for gossip or even harassment, depending on the nature of your offense.
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