As you know, there are few things worse than being charged with a crime. Unfortunately, the penalties for a criminal offense often extend further than jail time and fines; they also result in having a criminal record. Criminal records can affect individuals for years, and sometimes for the rest of their lives. Read on and reach out to our Maryland criminal defense attorney to learn more about the consequences of having a criminal record in Maryland. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the consequences of having a criminal record?
When someone has a criminal record, they can expect a wide array of long-term effects, including the following:
- Often, when applying for a job, employers will ask whether you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. If you have a criminal record, you will have to answer “yes,” which will drastically decrease your chances of getting a job at many places of employment.
- If you are a divorced parent, there is a very good chance that having a criminal record will affect your child custody agreement. For example, if you are convicted of a drug-related offense, or you are convicted of a domestic violence charge, your former spouse may request a modification to your custody agreement on the grounds that you are parentally unfit.
- In many cases, having a criminal record will make it very difficult to secure certain loans.
- A criminal record may also make it very difficult to live in certain areas, especially if you were convicted of a sexual assault-related offense.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, being convicted of a crime may also result in your deportation from the United States.
- Finally, if you have a criminal record and you are convicted of an additional crime in the future, there is a very good chance that you will face more severe consequences, as Maryland courts tend to treat repeat offenders particularly harshly.
Can I have my criminal record cleared?
While certain lower-level offenses may be expunged from your record with the assistance of an attorney, there are various criminal offenses that may not be expunged. This is why if you are charged with a crime, it is always best to retain the services of a knowledgeable Maryland criminal defense attorney who can work to fight your charges from the start. If you are currently facing criminal charges or you are looking to have your record cleared after being convicted of a criminal offense, give our firm a call today.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Anne Arundel County and Howard County, Maryland who need legal assistance for criminal defense or personal injury matters. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
