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Your Criminal Record And Your Future

Your Criminal Record And Your FutureWhen you are arrested and charged with a crime, you’ll likely have a lot of concerns that will enter your mind and fill up your life. Things like the possibility of a prison sentence, heavy fines, and other criminal penalties are usually the primary things that people think of. But for a variety of minor offenses, prison time is a rarity. These crimes could include:

  • Shoplifting
  • Simple Possession
  • DWI
  • Petty Theft 

Those are a few examples, but there are plenty of other crimes that don’t often lead to prison. There are no guarantees, obviously, and sometimes you might have to go to jail. But even if you don’t, there’s still something else that many people in Long Island don’t even consider when they are faced with a criminal charge – their criminal record.

If you’re found guilty of a crime, it goes on your record for years. That criminal record may not seem like it’s impacting your life in any meaningful way, but it is. Consider some of the ways that it will influence your future:

  • A criminal history could make it more difficult to be accepted into college programs. Not all colleges review criminal records, but some could and it may lead to a harder time entering an educational program for your future.
  • A huge percentage of employers in America now run criminal background checks on all who apply to a job position. If you have a criminal history, it could make it more difficult to find employment and keep yourself working.
  • You might not realize it, but your criminal history could also influence your ability to secure loans – especially a home loan. Buying a home or vehicle is a big part of life for millions, but it’s nearly impossible if you have a criminal history lingering over your head.
  • Some landlords even run a criminal background check on prospective tenants. In other words, it may be harder to even rent or lease a place to live because of your criminal history.

As you can see, a jail sentence is the least of your worries when you’re facing a criminal charge. Being found guilty could place a blemish on your history that will influence virtually every part of your life and make it harder to do basic things that the rest of us take for granted. Finding a good Long Island lawyer to defend you is an important step to protect your future.