Facing criminal charges feels overwhelming. It’s not the end of the world, though. Not all arrests lead to convictions, especially if you have a strong defense and a skilled legal representative. However, the consequences of having an arrest or charge on your record remain.
Charges that don’t result in convictions can still leave lasting effects on your future. Arrest records remain accessible even if the plaintiff drops the charges or the court dismisses them.
Missed employment opportunities
Getting a job becomes much harder with a criminal or arrest record. Remember, most employers run background checks. They can legally deny you work because of past convictions.
Having a criminal record eliminates many job and career options. You may also face the fear of stigma when applying for work. The barriers exist even for old convictions that may seem unrelated to the job you want.
Professional licensing barriers
Authorities or institutions can deny or revoke professional licenses for careers like teaching, healthcare and engineering if you have certain criminal convictions. Even small business owners can lose their license to operate if convicted of any felony, anywhere in the country.
If your charge or conviction is related to drunk driving, it is also possible to have issues with maintaining a driver’s license.
Housing challenges
Finding a place to live gets tougher with a criminal record. Landlords regularly run background checks on rental applicants as well. Like companies, they can legally deny your application based on your criminal history.
Personal life problems
Your family relationships can suffer too. Courts may raise concerns about child safety when a parent has a criminal record, which can affect custody decisions. A felony conviction might result in losing your parental rights entirely.
Hope through record restriction
Not all criminal records are permanent. Georgia allows for record restriction or expungement, which prevents the public from accessing criminal records. You can restrict and seal most charges that did not result in a conviction.
These records will no longer be accessible to potential employers or landlords who may run a background check on you. An experienced legal counsel can help ensure you meet the requirements for a record restriction and get a genuine second chance to rebuild and live without stigma.