If you can avoid getting a criminal record, it is always worth doing so. Even if you think your chances of beating a charge are minimal, or that the sentence or penalties for a conviction are not that big a deal, you should explore your defense options.
A criminal conviction will result in a criminal record, and that can have serious and long-lasting collateral consequences.
Collateral consequences
Here are some of the ways a criminal record could affect you that you might not have considered:
Harming your chances of securing jobs: Employers often carry out background checks and can disregard applicants with a criminal record.
Losing your right to vote: While you will not be prevented from voting long term, you won’t be able to do so if behind bars, and every vote can make a difference in an election – and the results certainly can have long-term consequences.
Losing your ability to drive: Many people rely on their car for so much. That can include getting to work, picking their kids up from places, helping their elderly parents with the shopping or taking them to the hospital and so on. Others need to drive as part of their job. Even a short-term license loss could have a massive impact on you and your family.
Those are just some of the many ways a conviction could harm you and your family’s chances of living the life you want. With legal help, you can explore all possible defense options if you face criminal charges.