Conviction is a legal term that means a criminal defendant has been found guilty of committing a crime. It is a serious decision that can have far reaching and long term consequences. Convictions can result in prison sentences, fines, probation or community service. They can also have collateral effects like employment barriers, housing instability and loss of public benefits.
Felony and misdemeanor convictions can have substantial employment barriers, making it difficult to secure stable work after a conviction. Employers use background checks to evaluate job applicants and will often exclude individuals with a criminal record, even minor offenses. These barriers can lead to persistent unemployment issues, causing financial hardship and limiting opportunities for growth.
In addition, some convictions will impact a person’s ability to obtain a professional license or maintain membership in certain organizations like medical doctors, lawyers and financial institutions. For example, a fraud conviction may result in the loss of a business or professional license. These consequences can have a significant impact on one’s financial stability, leading to the creation of a cycle of poverty and instability.
If you choose not to enter a plea or are found guilty, you will have the option to appeal the verdict. This process involves reviewing transcripts from the trial and determining whether there were errors that could have affected the outcome.
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