While most people are aware of some penalties that they may receive for criminal convictions, such as incarceration, they often are not fully aware of the collateral financial consequences that also can result from a criminal conviction. Aside from the court-ordered payment of court costs, fines, and restitution, you may also face other financial obligations, depending on the nature of your criminal conviction.
For instance, if you have a criminal conviction on your record, you may be unable to get certain better-paying jobs or pursue more lucrative careers. Some careers, such as nursing or other positions in the medical field, require a license. You may have trouble qualifying for a license with certain criminal convictions on your record. Over the course of a lifetime, a serious criminal conviction theoretically could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost income.
How a Criminal Case Can Affect Your Finances
An inability to pursue a college degree also can cost you future income. A criminal conviction may affect your ability to pursue a college degree, as some colleges may be reluctant to admit you with any sort of criminal conviction, even if only a misdemeanor. Similarly, if you are enrolled in a college or university at the time that you are convicted of a crime, you may be subject to disciplinary actions that could include suspension or even expulsion. Plus, if you have a conviction for a drug or sex-related offense, you may be ineligible for the financial aid that you need to attend college.
For a drunk driving offense, you may have to pay to attend an alcohol awareness course, a fee to eventually reinstate your driver’s license after it has been suspended, as well as fees to install and maintain an ignition interlock on your vehicle in some cases. You also are likely to have to purchase high-risk motor vehicle insurance, which is far more costly than regular insurance.
At Peek Law Group, we care about defending you against whatever type of criminal charges you are facing. We will focus all of our efforts on standing up for your rights and representing your interests throughout the criminal proceedings Our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers know the best strategies for gathering evidence to support your defense and navigating the complexities of the U.S. criminal justice system. Allow us to handle your criminal defense case by sitting down with us today and discussing your situation.