When you are arrested for a criminal offense in Georgia, it can result in a criminal record. Unfortunately, this can have considerable impacts on your employment, housing, immigration, and even your personal relationships. As such, understanding the penalties you are facing is critical. That is why it is in your best interest to give our Cobb County criminal defense lawyer a call to discuss your options. We are on your side no matter what.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of a Criminal Record?
There are a number of negative lifelong consequences that having a criminal record in Marietta and the surrounding Cobb County area can have on an individual’s life.
A criminal record in Georgia can impact multiple areas of your life, including employment, legal status, and family relationships.
Long-Term Consequences of a Georgia Criminal Record
- Difficulty securing a job: The kinds of jobs open to you with a criminal record may be restricted. Employers generally need background checks to be conducted. You will likely have to check “yes” on job applications for having been convicted of a crime. It is also likely that employers who are convicted of a crime will get fired from their existing position.
- Effects of future crimes may increase: Committing a crime more than once can heighten the penalties for future crimes.
- Your immigration status may be impacted: Immigrants with criminal records can be deported or prevented from becoming prospective citizens.
- Child custody arrangements may be affected: Your criminal record may be used by your former spouse and the court to try to demonstrate that you are an unfit parent or that you are a threat to your child.
- Reduced future opportunities: A criminal record can impact many areas of your life down the line, including your ability to secure housing and professional licensing. Additionally, you may find that your educational opportunities and subsequent financial assistance programs may be limited by a criminal record.
What Is a Criminal Record Restriction in Georgia?
If you have your criminal record restricted in the state of Georgia, it will restrict your official criminal history report from public view. In Georgia, this is also often referred to as an expungement, which limits public access to your records. However, law enforcement and other eligible agencies will still have access to these records for official purposes.
What a Record Restriction Does
- Restricts public access to your criminal record
- Prevents most employers and landlords from accessing these records
- Allows law enforcement agencies the ability to access information for criminal justice purposes
- Can help improve your employment and housing opportunities
Who Is Eligible for Record Restriction?
If you are unsure about your qualifications for a record restriction in the state of Georgia, understanding the eligibility requirements is critical. Eligibility for an expungement depends on a number of circumstances, including the outcome of your case, your age at the time the offense was committed, and your criminal history.
Common Eligibility Scenarios
- Juvenile Offenders: If you were under the age of 21 when you were charged with a misdemeanor and have successfully completed your sentence, you may be suitable for restriction. However, if you have any charges within the last five years of your request, you will not be authorized.
- Non-Convictions: Most cases that are closed without conviction will be eligible for restriction. Verdicts of not guilty and vacated or reversed convictions may also be suitable for restriction.
- Felony Charge Reduced to Unrelated Misdemeanor: You may be qualified for restriction if your felony charge was closed without conviction and you were only convicted of an unrelated misdemeanor offense. If you were convicted of a lower-included offense of the felony charge, you are not eligible for restriction.
Why Criminal Records Matter in Georgia Courts and Communities
Criminal records are treated seriously throughout Georgia, including Marietta and the surrounding Cobb County communities. Employers, courts, government agencies, and even higher education institutions consider criminal history when making decisions that can impact your future.
Local and Practical Impacts of a Criminal Record
- Employers throughout Georgia often conduct background checks during the hiring process
- Landlords may deny housing applications based on criminal history
- Processional licensing boards can restrict eligibility based on convictions
- Local courts throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, including Cobb County, heavily rely on prior offenses in repeat offense cases
Contact Our Experienced Cobb County Criminal Defense Team
If you are facing a criminal charge in Georgia, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney with the Miller Law Practice. We understand the impact a conviction can have on your life, which is why we will do everything in our power to fight the charges against you. Additionally, if you have a criminal conviction on your record, our team can examine your circumstances to determine the best possible course of action. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
