How can you manage the fallout from a criminal charge?

If you are facing a criminal charge in California, you will wonder how it will affect your life. A criminal conviction can have serious and lasting consequences that can impact your personal, professional and financial situation. Though, you are not alone in this, and many have made it through.

Legal penalty

Depending on the type and severity of the crime, you may face jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, restitution or other sanctions. The legal penalty will depend on several factors, such as your prior criminal record, the circumstances of the offense and your behavior during the arrest and prosecution.

You may be able to reduce or avoid some of these penalties by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor or by presenting a strong defense at trial.

Professional or business license

Another consequence of a criminal conviction is the impact on your professional or business license. If you work in a regulated profession or industry, such as health care, education, law, real estate or finance, you may be required to report your conviction to your licensing board or agency. Depending on the nature and relevance of the crime, your license may be denied, suspended or revoked. You may also face disciplinary action from your employer or lose your job altogether.

Personal and social life

A third consequence of a criminal conviction is the effect on your personal and social life. A criminal record can limit your access to certain rights and opportunities, such as voting, serving on a jury, owning a firearm, traveling abroad, obtaining a loan, renting an apartment or volunteering for certain organizations.

You may also face stigma and discrimination from your family, friends, neighbors or community members who may judge you based on your past mistakes.

To cope with these challenges, you may need to seek support from trusted people who can offer you emotional and practical assistance. You may also benefit from counseling or therapy to help you deal with any stress, anxiety or guilt that you may feel.

Serious and lasting consequences

As you can see, a criminal conviction in California can have serious and lasting consequences that can upset different areas of your life now as well as in the future. Some resources and professionals can help you cope with the effects of a criminal charge and prosecution.