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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ramifications of a criminal conviction?
The obvious consequence is incarceration. This is bad enough in and of itself, but if you have any health problems or medical needs, this is the last place you want to be. Prison staff is not paid to care about what time you need to take your medication, and you have no say over where or how you are housed.
Few people consider the consequences beyond incarceration. A criminal record can haunt you for the rest of your life, interfering with employment, credit and housing. Certain criminal convictions require registration as a "sex offender" which literally damages your reputation and makes you a virtual outcast in society.
Although certain states allow for records to be expunged, not all states do. There is no constitutional right to have your record expunged. Moreover, even if you can get your criminal record expunged, if you are required to register as a sex offender, it is unlikely you will eliminate this responsibility. In the case of non-U.S citizens, a felony conviction can and often does lead to deportation, even if you have lived here as a legal resident for a substantial amount of time.
Do not take this lightly. Before you face these dire penalties, make sure you and your attorney are doing everything to protect your future. Ask yourself, will you have a registration requirement? Will you have the ability to expunge your record? Has your attorney examined and explained all of your options to you in a way that you understand? Criminal convictions are very serious, and all of your decisions must be well-informed.
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