[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/consequences-felony-conviction\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/consequences-felony-conviction\/","headline":"The Consequences Of A Felony Conviction","name":"The Consequences Of A Felony Conviction","description":"Felony convictions are serious, and they come with serious consequences, both immediate and long-term. Beyond fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, felony convictions may also negatively impact your ability to secure employment, find housing, take out federal loans, and more.   Regulatory Restrictions Individuals...","datePublished":"2019-07-09","dateModified":"2024-06-19","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/author\/brianzeiger\/#Person","name":"Brian Zeiger, LLC","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/author\/brianzeiger\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cb403eca94a17a864a2072734e4c5daa47399fd028c5fabaa5499fc0d7c474cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cb403eca94a17a864a2072734e4c5daa47399fd028c5fabaa5499fc0d7c474cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Zeiger Firm","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.png","width":257,"height":59}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/felony-conviction-can-affect-life.jpg","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/felony-conviction-can-affect-life.jpg","height":334,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/consequences-felony-conviction\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":989,"articleBody":"Felony convictions are serious, and they come with serious consequences, both immediate and long-term. Beyond fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, felony convictions may also negatively impact your ability to secure employment, find housing, take out federal loans, and more. Regulatory RestrictionsIndividuals convicted of misdemeanors or felonies in Pennsylvania, whether through plea agreements or at trial, should expect punitive consequences relative to their offenses. Incarceration, probation, community service, monetary fines, and house arrest are common elements of criminal sentences. Crimes that involve motor vehicles often come with revocation or restriction of driving privileges. All of these penalties are time-sensitive and self-limiting.The Purpose of Collateral ConsequencesPennsylvania\u2019s collateral consequences of felony convictions restrict or limit certain rights, benefits, and opportunities in the following areas:EmploymentProfessional licensingHousingEducationChild custodyCivil libertiesAlthough some restrictions are automatic and mandatory, some are specific to the crime, and some are discretionary, they can all have a significant impact on a convicted individual\u2019s life. The main intent of these collateral consequences is public safety, and frequently, these limitations are imposed without regard to how much time has passed since the crime.The List BeginsSeven years ago the Criminal Justice section of the American Bar Association developed a\u00a0National Inventory of the Collateral Consequences of Conviction.\u00a0This state-specific searchable database shows\u00a0850\u00a0separate \u201ccollateral consequences\u201d in Pennsylvania\u2019s statutes. For example, convicted felons are generally:Ineligible for a loan from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Program (12 Pa.C.S. \u00a7 2906)Ineligible for the continuation of their fish\/game licenses (18 P.S. \u00a7 25.2)Ineligible to transfer\/purchase firearm (18 Pa.C.S. \u00a7 6105)Ineligible to serve as voting registrar (25 Pa.C.S. \u00a7 1204)Ineligible for the continuation of their hunting privileges (34 Pa.C.S. \u00a7 2522)Ineligible to serve as a firefighter (35 Pa.C.S. \u00a7 7713)Ineligible to maintain automobile insurance policy (40 P.S. \u00a7 991.2003)Ineligible for enrollment in a nursing aide training program (63 P.S. \u00a7 675)And the List Goes OnPennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf\u00a0has noted how\u00a0\u201c[t]he United States is the world leader in incarceration and a criminal record often carries a lifetime of consequences that often lead to poverty or reincarceration.\u201dIn 2017, Pennsylvania released\u00a019,673\u00a0individuals convicted of crimes from custody. It\u2019s safe to assume that a large number of these men and women will face serious issues directly related to bearing the stigma of having a criminal conviction.Even long after a sentence has been served, a felony conviction can shatter personal and professional plans and adversely impact an entire family. Employment, in particular, is a multi-faceted problem. Convicted individuals who hold a professional license may have it revoked, and many companies have strict rules that prohibit the hiring a convicted felon. Under\u00a0Pennsylvania law,\u00a0employers may consider a potential employee\u2019s criminal record in the hiring process if the felony relates to the applicant\u2019s suitability for the position.A convicted felon may have problems:Renting propertyReceiving government assistanceObtaining certain business licensesAdopting or fostering a childTraveling Is Often a ProblemSome countries refuse to admit individuals with certain criminal convictions. Every country has specific rules that govern what type of criminal background disqualifies a person from entering. Canada, for example, has some strict laws\u00a0that prohibit the entry of some convicted felons, and Canada\u2019s border patrol agents have immediate access to the National Crime Information Center Database. In some cases, individuals who have been convicted of theft, assault, fraud, or DUI will not be allowed to cross the border until 10 years have passed from the date of conviction.Impact on the FamilyHaving a criminal record can exacerbate sensitive family issues. A convicted felon may find that he or she is not eligible to adopt or foster a child. In addition, having a criminal history may significantly impact an individual\u2019s ability to secure visitation rights, obtain child custody, and can even result in the termination of parental rights altogether.Community ReintegrationBeing a convicted felon can have a profound psychological impact. The social stigma of being classified as \u201ca criminal\u201d can last a lifetime and may affect relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, and it can potentially damage a person\u2019s reputation within the community at large. An arrest record is neither private nor confidential; felony convictions are a matter of public record.Personality ChangesMen and women returning to society following incarceration may suffer from upsetting and unsettling personality changes. Experiencing a traumatic event\u2014such as serving a prison sentence\u2014can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in problems in work and social environments.\u00a0Symptoms\u00a0include:NightmaresAnxietySleep disordersMood swingsProblems with memoryDifficulty formulating and maintaining relationshipsCall a Criminal Defense Lawyer Sooner Rather Than LaterIf you find yourself facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, you need a savvy, state-licensed Philadelphia criminal defense attorney. The sooner you retain an attorney, the better. When it comes to potential legal penalties and collateral damages, the best possible solution is to get a step ahead of any damaging situations. Partner with a law firm early on, so your attorney has the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the specifics of your case and minimize the consequences of your arrest.Look for someone with extensive experience defending against felony charges, who works hard to preserve and protect your rights.Now more than ever, remember that you need not completely derail your future with your past choices. It\u2019s what happens now that can help keep your forward momentum in motion. It may be possible to circumvent some of the consequences of a conviction with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.Whether you are wrongly accused, facing charges that aren\u2019t proportional to your actions, or have already been convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact Zeiger Law Firm today online\u00a0or at (215) 546-0340 to see how we can get the results you need."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Consequences Of A Felony Conviction","item":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/consequences-felony-conviction\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]