The Different Ways a Felony Can Impact Your Life

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Once you are convicted of a felony, it is likely your life will change forever. While it is possible to move on from the conviction, it has the potential to overshadow many aspects of your life.

For example, not only will you lose your right to vote or to sit on a jury, but it can also impact your career, finances, relationships and more.

If you want to learn more about its consequences, read the different ways a felony can impact your life.

The Loss of Your Rights

While many US citizens have Constitutional rights, you will lose many of your rights once you are convicted of a felony.

For example, you will no longer have a right to:

  • Serve on a jury
  • Vote
  • Own or possess a firearm
  • Hold public office

It is, however, possible for a felon to have their rights restored once they re-enter society, but they will need to earn them back. However, it is common for people to feel as if they have lost their rights forever.

Employment Obstacles

Unfortunately, a felony conviction can make it difficult to secure a job. As many employers perform background checks on applicants, they might be less likely to hire you once they learn about your criminal record, as they might believe they cannot trust you in the role or may be concerned about damaging a company’s reputation.

If this wasn’t enough, a felony conviction could lead to a person losing a professional license or permit, which could destroy their career. What’s more, certain felonies can forbid a person from embarking on various occupations, such as:

  • A police officer
  • Government worker
  • Firefighter
  • Nurse
  • Teacher
  • Truck driver

However, if you are facing a felony conviction, you can fight it. Get in touch with reputable criminal lawyers Anchorage.

Housing and Federal Assistance Problems

Unfortunately, many felons find it hard to rehabilitate back into society following a jail term. Not only might they struggle to gain a job, but they might also find it difficult to secure housing, as many landlords might perceive a felon as a safety threat. However, some US states do provide resources to help a convicted felon to obtain housing once they have left prison. However, it is hard to receive federal assistance for both higher education and food stamps.

The Breakdown of Various Relationships

Sadly, many people might experience the breakdown of various relationships following a felony conviction. While relatives and friends might support a convicted felon every step of the way, it is possible for marriages to be either damaged or destroyed.

Various family members might also struggle to trust a person following a conviction, or they might experience feelings of betrayal, anger, or hurt. Unfortunately, the damage could be irreparable, as they might find it impossible to view them in the same light again. For this reason, it is important for felons to rely on those who are standing by their side, as they could help them to readjust to life following a conviction.

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