If you or someone you know has been convicted of a felony, you may be wondering how it will affect your life. A felony conviction can have serious consequences that can impact your personal and professional life. Here are some ways that a felony conviction can affect your life:
Employment
A felony conviction can make it difficult to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record. Additionally, some professions, such as law enforcement and healthcare, may require a clean criminal record.
Housing
A felony conviction can also make it difficult to find housing. Landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal record, and some housing programs may have restrictions on who can participate.
Voting
In some states, a felony conviction can result in the loss of voting rights. This can have a significant impact on your ability to participate in the democratic process. In Kansas, if you are convicted of a felony, you cannot vote during your sentence. This means while you are incarcerated, while on probation, or while on parole you cannot vote. After finishing your sentence, your right to vote is restored.
Education
A felony conviction can also impact your ability to pursue higher education. Some colleges and universities may have restrictions on who can enroll, and financial aid may be limited for those with criminal records.
Personal Relationships
A felony conviction can strain personal relationships. Friends and family members may be hesitant to associate with someone who has been convicted of a serious crime.
What You Should Do
If you have been convicted of a felony, it is important to understand the consequences and take steps to mitigate them. Here are some tips to help you move forward:
- Seek legal advice: A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and options. They can also help you navigate the legal system and work to minimize the impact of your conviction.
- Take responsibility: Accepting responsibility for your actions can go a long way in mitigating the consequences of a felony conviction. This can include apologizing to those affected by your actions and taking steps to make amends.
- Focus on rehabilitation: Participating in rehabilitation programs, such as drug or alcohol treatment, can show that you are committed to turning your life around. This can also help you build a strong case for leniency in future legal proceedings.
At Stolte Law, LLC, we understand the impact that a felony conviction can have on your life. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and work to minimize the consequences of your conviction.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.