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When Past Convictions Come Back to Haunt You

As you may know, some crimes are subject to what’s called a “statute of limitations.” Simply stated, after a certain period of time has passed, prosecution isn’t possible. There are many scenarios, however, that are not limited by any statute. That includes violent crime and certain other felonies. Sometimes, even if you’ve served your sentence, your criminal record could still make trouble in your life.

In a perfect world, once you’ve completed your sentence and demonstrated a commitment to becoming a productive member of society, the matter would be considered resolved. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. That’s why it’s essential to partner with a trusted and reputable Daytona Beach criminal attorney who can help you regain your good name, and move on with your life.

Read on to discover some of the ways that a past conviction can complicate your future goals and dreams, and what you can do to find concrete solutions to these pressing causes of stress and consternation. 

Employment Complications

Most employment applications today include a question about prior conviction. Even though such terminology is usually included that “past convictions won’t necessarily remove an applicant from consideration,” the fact is that some employers remain hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record. You want and deserve better treatment than that.

The good news is that Daytona Beach lawyers can work with you to devise solutions that could eventually result in your renewed gainful employment.

Child Custody Difficulties

A criminal record could also deny you the right to child custody or adoptions, and/or remove custody privileges that you might currently enjoy. Especially in the case of domestic violence or child endangerment, you could lose the right to visit your children, or be subject to supervised contact. This is true even in some misdemeanor cases.

If you suspect that criminal history might be barring you from contacting your minor children,  it’s best to reach out to Volusia County attorneys who care. These dynamic and dependable professionals will work with you to determine your options, and best next steps moving forward.

Driving and Other Privileges

Depending on the nature of your criminal conviction, you could lose driving privileges temporarily or even permanently. You might be barred from owning a firearm. Criminal records can also complicate immigration status, college admission, professional licenses (including healthcare), housing, and more.

If you have outstanding warrants, the process could become even more complex. Even if you’re not aware of such warrants, you will still have to answer to pending charges, and face consequences based on the criminal activity. That’s when you need a Board Certified criminal lawyer who will work on your behalf toward a resolution to these and other issues.

Quality of Life

As mentioned, when you’ve paid your debt to society and served a probation or jail sentence (or completed court-ordered processes), it’s stressful and downright overwhelming to experience continued complications resulting from past criminal activity. You want and deserve to move ahead with your life, and until you’re able to do so, it can feel like you’re just treading water. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Instead, there are ways to resolve decisions resulting from your criminal record. This includes potential expungement, sealing, pardons, clemency, and other provisions. The first step is to team with a dynamic criminal defense attorney.

For more than 36 years, we’ve provided valuable legal assistance in a variety of concentrations. Along with criminal defense, we also specialize in divorce and family law, business and corporate law, personal injury and wrongful death, and more. It’s partly how we’ve earned a solid reputation as outstanding attorneys in Daytona Beach, Florida. Contact us today regarding your criminal defense case.