The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Georgia
A criminal conviction in Georgia can significantly affect various aspects of a person’s life. Beyond potential jail time and fines, the impact of a conviction may extend to employment opportunities, housing, education, and personal relationships. If you or a loved one is facing this situation, we can explain the potential consequences and explain the available legal options.
What Are the Legal Penalties for a Criminal Conviction?
Legal penalties for criminal convictions always reflect the nature and severity of the offense. In Georgia, crimes are not categorized by class or degree; consequences are determined on a crime-by-crime basis. In the Peach State, crimes are classified as follows:
- Felonies are punishable by a one-year minimum imprisonment, but a serious violent felony can carry a 25-year imprisonment and a maximum death sentence penalty. Other consequences include a minimum $1,000 fine and probation. Examples of felonies include armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, and rape.
- Misdemeanors have less serious consequences because they are less serious; still, Georgia sees them as criminal acts. These penalties include probations, fines, and potential jail terms of up to one year. Examples of misdemeanors include domestic violence, some DUI offenses, and simple assault/battery.
- Infractions are petty offenses seen as non-criminal violations. The penalties are generally warnings, fines, and citations, without jail time. Examples of infractions are running a red light, disturbing the peace, and campsite or park violations.
How Does a Criminal Conviction Affect Employment Opportunities?
Criminal convictions can damage one’s employment opportunities, as many employers conduct background checks and may see convictions as liabilities.
Professions like healthcare or education often bar individuals with certain records, and crimes involving theft or dishonesty can raise trust concerns, creating further challenges in finding or maintaining work.
Can a Conviction Impact Housing Options?
A criminal conviction can restrict housing options, as landlords and public housing programs often deny applicants with records, particularly for violent crimes, drug offenses, or property damage. Federal law allows housing authorities to deny assistance for certain convictions, making it challenging to secure stable housing after a criminal record.
What Are the Consequences for Education and Financial Aid?
For individuals pursuing higher education, criminal convictions can present additional obstacles. Colleges may consider criminal history in admissions, and some campus housing or activities may be restricted. Drug-related convictions can also impact eligibility for federal aid, limiting access to grants, loans, or work-study programs and making education costs harder to manage.
Does a Conviction Have Long-Term Effects on Personal Relationships?
A criminal conviction can strain relationships, causing shame, isolation, or mistrust. Legal penalties like jail time or probation disrupt family life and availability. For parents, convictions may affect custody decisions, with courts potentially reducing parenting time or requiring supervised visitation to prioritize the child’s best interests.
Are There any Additional Consequences to Consider?
Criminal convictions can lead to the loss of rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, or holding public office. Felony convictions may also affect professional licenses, require sex offender registration, and create travel challenges, as some countries restrict entry for individuals with criminal records.
How Can the Consequences of a Conviction Be Mitigated?
While a conviction can create significant challenges, there are ways to address its effects. Some individuals may be eligible to have their records restricted or sealed through Georgia’s record restriction process, which can limit access to certain criminal history information. Although not all convictions are eligible, this process can make it easier to find employment or housing. Additionally, demonstrating rehabilitation, such as completing educational programs, maintaining steady employment, or participating in community service, can help rebuild trust with others and lessen the stigma associated with a conviction.
Contact the Savannah Criminal Defense Lawyers at Kicklighter Law and Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future
If you are facing criminal charges in Georgia, know that you are not alone. The experienced Savannah criminal defense lawyers at Kicklighter Law can explain your legal options and fight to protect your rights. For a confidential consultation, call our Springfield, Georgia, office at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. We serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.