How Can a Criminal Conviction Affect Your Life?
When you learn that you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it’s normal to worry. Even for less serious crimes, the idea of serving time in jail is both foreign and terrifying.
What most people don’t consider is the far-reaching impact of criminal convictions beyond a jail sentence.
And it’s often a gut punch to discover these ripples once the sentence has been served. All you want to do is put everything behind you, but a criminal conviction can haunt you for years to come.
That’s why we put together this guide on the lesser-known impacts of criminal convictions in Rhode Island. Here are the top seven consequences you might face once you have a criminal record.
Job Prospects and Employment
Your future potential employers have the right to run a criminal background check on you. And data shows 72% of companies today do so with all applicants.
If they don’t like what they see, they can legally choose not to hire you. Certain convictions also automatically bar you from certain jobs involving driving or working with children.
Renting and Leasing
Under Rhode Island law, one potential impact of criminal convictions is difficulty when renting or leasing.
It’s true that the HUD provides recommendations on how to use the info in a criminal background check. The thing is, your potential landlord ultimately gets to make the call. They’re within their rights if they deny your rental application.
If the nature of your crimes requires you to register as a sex offender, finding a place to live gets even harder. It all depends on the specific charges you were convicted on, but overall, your ability to rent and/or lease may be impacted for years to come.
Driving (And Other Important Privileges)
Depending on the severity of your offenses, you might lose your right to drive following a conviction.
With a DUI conviction in RI, for example, it’s common to have your license suspended. You may also be required to have an ignition interlock installed for a set period of time after your license is reinstated.
You can also be permanently excluded from serving on a jury following a felony conviction. Lastly, in Rhode Island, you lose the right to vote while in prison for a felony.
Firearms
In RI, we have our own laws on firearm ownership post-conviction in addition to federal laws. If you’re convicted of a ‘crime of violence,’ including certain domestic violence charges, you’re no longer allowed to possess, carry, transport, or own a firearm.
So, another impact of criminal convictions is that you might not be able to obtain a firearm license. And if you obtain one outside of legal channels, you could face huge ramifications in any future criminal charges.
Child Custody and Adoption
If you’re a hopeful adoptive or foster parent, a criminal conviction can slow you down. According to both federal and Rhode Island child welfare laws, a background check is necessary for any prospective parents. Certain crimes will prevent you from ever being approved.
You can face consequences when it comes to your biological children, too. Any child custody discussions will skew against you with a criminal conviction on your record.
Healthcare Licenses
Like many professions, nurses are overseen by a state board in Rhode Island. With a criminal conviction on your record, your application for a new nursing license or reinstatement may be denied.
The guidelines set forth by the Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education are strict, to say the least. Any crime that resulted in your incarceration can be considered grounds for denial.
College Admission
Each individual college across the US sets their own policies for criminal backgrounds and admissions. But across the board, a conviction related to drugs or a sexual offense are looked upon very harshly.
This doesn’t mean you’re automatically excluded from higher education just because you have a conviction on your record. But know that your options—including post-graduate and internships—may be limited as a result.
FAQs
Can a Criminal Conviction Affect My Ability to Secure Insurance Coverage?
Yes, a criminal conviction can affect your ability to secure various types of insurance coverage. If you’re convicted of DUI/DWI, for example, the cost of your car insurance will likely increase by around 70%.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Certain insurance companies flat out won’t provide coverage to people with certain convictions on their record. Finding life insurance as a felon is also a notably complex process, from finding a carrier to getting an affordable policy.
Can a Criminal Conviction Impact My Immigration Status or Ability to Obtain Citizenship?
Yes, a criminal conviction can impact your immigration status and your ability to obtain citizenship. The Immigration and Nationality Act (or the INA) lists which specific crimes can result in these issues.
Generally, this specific impact of criminal convictions is tied to aggravated felonies and ‘crimes of moral turpitude.’
The latter covers any crime that’s considered unethical, unjust, or immoral compared to societal standards. A few examples of convictions that could fall into this category are blackmail, assault, and theft.
Is It Possible to Have a Criminal Conviction Expunged or Sealed?
Yes, it’s possible to have your criminal conviction expunged or sealed under Rhode Island law. Your eligibility depends on several details, like the severity of your conviction, how long ago you were charged, and your overall criminal record.
The best path forward—and the best way to avoid a potential conviction you’re facing—is to hire an expert Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer like S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.
With 30+ years of experience in RI courtrooms, he’s obtained outstanding results for hundreds of clients facing criminal charges. If you or a loved one are facing the huge negative impacts of criminal convictions, contact our office today at 40.86.1155 for your free case consultation.
