People who are convicted of a crime in the state of Maryland often face significant consequences as a result of their actions. When considering these consequences, people tend to think of jail time and fines. While these are serious, it is also important to remember that convictions also come with the lifelong burden of a criminal record. There are various ways that having a criminal record can detrimentally impact a person’s reputation and future. It is because of this that those facing criminal charges should retain the services of an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney for assistance.
What are the Long Term Effects of a Criminal Record?
When a person in Maryland has a criminal record, their life can be affected in the following ways:
- Their ability to get or keep a job. Job applicants are required to check “yes” when an application asks if they have been convicted of a crime. This can limit the types of jobs a person can have. Employers also sometimes do background checks, which can result in disqualification from a job if they lie. In addition to this, individuals convicted of a crime can also be fired from their current job if they have one.
- Whether or not they receive custody of their children. For example, former spouses and the court may use a criminal record against an individual to prove they are an unfit parent or a danger to their child.
- A person’s immigration status. If a foreign national is convicted of a crime, they may be deported or prevented from becoming a citizen in the future.
- If a person commits a crime for a second time or more, they can be subject to harsher penalties than their first offense.
Can my Criminal Record be Erased?
In the state of Maryland, it is possible to have a criminal record expunged by the court. However, this can only be done if a case meets certain conditions. This process removes all information about a person’s case from court and law enforcement records, allowing the individual a clean slate, and a fresh start with their life moving forward.
It is important to know that this process is different from shielding. When a case is shielded, it will no longer be available to the public or displayed in a case search. Law enforcement, as well as certain agencies and individuals, may still be able to review this information if necessary.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County and Anne Arundel County, Maryland who have been charged with a crime or injured by another party’s negligence. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
