Violent crimes like assault and battery and those involving domestic violence occupy a special place in the public consciousness. While many people excuse offenses involving drugs, alcohol, or theft as poor judgment or youthful indiscretion, they often consider crimes that involve violence toward others as indicative of a fundamentally flawed character. As a result, a conviction of a violent offense can have a long-term effect on your future and may severely limit your options for years to come.
Below are some of the specific ways in which a conviction of a violent crime can affect you long after your sentence has concluded. Fortunately, in many cases, a lawyer can mitigate these issues and may even be able to have the case against you dropped or dismissed. For more information, call the Law Offices of Lori Murray today to discuss your case with an experienced Columbia, South Carolina, Criminal Defense Lawyer.
A Conviction May Make It Difficult to Get a Job
These days, a complete criminal background check is a standard part of the hiring process for many employers in South Carolina. If a potential employer sees that you have been convicted of a crime involving violence, he or she may hesitate to hire you as they believe that you may pose a liability risk or may have some emotional issues that could make you unreliable or untrustworthy. In addition, a conviction of a violent crime may automatically exclude you from certain types of employment.
A Criminal Record Involving a Violent Crime Can Affect Your Ability to Get into School
Colleges and universities often require a criminal background check before granting a prospective applicant admission. In some cases, the fact that an applicant has been convicted of a violent crime could hurt his or her chances of admission or result in an outright denial.
A Violent Past Can Affect Your Personal Life
Many people do not realize that criminal convictions are typically a matter of public record. This means that anyone with sufficient curiosity about your past will likely be able to uncover the existence of your conviction as well as certain details regarding your case simply by searching the internet. This means that your friends, family, co-workers, or potential romantic partners could learn about your past regardless of whether you wanted them to. Not surprisingly, people often think differently about a person who they have learned have a violent past and may be hesitant to start or continue a relationship with them.
Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of a violent crime, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. As a former prosecutor, attorney Lori Murray can spot weaknesses the state’s case against you and use them to bring your case to the best resolution possible. We work with clients in the areas of Columbia, Lexington, Richland County, Lexington County, and Fairfield County. To schedule a free case evaluation with Ms. Murray, send us an email or call us today at 803-779-4472.
