People accused of criminal offenses in Texas often worry about court-imposed penalties. They don’t want to submit to probation or spend time in prison. They worry about the criminal consequences of a conviction, which is only natural given the circumstances. However, the criminal penalties imposed by the courts are often only temporary. The record of the conviction is a longer-lasting, more serious concern for the defendant. In theory, criminal records follow individuals for the rest of their lives.
How can a conviction for a criminal offense in Texas potentially affect the future of a defendant?
Employment and educational limitations
Criminal records can influence access to various opportunities. Many employers conduct criminal background checks before hiring or promoting workers. Colleges and universities may conduct pre-enrollment background checks.
Certain convictions may prevent defendants from attending prestigious schools or may make it impossible for them to live on campus after a conviction. Convictions can also influence eligibility for financial aid. Many private scholarship programs, for example, conduct background checks before awarding or renewing scholarships.
Restrictions on civil liberties
Criminal records also affect the basic rights of individuals. Some of those consequences are permanent, while others are temporary. Those convicted of felony offenses typically have their voter registration revoked. They must then register to vote again after serving their sentences. Only after completing their sentence and any probation or parole required by the state can they regain their voting privileges.
Second Amendment rights are also at risk after a criminal conviction. Certain types of offenses, including domestic violence crimes, may leave people permanently ineligible to lawfully assert their Second Amendment rights.
Custody consequences
Parents convicted of criminal offenses may face an uphill battle when seeking shared custody rights. Especially when a defendant faces charges related to family violence, neglect of minor children or substance abuse, the record of their prior offense could impact their position in a litigated custody case in the future.
The impact of a criminal conviction can be more significant than the penalties handed down by the courts in some cases. Mounting a thorough criminal defense strategy could help a defendant avoid a conviction that could permanently minimize their opportunities accordingly.