Collateral consequences of a criminal conviction include mandatory civil state penalties, imposed by law, that attach upon criminal convictions. They're not all part of the direct effects of a criminal conviction, like incarceration, fines, or prison. Some, like GPS tracking and driver's license suspension, are more directly connected to the consequences of a conviction.
One of the most common results of a criminal conviction is mandatory restitution laws, like restitution for injury, loss of income, and future damages incurred. This type of restitution is applied to any individual who was convicted of the crime, no matter the degree. It doesn't matter whether or not the person committed the crime in the first place.
The second most common consequence of a criminal conviction is the ability of a defendant to obtain a suspended sentence. In some states, an offender who has been convicted of a crime can be sentenced to a period of incarceration without having their liberty taken away. In other states, a suspended sentence may only be given to someone with prior offenses. These punishments can be very severe for low-level offenses, like disorderly conduct or public intoxication.
The probation and house arrest are often included on the list of consequences of a criminal conviction, which usually means an offender can avoid jail time and fines if they follow a court order. An offender will lose their license for a specific period of time, however, this can vary from state to state.
Depending on the degree of the crime, the victim may receive mandatory sentences as well. These are usually much stricter than those for restitution and jail time.
In addition to the various consequences of a conviction, the effects of a criminal record can include a loss of employment opportunities, housing, and a reduced credit score. There are ways, though, to reduce these consequences as much as possible, and it's important to understand how these work.
The first thing you should do when considering the effect of a criminal record is to contact a local criminal defense attorney. These attorneys can help you determine whether your conviction will negatively affect your chances of landing a job, a home, or any other type of financial assistance. They can also help you assess your chances of being granted credit, such as a vehicle, mortgage, or student loan.
The next step you can take to improve the impact of a criminal conviction is to speak to an employment agency or bank about your conviction. They can advise you on how to improve your chances of obtaining a new job, whether or not you can retain employment, and whether your previous employment will affect the odds of getting a loan or job.
If you're looking to purchase a home, the last step is to make sure that you contact a real estate agent who specializes in the effects of a criminal record. They can advise you on how to get credit, and what lenders are likely to look at on your credit report. They can also provide valuable advice on keeping the foreclosure information off your credit history.