When a person commits a crime in the state of Connecticut, there is a chance they will be convicted and receive a criminal record. This can result in consequences that have the potential to impact a person and their reputation for the rest of their life. It is because of this that individuals charged with a crime should retain the services of an experienced Connecticut criminal defense attorney for assistance protecting their future.
What are the Long Term Effects of a Criminal Record?
When a person receives a criminal record in Connecticut, there are many ways that it can affect their life. This can include the following:
- Their ability to get and keep a job. A criminal record can limit the types of jobs a person can get because they are required to check “yes” on an application for being convicted of a crime. Employers also conduct background checks in many cases. If an applicant checks “no” and lies, they can be disqualified. Also, employees who are convicted of a crime can get fired as a result.
- Child custody arrangements. If a spouse commits a crime, a former spouse and the court may use this to prove they are an unfit parent or a danger to their child and rule against them.
- A person’s immigration status. This is because foreign individuals with a criminal record can be deported or prevented from becoming a citizen in the future.
- If a person commits a crime more than one time, the penalties can worsen significantly for each new crime.
Can my Criminal Record be Erased?
In the state of Connecticut, it is important to know that some people can have their criminal offense expunged from their record. The law allows the expungement of arrest records, criminal charges, and convictions. In the event of a juvenile crime, these records can be expunged by filing a Petition for Erasure with the court.
Adult convictions may be eligible for expungement, which is sometimes known as an absolute pardon. These typically are expunged automatically once the appeal deadlines expire. Those who are convicted of a crime that was later decriminalized can receive an expungement as well with a Petition for Erasure. In the state of Connecticut, the Board of Pardons and Paroles can pardon a felony or misdemeanor conviction after the following waiting periods:
- Three years for a misdemeanor conviction
- Five years for a felony conviction
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
