Collateral Consequences of a Detroit Criminal Conviction

If you’re facing criminal charges, you’re probably most worried about going to jail and having to pay heavy fines. However, you should also understand that the implications of a Detroit criminal conviction can have severe consequences even after you’ve paid your debt to society. In some cases, these penalties can be permanent.

Don’t leave your future in the hands of the prosecution. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you should contact an experienced Detroit criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Drias Law Group, we provide dedicated, aggressive help his clients in Michigan’s criminal justice system. To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact us today at (313) 944-0236.

Employment Ramifications

A criminal conviction can result in losing your job. Additionally, a conviction can make it difficult to find future employment, even after you’ve served your prison sentence and satisfied all of the other requirements imposed by the court. Keep in mind that criminal convictions are public record, and most employers conduct background checks as a condition of hiring you. As a result, any conviction is likely to be found by a potential employer.

The law provides little protection, unfortunately. For example, employers can use your conviction as evidence – but not proof of – your moral character. In addition, employers should not consider any misdemeanor convictions or felony convictions that would not affect your ability to perform the job.

Housing Issues

A criminal conviction can also make it difficult to find housing, including both subsidized units and private homes/apartments. Private landlords can evict you for criminal activity that allegedly occurred in the home, and they can also deny your lease application based on your criminal history.

Subsidized housing has formalized regulations concerning people with criminal convictions. Your housing provider can terminate your lease once you are convicted, but can also deny your application for housing post-conviction. In Michigan, you are ineligible for subsidized housing if you are a registered sex offender or have been convicted of meth production on public housing property. Drug convictions can also cause you to be deemed ineligible for public housing.

Custody and Visitation Rights

A criminal conviction can also have a profound impact on your family. The State of Michigan can actually take steps to terminate your parental rights in the following situations:

• You have been convicted of murder
• You have been convicted of criminal sexual conduct or intent to commit a criminal sexual act
• You are a multiple felony offender

Conviction and incarceration could also impact your visitation rights. You will be unable to see your kids while in prison, but your conviction may provide a basis for more restrictive visitation rights after your release – depending on the nature of your crime.

Immigration Problems

If you are a non-citizen, you should be aware that a criminal conviction, even for a minor crime, can result in your deportation. This would be the case even if you were residing in the country as a legal resident.

Issues Relating to Student Loans

Criminal convictions can also render you ineligible for federal student loans. You will be ineligible for student loans for one year following a first-time drug possession conviction, and two years for a second offense. A first-time conviction for selling drugs will result in two years of ineligibility. You will be eligible for student loans indefinitely upon a second conviction for the sale of drugs, or three or more convictions for possession.

Contact an MI Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help Today

The penalties resulting from a Detroit criminal conviction extend far beyond incarceration and fines. You could find yourself unable to get a job, struggling to find a place to live, and even lose your parental rights. Don’t jeopardize your future by facing your charges alone. Detroit criminal defense attorney Martin Drias will provide you with an aggressive defense as he fights for you to get a fair result. To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact Drias Law Group today at (313) 944-0236.