What are the consequences of a criminal record in California? The truth is more complicated than most people understand. The shadow of a criminal record persists well beyond the completion of your case. It can affect your liberty, your money, your reputation, and your opportunities. Both foreseeable and unexpected life changes result from either misdemeanor or felony convictions.

About The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman

The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman fight for the accused and deliver passionate defense work throughout tough cases. Jacqueline Goodman is a nationally renowned, award-winning California criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience in California criminal defense, with a focus on serious cases.

Named to the National Constitution Center’s Wall of Recognition and the recipient of the Skip Glenn Award for bravery in criminal defense, Attorney Goodman knows that all of her clients deserve exceptional representation.

Understanding Criminal Records

In California, a criminal record is a permanent documentation of your encounters with the law enforcement system. Even if you have only been arrested and not convicted of a crime, some of this information can still be available to prospective employers, landlords, and others who may look you up. However, it is the convictions that can cause the most harm.

Under California Penal Code § 1203.4, some convictions can be removed, but not all. The public can indefinitely access records for felony convictions, as well as violent crime and sex crime convictions. In addition, different California criminal defense laws carry different penalties. These penalties can be probation, fines, or several years of imprisonment.

In 2023, the violent crime rate in California was 511. The property crime rate was 2,272.7, and the arson rate was 17.2.

Imprisonment

Incarceration is one of the most serious penalties that can stem from a criminal conviction. Depending on the facts of the case and the crime that you have been charged with, you may be sentenced to county jail or to a state prison.

If you are convicted and spend time in jail or prison, you will not only lose your freedom, but you may face other consequences, including losing your job, missing time with your family, and feeling isolated when you are released.

Orange County criminal courts, including the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, regularly hear criminal defense cases in which the liberty and future of the accused are at stake. Freedom from incarceration is almost always the primary goal of a criminal defense.

Fines

Fines might not seem so bad when you compare them to the idea of going to jail, but they can cause financial hardship that can last for years. California criminal defense laws allow fines to be imposed on a broad variety of offenses.

Drug crimes, theft, DUIs, and more can all result in a judge ordering fines to be paid. In some cases, fines are mandatory for the offense you are charged with, and in other cases, they can be imposed at the discretion of the judge. Restitution to victims, court fees, and probation costs are other expenses that may be required of you in addition to fines.

Professional Consequences

One area of life that most people don’t take into account when they are convicted of a crime is employment. A lot of employers like to do background checks. A conviction, even for a misdemeanor, could leave you missing out on jobs. For example, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and real estate agents could lose or be denied their professional licenses if convicted of a crime.

Personal Consequences

The impact of a criminal record also includes social and personal costs. It may be more difficult to find a place to live, as many landlords will not rent to individuals with criminal records. Criminal charges and convictions can take a toll on personal relationships or lead to stigma. In addition, some criminal convictions, such as felonies, may result in loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote and gun ownership.

Additional Consequences

In addition to criminal consequences, there are a number of other things that can be affected by a criminal record that can disrupt your daily life. This includes:

• Probation requirements
• Community service
• Mandatory programs, such as counseling, anger management, or substance abuse treatment
• Immigration issues

These issues highlight how important it is to hire a criminal defense lawyer to fight for your future.

FAQs

How Does Having a Criminal Record Affect Your Life?

A criminal record can affect almost every aspect of your life. You may face challenges in finding employment, housing, and social acceptance. Your reputation and relationships may be damaged as well. You may also be subject to restrictions on your professional license, voting rights, or firearm possession. Even after serving your sentence, a criminal record may still produce challenges in your life.

How Does a Felony Affect Your Life in California?

If you have been convicted of a felony in California, the impact on your life can be long-lasting. Felonies in California can not only mean jail or prison time, as well as paying fines, but they also result in the loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote and the right to own a firearm. In addition, felons in California often face difficulty finding employment or having their applications for professional licenses denied.

What Is the 7 Year Rule for Criminal Background Checks in California?

California’s 7-year rule restricts the reporting of criminal history in certain background checks in California for any job that pays below a specified dollar amount annually. In many cases, employers will not be able to see criminal convictions that are more than seven years old unless the position in question is a highly paid one.

Does Having a Criminal Record Affect Jobs?

Yes, having a criminal record can significantly increase the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining employment. Employers often conduct background checks, and many automatically disqualify candidates with convictions.

Even when not disqualified, applicants with a record may be stigmatized and at a disadvantage. Certain professions, such as those in teaching and healthcare, may make it difficult for individuals to obtain licenses or secure employment with a criminal record.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can help you fight for your rights and future. If you have been charged with a crime, don’t delay in seeking legal assistance. Contact us today to get started.