Unexpected consequences of domestic violence convictions

by | May 16, 2018 | Firm News

Domestic violence accusations are difficult to deal with because they pit the accused person against loved ones. These accusations can lead to criminal charges, as well as challenges in the family law system if the individuals involved share children together. These legal cases come with consequences that can range from time in prison and fines to changes in child custody orders and the issuance of protective orders.

People who are facing domestic violence convictions also have other consequences to worry about. These vary greatly, but the collateral consequences can have a huge impact on your life.

Making ends meet can be difficult

There are several ways that a domestic violence conviction can impact your ability to provide a good life for yourself. You might find it difficult to secure employment. This is considered a violent charge that many employers won’t allow. You might have to try to find companies that don’t do background checks; however, most will ask about any criminal history on the application.

If money is tight, you might find that your options are limited since this conviction can prevent you from receiving public assistance. Not only do some programs, such as housing, have guidelines that prevent you from receiving assistance, the trouble with finding employment might bar you from receiving help from other programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Your abilities might change considerably

If you are sentenced to probation, you will be severely limited in what you are able to do. You might be restricted to where you can go if you are on probation. Most probation programs also forbid drug and alcohol use.

You may find it hard to go to school to further your education. Financial aid might be affected by a conviction and some institutes of higher learning won’t accept people who have a criminal history.

Things like voting and owning a firearm are limited in some cases. If you are classified as a felon, you won’t be able to vote unless Florida changes the state’s laws. This is one reason why you need to find out what type of charge you are facing and base your defense on that information.

Archives

FindLaw Network