A Domestic Violence Conviction Can Change Your Life
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you are probably concerned about the possibility of jail time and fines. These are not the only consequences you need to be worried about.
Employment Consequences
In today's competitive job market, it's not surprising that employers favor people without domestic violence convictions on their record. This is true for all lines of work.
Furthermore, a conviction may prevent you from getting the license required to hold certain positions, such as private investigator or security guard. It may prevent you from obtaining the clearance cards necessary to be a correctional officer.
Firearm Consequences
A domestic violence conviction may render you a prohibited possessor, which means you cannot own guns or ammunition. You wouldn't be able to use a gun for recreation. If you are a law enforcement officer, military member or anyone else who carries a gun on the job, you could become unemployable in your field.
Family Consequences
A charge of domestic violence is often accompanied by a restraining order that could prevent you from returning to your home or seeing your children. If you are involved in a divorce or a child custody dispute, a domestic relations court will most certainly take a conviction into consideration. Often, this is enough to make the court decide that children should not be awarded to you. If a domestic incident occurs after a custody decision has been made, the custody case may be reopened.
Education Consequences
Everyone in Tucson, throughout Arizona and even nationwide has access to your criminal record. Colleges, particularly when considering graduate school candidates, may take a record into account when making their decision. Like employers, they may look upon a conviction with disfavor.
Immigration Consequences
An assault conviction or any other conviction related to domestic violence can have severe immigration consequences. If you are an immigrant, you could face deportation from this country.
Fight These Consequences
Attorney Janet Altschuler has more than 17 years of criminal defense experience. She can help you fight these consequences. Contact the firm today for a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.
