If charged with a felony, you must understand the implications of these charges. Facing a felony is reserved for the most severe crimes and often carries harsh penalties. However, it’s critical to realize that once your sentence is served, you are not absolved of the consequences. Felony convictions on your criminal record can impact many areas of your life. The following blog explores these implications and why hiring an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer is vital in fighting to prevent these damages from occurring.
How Can Felony Convictions Impact Someone?
A felony conviction can have severe impacts on the lives of those prosecuted.
One of the most significant ways the inclusion of a felony on your record can impact those convicted are in their career. When charged with a felony, many potential employers will not hire you, especially if charged with a violent crime. Additionally, you may lose any professional licenses held, and obtaining education to train in another field can be challenging as you will likely be denied loans to help cover the expenses.
Additionally, when convicted of a felony, you lose many of the rights you are guaranteed. After a felony conviction, you will no longer have the right to vote and are barred from holding public office. Similarly, you can no longer serve jury duty and must relinquish any firearms you own. You will likely be unable to travel outside the country, as the United States can reject your passport application, and the country you are visiting may reject your visa when they see you are a convicted felon.
Finally, it’s vital to understand that you will likely have an exceptionally difficult time securing housing. There are no laws currently in Oklahoma to prevent housing discrimination for felons, and landlords may run background checks on applicants. As such, finding housing can be incredibly challenging.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Felony Charges?
In the event you are facing felony charges, knowing how to proceed is crucial if you wish to protect your rights. The first thing you should know is that you do not have to speak to the police when you are arrested. In fact, you should invoke your right to remain silent as soon as you are placed under arrest and only ask for your attorney.
Enlisting the help of an experienced felony defense attorney is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome when facing charges. Unfortunately, failure to obtain adequate legal representation can have unfavorable outcomes. As such, hiring a lawyer can help improve your odds of fighting the charges.
At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand the complexities that can arise when under arrest for felony charges. That’s why we are dedicated to examining every detail of your case to help fight for you. Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist you during these challenging times.
