What Is A Collateral Consequence?
Criminal convictions or pleading guilty to a crime, following a state of Florida or federal charge, can result in jail time, fines, and other forms of criminal restitution. Additionally, collateral consequences are possible. If you are unfamiliar with the phrase collateral consequence, it means another form of disqualification or penalty.
Depending on the kind of crime and the details of your unique situation, a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer can advise you on the best path forward for you and your future. You may have multiple options, you want to be sure you fully understand the penalties and possible collateral consequences of each choice.
Examples of Collateral Consequences
If you are facing a restriction after a conviction that is regulatory in nature or a legal disqualification, it is likely a collateral consequence of your guilty plea or criminal conviction. This could be one or more of the following.
- Inability to access a housing or employment opportunity
- Failure to obtain an occupational or business license
- Blocked from military service
- Unable to secure a firearm or license of hunting
- Issues with voting
- No longer able to serve jury duty
- Possible travel bans
Of course, which of these collateral consequences will impact your life will depend on your lifestyle prior to an arrest. For instance, when a person is no longer able to access the professional license they depend on to support their family, the impact will be on their livelihood.
An Attorney Can Answer Your Questions
Because experienced criminal attorneys work on an array of different cases, they will be able to look over the details of your specific situation and inform you of the legal penalties and collateral consequences that could be possible if you were to be convicted of the crime or enter a guilty plea. Additionally, your attorney may be able to represent you at administrative hearings, such as a legal action to suspend an individuals’ professional license, that could be happening concurrently with a criminal investigation.
When you begin contacting lawyers, be sure to ask about their knowledge of cases similar to your own. You want a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer you can trust, a person who has been aggressively defending clients for years and is familiar with the ins and outs of the Florida justice system. It is essential you completely understand what is happening each step of the way. While a guilty plea may be the best choice for your situation, you need to go into the agreement knowing exactly what that plea will mean for every area of your life.
Are you wondering how your arrest could affect your career, personal life, and other aspirations? Connect with a lawyer who can inform you of your options and protect your rights. To get your defense started, reach out and share your story with the legal team at King Law Group. After our attorneys listen closely to your story, we will answer your questions and share paths forward with you. To get your defense started, schedule your free consultation today.
