Collateral Consequences
A criminal conviction can negatively impact every aspect of your life. Starting with the obvious, criminal charges almost always come with the possibility of jail. A criminal record can also cause problems getting a job or an apartment, volunteering at your child’s school, obtaining a driver’s license, or prevent you from possessing a firearm. With so many potential pitfalls, the one thing you can control is to make sure you have the best possible representation. We know what to look out for, and advise our clients about potential implications as we make important decisions in fighting their cases. If you are facing criminal charges, call us at 781-797-0555 today. We can help.
Professional Licensing
A criminal conviction can lead to a revocation of your professional license, and therefore, rob you of your livelihood. We do everything we can to help our clients try to avoid that outcome. Sometimes, licensing boards take action while the criminal case is pending, necessitating a strategic response in both venues.
Department of Children and Families
When you are accused of a crime involving children, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will conduct their own investigation. They can request interviews with you, your spouse, children, teachers, and other people in your life. The DCF workers can be invasive. In extreme cases, DCF can try to remove your children from your custody.
Immigration
If you are convicted of certain crimes, you can be deported from the United States. A skilled defense lawyer will be able to accurately advise you of potential immigration consequences, before you decide whether to plea bargain or go to trial. In some cases, even a “continuance without a finding (CWOF) counts as a conviction for immigration purposes.
Divorce
Facing criminal charges is stressful. Your freedom, reputation, and livelihood is on the line. The stress and uncertainty can create tension in the family, and unfortunately is a leading cause of divorce.
Civil Lawsuits
If you are accused of harming someone, whether physically, emotionally, or economically, there is a chance that the alleged victim files a lawsuit in civil court. A civil lawsuit can happen at the same time, before, or after a criminal prosecution.
Firearms Licensing
A conviction for felony crimes makes you a “prohibited person,” meaning that you are no longer allowed to possess a gun. But there are other, lesser known crimes that can lead to the same result, such as charges involving controlled substances or firearms, and any charge punishable by more than two years in jail.
