While most people who are charged with a crime focus primarily on the jail time they are facing, the truth is that a criminal conviction impacts a person’s life in numerous other ways.

Every conviction comes with collateral damage that can make life much harder long after a prisoner is released from jail. 

Employment Problems

According to the National Employment Law Project, the unemployment rate for former prisoners is 27%, six times the national unemployment rate. Employers consistently seem reluctant to hire even non-violent offenders. 

There is a little good news; if a position pays $75,000 or less per year, criminal arrests and convictions over seven years old cannot be included in a consumer report. Still, seven years is a long time to do without gainful employment. 

Housing Problems

Landlords often use criminal background checks to screen tenants, which means it’s very difficult to find housing after you finish prison. Landlords may legally deny housing if their recent criminal record makes them dangerous and a risk to other tenants or neighbors. 

There is a fine line between legal denial and discrimination, but it can be difficult to fight those battles. 

Plus, it is more difficult for homeless Texans to access tax-subsidized housing units. 

Loss of Voting Rights

Convicted felons lose the right to vote in Texas. 

Your voting rights should be restored as soon as you’ve “fully discharged” your sentence. But even Texas admits that it’s “not always clear” when a sentence has been fully completed. 

In general, the sentence is completed when you’ve finished your term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or probation period or you have been pardoned. Unfortunately, many Texans remain under supervision for years after a felony conviction. 

Loss of Civic Rights 

Once convicted of a felony, you may not serve on a jury, hold public office, or serve in certain professions. 

These rights are never restored. 

Loss of Gun Rights

If you’re convicted of a felony, you can no longer legally carry a firearm. 

This is due to federal law; state law would let you get your gun rights back after 5 years, but federal law won’t let you possess, carry, or legally purchase a firearm at all. 

There is no pathway for a convicted felon to restore these rights. 

Get Help Today 

As you can see, you cannot afford to face a potential felony conviction without securing help from a qualified criminal defense attorney. 

We strive to make our services affordable, and most of our clients find our service to be money well spent. 

Protect your future. Contact our offices to get help today.

See also:

How to Help a Loved One Accused of a Crime in Houston, TX 

Why Innocent Defenders Need Lawyers in Houston, TX 

Sealing Criminal Records in Houston, TX 

 

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While most people who are charged with a crime focus primarily on the jail time they are facing, the truth is that a criminal conviction impacts a person’s life in numerous other ways.

Every conviction comes with collateral damage that can make life much harder long after a prisoner is released from jail. 

Employment Problems

According to the National Employment Law Project, the unemployment rate for former prisoners is 27%, six times the national unemployment rate. Employers consistently seem reluctant to hire even non-violent offenders. 

There is a little good news; if a position pays $75,000 or less per year, criminal arrests and convictions over seven years old cannot be included in a consumer report. Still, seven years is a long time to do without gainful employment. 

Housing Problems

Landlords often use criminal background checks to screen tenants, which means it’s very difficult to find housing after you finish prison. Landlords may legally deny housing if their recent criminal record makes them dangerous and a risk to other tenants or neighbors. 

There is a fine line between legal denial and discrimination, but it can be difficult to fight those battles. 

Plus, it is more difficult for homeless Texans to access tax-subsidized housing units. 

Loss of Voting Rights

Convicted felons lose the right to vote in Texas. 

Your voting rights should be restored as soon as you’ve “fully discharged” your sentence. But even Texas admits that it’s “not always clear” when a sentence has been fully completed. 

In general, the sentence is completed when you’ve finished your term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or probation period or you have been pardoned. Unfortunately, many Texans remain under supervision for years after a felony conviction. 

Loss of Civic Rights 

Once convicted of a felony, you may not serve on a jury, hold public office, or serve in certain professions. 

These rights are never restored. 

Loss of Gun Rights

If you’re convicted of a felony, you can no longer legally carry a firearm. 

This is due to federal law; state law would let you get your gun rights back after 5 years, but federal law won’t let you possess, carry, or legally purchase a firearm at all. 

There is no pathway for a convicted felon to restore these rights. 

Get Help Today 

As you can see, you cannot afford to face a potential felony conviction without securing help from a qualified criminal defense attorney. 

We strive to make our services affordable, and most of our clients find our service to be money well spent. 

Protect your future. Contact our offices to get help today.

See also:

How to Help a Loved One Accused of a Crime in Houston, TX 

Why Innocent Defenders Need Lawyers in Houston, TX 

Sealing Criminal Records in Houston, TX 

 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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Rated 5/5 based on 52 customer reviews

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Kenny McKee
Kenny McKee
17:11 11 Dec 18
They did a great job getting rid of my parking and speeding tickets. I recommended them to my friends and family. And they've also experienced the same professionalism and great quality service at an affordable price.
Brian Gomez
Brian Gomez
16:50 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff create the best team. They know the law, and made me feel like I was involved and understood everything that was going on. Dustan took the time to explain to me and my family what we could expect, and then led the way.
Heidi Etter
Heidi Etter
15:33 11 Dec 18
Dustan and his staff helped handle my divorce proceedings. He was incredibly knowledgeable and on top of everything I needed to do. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner. I’m very thankful for his expertise in helping me to manage a difficult situation.
Jordan Bradshaw
Jordan Bradshaw
15:31 11 Dec 18
The staff at Greco Neyland helped a friend of mine on a case. Everyone was so nice and friendly! I definitely recommend them to anyone who needs someone knowledgeable who also really cares about their clients.
Justin Washington
Justin Washington
23:12 06 Nov 18
Dunstan and the staff at Greco Neyland are truly professional and very helpful and understanding through the process. I was facing a felony case and Dunstan got it no billed . I definitely recommend this firm if you want a lawyer that’s going to defend and fight for you.
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