Using a Criminal Defense Law Firm Can Change Your Life

If you have been charged with a crime, you should find a lawyer to represent you. This is because the consequences associated with a conviction can haunt you for life, even after a minor crime. Whether you have been accused of theft, DUI, drug possession, or other crimes, the penalties are often life-changing. Of course, avoiding jail is probably your main concern right now, but there are several other penalties that you face that you might not have thought about. Find out how using a criminal defense law firm to reduce or throw out the charges can change your life.

Most any crime requires paying large fines to the court. While you might think this is a problem for your finances right now, it also affects your future. If you have to pay thousands of dollars to the court, you may not be able to pay your current bills. This may result in you losing your house to foreclosure, or being evicted due to nonpayment of rent. You might have to sell your car, leaving you without a way to get to work, so you could also lose your job. Even if the fines imposed do not constitute a financial crisis for you right now, it's less money that you have to put into savings, possibly barring you from paying for college for yourself or your kids, or preventing you having a good down payment on a house. Some fines are even ongoing, forcing you to pay a monthly fee for years, such as when you have to put an ignition interlock device in your car after a DUI.

Depending on your crime, you may be barred from living in certain areas. For example, if you are accused of abusing children, you typically cannot move within a certain distance of a school, and you must alert neighbors of your criminal past when you do move. A criminal defense law firm may be able to prevent this kind of inconvenience and embarrassment, so it is important to at least try to get their assistance.

Finding and keeping a job may be nearly impossible after many types of crimes. If you are convicted of a felony, you have to divulge this information on job applications, and many will not hire you as a result. If your driver's license is suspended, such as for a DUI, you cannot simply drive to work like you could before. You have to instead use public transportation, such as a bus or taxi. This can be inconvenient, and can also keep you from getting a job that requires you to drive during your shift. Finally, if you have to be on house arrest, your work and social life will be severely limited.

Clearly, seeking the help of a criminal defense law firm is worth a shot. You are advised to get a consultation to find out if you have a chance of winning your case, along with your freedom. If you do not at least try, you will face many of these issues for life.