A criminal conviction in Savannah, like in other cities in Georgia or other states, can have lasting effects. Not only can it cost you thousands of dollars in legal fees, court fees and fines, but a conviction can cost you years of your life behind bars. And, after your jail or prison term ends, you could face additional time on probation.
Unfortunately, the effects described above are not the only ways your life will change if a criminal court convicts you of wrongdoing. Your future employment prospects could also severely change after a conviction. In fact, you may learn that finding a job, especially within certain fields and industries, is incredibly difficult.
The application process
In almost every job application process, employers ask potential candidates about their criminal histories or do background checks. The questions can vary from employer to employer. For instance, one place might ask if an applicant has been convicted of a felony, while another might ask if a job seeker has merely been charged with a felony. Others might require that a potential employee include on the job application if he or she has any prior arrests. While some jurisdictions have laws that stop employers from using a job seeker's criminal history as a reason for not hiring the candidate, this is not the law of the land yet.
Background checks
Background checks for criminal records is a very common practice for many employers and a mark on your record could be enough for a private company to choose not to hire you. The detail of a background check will also depend largely on the preferences of each company. For example, one company might do a simple check among state criminal records while another company might take a more extreme approach and investigate not only the applicant, but his or her family, friends and prior employers.
While the penalties handed down by a court following a criminal conviction can seem harsh, they could only be the beginning. A conviction can have far-reaching effects when it comes to job prospects and even your mental health. If you are facing criminal charges, it is vital to remember that you still have rights. One of those rights includes the right to a defense. With a solid strategy, you might be able to avoid a conviction and all of its future consequences.