Whether or not you are convicted, domestic violence allegations can have a lasting impact on your entire life. If you are convicted, those impacts can be especially exacerbated. A history of domestic violence can impact your employment, relationships with children and others, the ability to rent an apartment, credit and professional standing.
According to reports, both landlords and mortgage lenders are wary of dealing with individuals who have a domestic violence conviction on the books. This is due in part to some states having laws regarding how a landlord can enforce lease agreements in the presence of a domestic violence conviction and the fact that lenders have seen a history of defaults among people with certain criminal backgrounds. Is it fair? It really isn’t, because your situation is unique. But these things are possible if you have a conviction on your record.
Some employers won’t hire someone with certain criminal convictions, and employers in certain industries are almost certain not to hire you or to let you go if you have a domestic violence conviction. This includes jobs where you might handle security or weapons, for example. In many cases, you won’t be able to hold public service job, at least for a certain amount of time.
Domestic violence convictions could also impact your ability to have custody of or see your children. You might also have trouble seeking professional licenses that would help you make a living. All of these things can occur with other types of criminal convictions, too.
By working with a legal professional, you can bolster your case to try to avoid conviction. If that isn’t possible, a lawyer can help you make the best decisions for reducing the impact of conviction on your life going forward.
Source: Family & Friends Connection, Inc, “After Effects Of a Domestic Violence Conviction – Part 1,” accessed March 25, 2016