If you have been arrested in New Jersey, you may be facing serious consequences that go beyond jail time and fees. It is understandable if you worry when you hear you are facing charges. Depending on the nature and severity of your charges, you may also lose some of your rights and privileges, face immigration issues and have a permanent criminal record that can affect your future opportunities.
Loss of rights and privileges
Some types of convictions can result in a loss of certain rights and privileges that many people take for granted. For example, if you are convicted of a felony (indictable offense) in New Jersey, you will lose your right to vote until you complete all the terms of your sentence, including probation or parole. You will also lose your right to possess firearms and may have difficulty obtaining or renewing a professional license. Additionally, some convictions can result in a loss of driving privileges, either temporarily or permanently.
Immigration issues
If you are not a United States citizen, an arrest or conviction can have serious implications for your immigration status. Depending on the type and level of offense, you may face deportation, removal or denial of naturalization or citizenship. Some offenses are considered “aggravated felonies” or “crimes involving moral turpitude” under immigration law, which can trigger mandatory detention and removal proceedings. Even minor offenses, such as disorderly conduct, can affect your visa eligibility.
Public knowledge
Another consequence of an arrest or conviction is that it becomes part of your public record. This means that anyone who conducts a background check on you can access your criminal history, including employers, landlords, lenders, schools and others. Having a criminal record can limit your options for employment, housing, education and loans. It can also damage your reputation and relationships with family, friends and community members.
You have options
If you are facing criminal charges in Verona, New Jersey, or New York City, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side. A criminal defense attorney can help you in several ways, like challenging the legality of your arrest or the evidence against you, negotiating with the prosecutor for a favorable plea deal or diversion program, etc. Prosecutors have help building their case, you deserve representation to assert your rights as our justice system is supposed to have balance. A defense attorney is the balance in any criminal proceeding.