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Criminal charges can profoundly impact an individual’s life, affecting various aspects ranging from employment and housing to personal relationships and mental health. In Australia, the consequences of a criminal conviction can be far-reaching and long-lasting, altering the course of one’s life in numerous ways.
Legal Consequences
CRIMINAL RECORD
One of the most significant consequences of being charged with a crime is the creation of a criminal record. This record can follow an individual for many years, depending on the severity of the offence and the outcome of the case. For instance, serious offences like violent crimes, sexual offences or drug use can result in a permanent record, while minor offences may be erased after a certain period.
For serious criminal convictions, a criminal record is permanent and must be disclosed when required by law, such as during job applications or when applying for visas. Multiple institutions and most employers conduct criminal record checks before providing a service or hiring an individual in a particular profession. This disclosure can significantly impact various aspects of life.
Under certain conditions, minor convictions can become ‘spent’ after a period of time, meaning they do not have to be disclosed. However, this is subject to specific criteria and may vary by state and territory.
Access to criminal records is generally restricted to law enforcement agencies, certain government bodies, and authorized employers. Individuals can also request a copy of their own whose criminal record includes any history information.
COURT PROCEEDINGS AND SENTENCING
The legal process itself can be arduous and stressful. Individuals may face lengthy court proceedings, which can involve significant legal costs. If convicted, the sentencing can range from fines and community service to imprisonment, depending on the nature of drug offences and the criminal charge. Imprisonment, in particular, can have severe consequences, including loss of employment and disruption of family life.
For severe offenses sexual assault, imprisonment can result in loss of liberty for months or years. This can have profound impacts on personal and professional life.
A person can access a copy of their criminal record on the NSW Police Force website under the Criminal Records Section. Can a Criminal Record be cleared in Australia? Most convictions become spent after ten consecutive years for adult offenders and three consecutive years for child offenders. It is important to note the three year of child custody and ten year period have to be crime-free periods, a person cannot commit or be convicted of another punishable offence by imprisonment within ten or three years.Visa denial and migration impact
A criminal record can complicate international travel. Many countries, including the United States and Canada, may deny visas or entry to individuals with certain types of criminal records. In some cases, individuals may require a police check, which may lead to restrictions on obtaining or renewing a passport, limiting their ability to travel abroad.
For those who require to migrate internationally, a criminal conviction can be a deciding factor on whether an application is approved.
STIGMA AND REPUTATION
A criminal conviction or a person’s criminal history often carries a social stigma that can tarnish an individual’s reputation and personal life. This stigma can lead to ostracization from social groups, loss of friendships, and strained family relationships. The perception of being a ‘criminal’ can be challenging to overcome, even after serving a sentence or paying a fine.
Families of individuals found guilty of a crime may also suffer. The stress and shame associated with certain convictions can lead to marital problems, emotional distress for children, and strained family dynamics or a negative impact on personal life. In some cases, families may face social isolation due to the stigma attached to the criminal charges. For example, severe traffic offences, particularly those leading to the loss of a driver’s license, can affect employment, especially for jobs that require driving. This can lead to a reduction in household income, adding financial pressure.
Economic Consequences
EMPLOYMENT IMPACT
Certain convictions can have a profound impact on an individual’s employment prospects and career trajectory. The severity of the impact depends on factors such as the nature of the offence, the industry, the employer’s policies, and the individual’s current employment status. Not all criminal offences may impact employment opportunities, although employers may require a thorough criminal record check to be undertaken.
A personcriminal history may severely limit employment opportunities and cause employers to reject applicants or be critical when hiring employees. Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can be a significant barrier to securing a job. Certain professions, such as teaching, healthcare, and the legal profession, may be entirely inaccessible to individuals with specific types of criminal records, as it may impact public safety.
Many professional licenses and certifications require a clean criminal record. A criminal offence can lead to the revocation of existing licenses or denial of applications for new ones, severely limiting career opportunities.
Psychological Consequences
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT
The stress and anxiety associated with being charged with a criminal law offence can take a toll on an individual’s mental health. The fear of legal repercussions, social stigma, and potential imprisonment can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The impact on mental health can persist long after the legal proceedings have concluded. Individuals may undergo serious repercussions psychologically, as a result of a criminal conviction or criminal record.
A criminal record holder may undergo psychological consequences including criminal record discrimination for those with criminal histories.
A significant number of individuals with criminal records in Australia experience psychological impacts. Studies have shown that nearly half of prison entrants (49%) have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and more than a quarter (27%) are on medication for these conditions
Seeking Legal Help Regarding Criminal Convictions
Retaining a knowledgable criminal lawyer is required to avoid convictions or examine options to advise the best strategy for dealing with the offences. For first time offenders, it is important to hire a Criminal defence lawyer who is knowledgeable, especially to remove the negative association that may further have a negative impact on your life. Therefore, it is essential to make every effort to avoid criminal behavior and avoid having a criminal record affect your lifestyle decisions. If you find yourself involved in a legal issue don’t hesitate to speak with our criminal law team from Jameson Law.
