Aside
from the obvious consequence of being arrested, (i.e., going to jail)
there are many other potential "hidden" consequences of an arrest. Here
are a few of them:
TRANSPORTATION:
some arrests and criminal convictions will result in your driver's
license being suspended, and I am not just talking about DUI arrests.
Even misdemeanor drug offenses (possession of marijuana or possession of
drug paraphernalia) can carry lengthy license suspensions. Clearly, not
having a driver's license could affect one's ability to get to work,
keep their job and earn money to support themselves and their family.
Not having a driver's license would create HUGE problems for a parent
who drives their child to and from school or to various activities.
JOBS.
Especially in this down economy and tough economic times, employers
have an abundance of applicants to fill an open position. As such,
employers often will not "take a chance" on a potential employee who has
a criminal record vs. a similar potential employee with a clean record.
Additionally, many employees are learning that if and when they apply
for a promotion within their company a new background check is run which
may turn up a previously unknown arrest. This is especially true for
an employee who has been with the same company for many years and no new
background checks have been conducted in years.
LIVING:
Many people who live in apartment complexes have realized that their
prior arrests/criminal convictions (even for misdemeanors) resulted in
them being DENIED the ability to rent an apartment or live where they
want to live. Most apartment complexes are running detailed background
checks on potential renters and DENYING applications because of prior
arrests. Furthermore, if you live at an apartment complex and get
arrested on site, apartment complexes have often terminated the lease
and kicked renters out of their apartments for safety and liability
reasons.
REPUTATION:
In Hillsborough and local counties, the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of
Court websites post arrest and case information, including photographs
of each person arrested and some details of the arrest including the
crime charged. There are also private companies who have created
internet based businesses to make money off your arrest. Mugshots.com
is an example of this type of company as each day they post the
"mugshot" photos of those arrested. When anyone searches your name or a
name similar to yours on any of the search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing)
those search engines may and often will attach links to Mugshots.com
with links to your arrest photo and arrest information. Obviously, this
could cause you, your family, and friends embarrassment and may damage
your reputation.
There
are also local newspapers and publications that print the photos and
information of those arrested. Some of these publications are available
free at local businesses. Once your photo and arrest information is on
the public domain via the internet, it is almost impossible to
completely erase that information.
TRAVEL:
If placed on probation by the Court for a felony crime, oftentimes a
person is then prohibited from leaving their county of residence. If you
live in Hillsborough County, this means no trips to Clearwater Beach
while on probation, no Rays Games, no trips to Orlando, etc. Further,
without getting pre-approved written permission from the probation
officer and/or the Judge, a person is not allowed to leave the State of
Florida to attend a wedding, funeral, or other important family event.
The
above are "hidden" but very important potential collateral consequences
of being arrested. If you have any questions about this information,
please contact me at 813-877-HELP (4357) or email me at
sheinlaw@hotmail.com.
