How a Criminal Conviction Impacts You Beyond Any Fines and Jail Time

A criminal conviction in Ohio can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences beyond the immediate sentence imposed by the court. These collateral consequences can impact a person’s ability to obtain employment, housing, education, and even their right to vote. In this blog post, we will discuss the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction under Ohio law.

Employment

One of the most significant collateral consequences of a criminal conviction is the impact it can have on a person's ability to obtain employment. Many employers conduct background checks on job applicants, and a criminal record can be a barrier to employment. In Ohio, certain convictions can disqualify a person from obtaining certain jobs or licenses. For example, a person convicted of a drug offense may be barred from obtaining a commercial driver's license, which is required for many transportation-related jobs.

Housing

A criminal conviction can also impact a person's ability to obtain housing. Landlords and property managers often conduct background checks on prospective tenants, and a criminal record can be grounds for denying an application. Additionally, some public housing authorities have policies that exclude people with certain criminal convictions from receiving housing assistance.

Education

A criminal conviction can also impact a person's ability to obtain education. Some colleges and universities have policies that prohibit the admission of individuals with certain criminal convictions. Additionally, a criminal record can make it difficult to obtain financial aid, scholarships, or student loans.

Voting

In Ohio, a person with a felony conviction is not eligible to vote until they have completed their sentence, including probation and parole. This means that a person who has been convicted of a felony cannot vote while they are in prison, on probation, or on parole.

Professional Licensing

Ohio law requires certain professionals to be licensed before they can practice their profession. A criminal conviction can disqualify a person from obtaining or renewing a professional license. For example, a person convicted of a drug offense may be barred from obtaining a nursing license or a license to practice law.

Immigration

A criminal conviction can also have severe consequences for non-citizens, including permanent residents and those with temporary visas. A criminal conviction can lead to deportation, exclusion from admission to the United States, and denial of naturalization.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

In Ohio, a criminal conviction can impact a person's ability to obtain custody of their children or parenting time with them. A criminal record can be a factor in a court's decision to award custody or limit parenting time.

Firearms Possession

A criminal conviction can also impact a person's ability to possess firearms. In Ohio, a person convicted of a felony or a domestic violence offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Additionally, certain misdemeanor offenses can result in a temporary or permanent ban on firearm possession.

Conclusion

The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Ohio can have a significant impact on a person's life. It is important for individuals who have been convicted of a crime to understand these consequences and to seek legal advice on how to mitigate them. Additionally, it is important for lawmakers and policymakers to consider the impact of criminal justice policies on collateral consequences and to work to reduce barriers to reentry and rehabilitation for people with criminal records.