Being convicted of a violent crime in Florida can have profound and long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Florida’s laws are tough on violent crime offenses, and penalties can be severe, ranging from lengthy prison sentences to significant fines. But the consequences of a violent crime conviction don’t stop with the sentence – they can affect virtually every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to your career. Here’s a breakdown of how a violent crime conviction can impact your life in Florida.
1. Lengthy Prison Sentences and Felony Charges
In Florida, many violent crimes are classified as felonies, which can carry lengthy prison sentences. For example:
- Aggravated assault can result in up to 5 years in prison.
- Battery or aggravated battery can lead to up to 15 years in prison, or even more, depending on the circumstances.
- Homicide charges can carry life sentences or even the death penalty.
The severity of your sentence depends on various factors, including the type of crime, whether a weapon was involved, whether the victim sustained serious injuries, and whether you have a prior criminal record. In cases of serious violent crimes, the length of your sentence can significantly alter the course of your life.
2. Impact on Employment Opportunities
A violent crime conviction can severely impact your ability to find or maintain employment. Many employers conduct criminal background checks, and a felony conviction for a violent crime can disqualify you from many job opportunities.
- Loss of Job: If you are currently employed, a conviction may lead to termination, especially if your job requires you to maintain a clean criminal record.
- Job Search Difficulty: Even after serving your sentence, finding new work can be challenging. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with violent crime convictions, especially in industries requiring trust and security.
- Professional Licensing Issues: Certain professions, such as law enforcement, healthcare, or teaching, may have stricter requirements, and a violent crime conviction could result in the loss of your professional license.
Restoration of Rights
In some cases, Florida law allows for the restoration of certain rights, such as the right to vote or the right to possess firearms, but this process can be long, difficult, and is not guaranteed.
3. Permanent Criminal Record
Once convicted of a violent crime, you will have a permanent criminal record, which can follow you for the rest of your life. This record can affect:
- Travel: Certain countries may not allow individuals with felony convictions to enter.
- Housing: Landlords may refuse to rent to someone with a violent crime conviction, especially if the offense was recent.
- Public Stigma: Having a violent crime conviction can lead to social stigma. Friends, family, and the community may view you differently, and it may be difficult to rebuild trust or personal relationships.
4. Loss of Civil Rights
In Florida, a violent crime conviction can result in the loss of important civil rights, including:
- Voting Rights: Felony convictions result in the loss of voting rights. However, under certain conditions, you can apply for restoration of your rights after completing your sentence.
- Gun Ownership: Florida law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms. A violent crime conviction can lead to a permanent ban on owning guns, which may affect your ability to participate in certain activities like hunting or recreational shooting.
- Jury Duty: A felony conviction may also disqualify you from serving on a jury, which could limit your ability to fully participate in the democratic process.
5. Probation and Parole
For those who are not sentenced to prison time but are convicted of a violent crime, probation is often a part of the sentence. Probation comes with strict conditions, and violating these conditions can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment. Common probation conditions include:
- Regular check-ins with a probation officer
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Attendance at anger management or counseling programs
- Restrictions on where you can live and work
The pressure of living under probation supervision can make it difficult to rebuild your life after a conviction. Additionally, being on probation may prevent you from leaving the state or pursuing certain opportunities.
6. Impact on Family and Relationships
A violent crime conviction can take a significant toll on your personal relationships. Whether you have a spouse, children, or close friends, a conviction can cause emotional and financial strain on those who care about you.
- Separation or Divorce: Your conviction may lead to strain in your marriage or romantic relationships, and in some cases, it can lead to separation or divorce.
- Child Custody: In family court, a violent crime conviction can influence custody decisions. If you are involved in a custody battle, a conviction can affect your ability to maintain or gain custody of your children.
- Parental Rights: In cases where child abuse or domestic violence is involved, you may lose the right to see your children or have supervised visitation, which can have a long-lasting emotional effect on both you and your family.
7. Emotional and Psychological Consequences
The emotional and psychological impact of being convicted of a violent crime can be profound. Individuals facing conviction may experience:
- Depression and anxiety about the long-term consequences.
- Feelings of guilt or remorse, especially if the victim was harmed or if the crime was committed impulsively.
- Difficulty reintegrating into society after serving time, especially if there is a lack of support systems or stigmatization.
Overcoming these emotional challenges often requires significant effort, including therapy or counseling.
8. Difficulty Obtaining Financial Assistance
A criminal conviction, particularly for a violent crime, can make it challenging to obtain financial assistance. Convicted felons may face:
- Difficulty qualifying for loans or mortgages, as banks and other lending institutions often require a background check before approving applications.
- Challenges with government benefits: Certain benefits, such as public housing or food assistance, may be denied to those with felony convictions.
- Increased insurance rates, particularly if you have a record for violent crime, affecting your ability to obtain affordable car insurance or other coverage.
Conclusion
A conviction for a violent crime in Florida can have severe and far-reaching effects on nearly every aspect of your life. The consequences can include imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, the loss of civil rights, and challenges in maintaining personal relationships or employment. It’s essential to understand the full scope of these consequences when facing criminal charges, and if you find yourself accused of a violent crime, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Legal counsel can help you navigate the charges, fight for your rights, and work toward minimizing the impact of a potential conviction.
This post was written by a professional at The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A. The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., criminal attorney Fort Lauderdale Florida, serves Broward County, specializing in criminal defense, including DUI, drug crimes, and violent offenses. With a background as a former police officer, Eric H. Clayman brings invaluable insight into law enforcement procedures. His experience as a DUI investigator, narcotics investigator, and member of street crimes and auto theft units, along with executing high-risk felony warrants, gives him a strategic edge in defending his clients. Committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best results, the Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A., is your trusted ally in the face of criminal charges.
