Collateral Consequences of a Felony in Texas

 Posted on February 22, 2024 in Criminal Defense

The punishment a judge sentences you to after a felony conviction is called “legal consequences.” Legal consequences can include prison time, community service, a fine, and GPS monitoring or probation. Collateral consequences are anything else that happens to you as a result of a felony conviction. Like legal consequences, collateral consequences can vary tremendously based on the particular crime you were convicted of. While the legal consequences usually come with an end date, collateral consequences can follow you for the rest of your life. Your Frisco, TX, criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what life could look like after a felony conviction while fighting to help you avoid being convicted of a felony in the first place. Presenting a strong legal defense is the best way to minimize or avoid both legal and collateral consequences.

The Unexpected Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Some of the collateral consequences you could face after a felony conviction include:

• Trouble with housing - Unless you have the funds to buy a house, you might have difficulties convincing a landlord to rent to you. While less serious felonies that can be explained, like drug possession during a period of addiction you have recovered from, may not make it too difficult to find housing, more serious felonies, like any sex crime, might make finding housing incredibly challenging. The housing you can find may not be in the kind of neighborhood you want to live in.
• Social rejection - Your criminal record will be public. Anyone can look it up. This may mean that some people will not want to be around you. You may have difficulties joining social groups. 
• Losing a professional career - Many companies that employ professionals do not want to hire felons. You could be forced to accept a lower-paid position that is more likely to involve manual labor than skilled desk work. Licensed professionals like nurses and therapists might risk losing their licenses entirely.
• Consequences for your children - Do not be surprised if other parents do not want their children visiting your child at home. You may also not be able to volunteer in your child’s classroom, coach their little league team, or chaperone their field trips. Some children of felons will face bullying from other children who become aware of your record. 

Many felony convictions are avoidable. Your lawyer may be able to have your charges reduced to a misdemeanor, get your case dismissed, or secure an acquittal at trial.

Contact a Frisco, TX, Felony Defense Lawyer 

Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. is experienced in representing people who have been charged with a felony. Our experienced Collin County, TX, felony defense attorneys will do all we can to help you avoid a felony conviction wherever possible. Contact us at 469-333-3333 for a complimentary consultation.