Being charged with a crime is not just a temporary hurdle; the consequences of having a criminal record can ripple through nearly every aspect of your life, often in unexpected ways. From struggles with employment to barriers in housing and education, a criminal record can create significant and lasting challenges. At McAdams Law Office, our Greeley criminal defense lawyer understands this reality and works to help individuals in Greeley, Colorado, protect their futures. This blog explores the long-term effects of a criminal conviction and how you can address them.
A criminal conviction can affect nearly every area of your life, limiting financial opportunities, educational access, and career advancement. Employers and licensing boards often scrutinize criminal records, making securing jobs or professional certifications harder, especially in industries that require a high degree of trust. In Colorado, where criminal records are public, landlords, employers, and lenders can easily access your history, creating additional hurdles for securing housing, obtaining financial aid, and even maintaining or gaining child custody. These barriers can make rebuilding your life after a conviction significantly more difficult. The long-term consequences are severe, often reshaping your future in lasting and unexpected ways.
One of the most immediate consequences of a criminal record is difficulty securing employment. Many employers conduct background checks and remain wary of hiring candidates with a conviction. According to Colorado law, while a sentence alone cannot automatically bar you from public employment or licensing in some cases, employers can still factor it into their overall consideration. This makes re-entering the workforce, particularly in fields requiring trust or certifications, significantly more complicated.
Rebuilding your career following a criminal conviction often requires identifying employers open to second chances or industries less reliant on background screenings.
A criminal record can create significant barriers to accessing housing and education. Many landlords refuse to lease properties to individuals with prior convictions due to concerns about risk or liability. Furthermore, a record may disqualify you from public housing or rental assistance programs, pushing affordable housing further out of reach.
According to state law, convictions for certain offenses, such as federal student loans, may limit access to education funding. This can make pursuing college or vocational training harder, which might be crucial for career rehabilitation.
Examples of challenges include:
Education and stable housing are critical pillars for a prosperous future, and a criminal record can severely disrupt both.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
Many professions require licenses, which can be challenging to obtain with a criminal record. Healthcare, law, and even cosmetology professions often involve licensing boards that may deny an application after reviewing a conviction. This can undermine years of education or training.
Firearm ownership is another right significantly impacted by criminal convictions, particularly felonies. Colorado has strict laws prohibiting individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms, even after serving their sentences. This limitation can extend to recreational hunters or those requiring firearms for professional reasons.
Preventing or mitigating the long-term effects of a criminal conviction often starts with how you initially approach the charges. A skilled defense attorney is essential in helping you protect your future.
How a defense attorney can assist:
Without the guidance of a defense attorney, individuals facing charges may accept plea bargains or other resolutions without fully understanding the future consequences of their criminal record.
The consequences of having a criminal record are far-reaching, but they don’t have to define your future. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Greeley, Colorado, now is the time to act. Protect your rights and secure your future by contacting McAdams Law Office at (970) 353-0002. With the proper legal support, you can address these challenges head-on and position yourself for better opportunities.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.