What Happens After A Felony Conviction In Arizona
A felony conviction in Arizona has grave consequences. These consequences extend beyond the courtroom and can affect multiple facets of a person’s life, including their personal rights, employment opportunities, and housing prospects. Here’s what happens after a felony conviction in Arizona, and why it’s important to have accurate legal advice.
Consequences on Personal Rights
Arizona imposes severe penalties on felons. After a felony conviction, an individual loses their right to vote, their right to serve on a jury, and their right to possess firearms. These rights are only restored after the completion of the parole or probation period. If the felony involved a dangerous offense such as assault, restoring these rights may be more challenging.
Impact on Employment
Employment opportunities get impacted significantly after a felony conviction. Employers have the legal right to discriminate against individuals convicted of a felony. Felons may find it challenging to secure jobs due to background checks that highlight past convictions. Arizona has a law called ‘Ban the Box’ that prohibits public employers from inquiring about criminal history until after the initial job interview. While this helps, private employers are still free to conduct any necessary background checks.
Housing Consequences
Landlords have the right to deny rental agreements to individuals with a past criminal conviction. Having a felony on record can therefore lead to housing difficulties.
Legal Consequences
Post-conviction, felons in Arizona may face probation, fines, and imprisonment. If an individual violates the terms of probation, they may face substantial jail time. Therefore, thorough legal advice is necessary, both before and after a felony conviction.
Fighting the Conviction
If you believe you’ve been wrongly convicted, or if there were procedural violations during the trial, you can fight the conviction. An experienced attorney can file post-conviction relief petitions. If your conviction was for a white-collar crime like fraud, then an investment fraud lawyer in Tucson can guide you.
Conclusion
Felony convictions bring about long-term penalties that can affect every aspect of life. Understanding these consequences and fighting for your rights under the Arizona law is crucial. Seek professional legal advice to understand your situation and explore the best course of action. Remember, while the conviction may seem daunting, there are ways to fight it and reduce its impact on your life.