A domestic violence conviction doesn’t just impact your life behind closed doors—it can follow you online, affecting your social media, job prospects, and even personal relationships. Whether you’re active in a local church, part of a business association, or simply someone who has lived in the same neighborhood for years, your conviction can change how you’re perceived in your community.
At Schlosser & Pritchett, we understand the challenges and emotional toll of a conviction, and we’re here to help you get back on track. Reach out to our Greensboro, North Carolina criminal defense lawyers to discuss your case.
Legal Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Criminal Penalties
A domestic violence conviction in Greensboro, North Carolina can result in severe penalties, including jail time, probation, or both. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could face months or even years behind bars. Even if you avoid incarceration, probation terms can be extremely restrictive, often including mandatory counseling, community service, and regular check-ins with a probation officer. These penalties can have a lasting effect on your life, lingering long after your sentence has ended.
Permanent Criminal Record
A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which can make many aspects of life challenging. Finding a job or renting a home can be difficult, as most employers and landlords conduct background checks. Even if you are qualified for a job, a conviction can cause you to be passed over. This permanent record can also affect your ability to obtain credit, limiting your financial freedom.
Loss of Rights
In addition to jail time and fines, a domestic violence conviction may result in the loss of important rights. For example, federal law prohibits individuals convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms. If you’ve relied on firearms for personal safety or recreation, this can be a significant consequence. Additionally, a domestic violence conviction can affect child custody arrangements, potentially leading to limited or revoked visitation rights.
Increased Sentences for Future Offenses
If you face future charges, a domestic violence conviction can increase the severity of penalties. Repeat offenders often face harsher sentences, whether the charge is domestic violence or another offense. Your past conviction will likely make it harder to move forward, potentially resulting in stricter penalties in future cases.
Personal Impact of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Impact on Family and Relationships
A conviction for domestic violence extends beyond the courtroom, deeply affecting your personal relationships. The emotional toll on family members can be immense, often resulting in broken trust and strained connections with loved ones.
Relationships with family, friends, and colleagues may suffer, and in some cases, they may completely dissolve. Children involved may also experience lasting emotional damage, which can change the family dynamic forever.
Stigma and Social Consequences
A domestic violence conviction can bring a heavy social stigma. Society often associates such convictions with harmful behavior, and this perception can follow you throughout your life. Your community and social circles may treat you differently, isolating you from former friends and colleagues. This stigma can make it challenging to rebuild your reputation and move past the negative perception, even years after the conviction.
Employment Difficulties
After a domestic violence conviction, finding or maintaining a job becomes much harder. Many employers perform background checks, and a conviction can prevent you from securing employment, even if you are qualified. Certain fields, like healthcare, teaching, and law enforcement, often disqualify individuals with domestic violence convictions. If you currently have a job in a field where background checks are routine, you may even risk losing your position. The financial strain caused by job loss can worsen an already difficult situation.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Mental Health Struggles
A domestic violence conviction can take a serious toll on your mental health. Feelings of guilt, shame, and regret can weigh heavily on you, leading to emotional challenges like anxiety and depression. The stress of facing a criminal conviction can create a cycle of emotional pain, affecting not just your own well-being but your ability to move forward in life.
Difficulty Moving Forward
The long-lasting effects of a domestic violence conviction can prevent you from achieving your goals and moving forward with your life. Rebuilding relationships, advancing in your career, and finding peace can feel nearly impossible, with the weight of a conviction holding you back. The consequences can feel insurmountable, making it difficult to regain control over your future. A criminal defense attorney can be your best ally when charged with domestic violence.
Contact a Greensboro, North Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer
A domestic violence conviction can feel like a roadblock to your future, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Schlosser & Pritchett is committed to giving you the second chance you deserve. We’ll work alongside you to build a strategy that could reduce charges or even get them dismissed. To discuss your case, fill out the contact form or give us a call at (336) 292-4076.
