If you find yourself facing theft charges in the San Antonio area, you may be wondering what the best course of action is for your situation. You may also feel stressed, worried and have all sorts of concerns about how those charges can affect your life.
Theft charges can have a major impact on your life in addition to the risk of jail time and a criminal record. The charge can make it harder for you to move on long after you pay your debt to society. Here are some things for you to consider concerning how a misdemeanor and felony theft charge can affect your life.
Employment challenges
You might hear theft charges often classified as moral turpitude crimes. People tend to treat those who have a crime that involves moral turpitude on their criminal record as untrustworthy because the record shows that the person’s actions were contrary to society’s beliefs and practices. Many employers do not hire workers with theft charges because they are a liability to their companies and employees.
A theft conviction will not bar you from employment everywhere. But it does make it significantly harder for employers to look past your criminal record to your other more redeeming qualities and credentials. Careers that involve money, goods, children and other items are generally off limits. Your current employer may also fire you because of missed time off due to jail, court dates and other issues pertaining to your case.
Housing challenges
You may also experience problems securing housing. Many property management companies and landlords perform background and criminal screenings on potential tenants. These landlords may ask you to disclose your criminal history on your applications. Foreigners with theft convictions face deportation and issues with their legal status and privileges.
A theft charge may not seem like a big deal to you, but in the eyes of the law and society, it is. Protect yourself from the impact it can have on your life by speaking to an attorney to about defense options.
