Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction
Charged with a Criminal Sexual Conduct Crime (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th) Degree? Wondering what the consequences would be aside from a Felony on your Record and registering as a Predatory Offender?
Being convicted of a criminal sexual conduct offense is not only damaging because one could face prison time and predatory registration. According to the American Bar Association there are over 38,000 different collateral consequences that can affect you for a long time after you serve your sentence. Collateral Consequences are not those that are triggered within the courts when they determining punishment or sentencing. Instead, these are the consequences that impact your ability to engage politically, economically, and socially upon your reentry into society.
Collateral consequences include the barriers to housing, employment, education, and ability to receive public benefits. Not to mention your ability to possess a firearm. Predatory Offender Registration requires you to stay registered for at least a ten-year period. The consequences that come with this registration include the notification of the community that you live in, and the inability to work within a 1,000 foot radius of any school, while registered. In addition, employers and housing lenders/landlords can see your conviction on your record. This can substantially limit your opportunities to find a good home, and meaningful employment.
Problems with obtaining housing
If you are a renter, many landlords conduct background checks which could reveal your criminal sexual conduct conviction. Landlords often deny applications to rent an apartment or home if someone is convicted of a felony, especially if the conviction is for criminal sexual conduct or if you are required to register as a predatory offender. Additionally, you could face restrictions on where you could live even if you are able to obtain an apartment or house, because some predatory offenders must maintain a distance away from schools or other areas where children may be present. Also, certain predatory offenders or those with felony convictions could be denied access to public housing benefits.
Obtaining or maintaining employment
It seems like almost every job application these days asks whether you have been convicted of a crime. Many professional jobs will deny an applicant a job if they have any criminal conviction, but with a felony criminal sexual conduct conviction it is even more difficult. Those with such a conviction may find it almost impossible to obtain a license to work in healthcare or other related fields. Most higher paying jobs will be out of reach if you have a criminal sexual conviction, which may lead to having to work low-paying or unsecure jobs.
Lack of educational opportunities
Those with a criminal sexual conviction are more likely to be denied admission to a college as many college applications ask whether you have been convicted of a crime. Particularly, for more selective colleges, one with such a conviction is very likely to be denied when there is a similar applicant without the same criminal history. Even if you are able to obtain admission into college, a criminal sexual conduct conviction may prevent you from obtaining federal student loans to finance your education. And as already discussed, those who complete college may find it very difficult to find a job in their field even with the proper credentials because of the stigma a criminal sexual conduct conviction carries.
Much of the time, Criminal Sexual Conduct allegations are based on weak or expiring evidence. It is important to find an experienced attorney who understands how to fight these types of allegations and charges. Pleading to a lesser offense, or an acquittal of the charges can mean all the difference between suffering from the above-listed collateral consequences, and moving on with your life in a meaningful way. Please call us today if you, a family member or a friend are being asked to answer questions about a false accusation of sexual misconduct of any kind. It will make all the difference!
Questions? Need help? The attorneys at Sieben & Cotter have years of experience navigating Minnesota’s legal system and have successfully defended criminal sexual conduct charges. If you want skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys on your side, call the Sieben & Cotter Law Office at 651-455-1555 for your free initial consultation.