How Criminal Fraud Charges Can Impact Your Future
Posted on October 30, 2024
Being convicted of criminal charges can bring a number of consequences, including fines and jail time, depending on the discretion of the judge and prosecution and the extent of the fraud. For financial fraud over $5000, the penalties can be as much as 14 years in prison and additional fines. But beyond these penalties, a conviction for criminal fraud can affect other aspects of your future. If you are facing fraud charges, book a legal consultation with the reputable and experienced criminal defence lawyers at Karras Law. Robert Karrass and our team of skilled defence lawyers will help you fight criminal charges so you can protect your future.
Here are some ways in which the conviction of a criminal can affect your future and why you need a reputable criminal lawyer.
Impact on Your Personal Life
A conviction for criminal fraud can deeply affect your personal life. The stress and stigma attached to a conviction often strain relationships with family and friends, making it harder to maintain personal connections. The emotional toll of facing criminal charges can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, as many people might see you as untrustworthy.
Depending on the nature of the fraud, your reputation in the community may be damaged with a conviction. This can create long-term difficulties in social circles and even lead to ostracization. Working with a criminal defence lawyer can help mitigate these outcomes by reducing charges, negotiating plea deals, or even having the charges dismissed in certain cases. A complimentary legal consultation with the Karrass Law team can help you explore your options and your potential defence to avoid some of the personal impacts a conviction of criminal fraud can bring.
Employment and Job Opportunities
One of the most immediate and significant impacts of criminal fraud charges in Ontario is on your employment. Many industries, particularly those in finance, law, and healthcare, require individuals to maintain a clean criminal record. Employers often conduct background checks, and a criminal fraud conviction—or even charges—can disqualify you from certain jobs. In some cases, even if you're not convicted, the existence of fraud charges can harm your reputation, causing employers to lose trust in you. For professionals working in regulated industries in Ontario, criminal fraud charges could lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses if found guilty.
Travel and Migration
Many countries, including the United States, have strict immigration laws that prevent individuals with criminal records from entering. A fraud conviction could bar you from travelling for business, education, or leisure, which can affect both your personal and professional life.
For non-citizens living in Canada, a criminal fraud conviction can also have serious immigration consequences. Under Canadian law, certain criminal convictions can result in inadmissibility, meaning you could face deportation or be denied permanent residency or citizenship. It is crucial to consult a criminal lawyer if you are facing fraud charges, as they can advise you on how to protect your immigration status while defending you in court.
Housing & Renting
A criminal fraud charge can show up when background checks are being run. This can impact your ability to find a rental property or even apply for the loans necessary to start a business or buy a new home.
If you are acquitted or the charges are dropped, it's important to have your record cleared as soon as possible. Ontario law allows for the destruction of records for individuals who have been wrongfully charged. However, this is a complex legal process that may require legal consultation with a criminal fraud lawyer to ensure it is handled properly.
Protect Yourself with a Leading Criminal Lawyer in Toronto
Offering skilled and comprehensive legal representation, Robert Karrass and the entire Karrass Law team can provide you with legal advice and a robust defence against criminal charges. Our team of legal experts and reputable lawyers in Ontario take the time to understand the details of your case to generate the best results possible for your situation. To learn more about what you can expect and how to navigate these charges, book a legal consultation online or in person with the Karrass Law team.
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