How a Philadelphia Conviction Can Impact Your Family

How a Philadelphia Conviction Can Impact Your Family

Getting convicted of a crime in Philadelphia can have profound consequences for you and your family. While the penalties imposed by the court may seem straightforward – fines, probation, jail time – the impact of a conviction reaches far beyond the sentence itself. Let’s take a look at some of the ways a Philadelphia conviction could affect your family’s lives.

Custody and Visitation Rights

One of the biggest concerns for parents facing criminal charges is the potential impact on custody and visitation rights. Under Pennsylvania law, the court must consider a parent’s criminal history when making custody determinations and ruling on what’s in the “best interest” of the child[1][2].

Certain types of convictions, especially violent crimes, sex offenses, and child abuse, will raise red flags. The court will look at factors like:

• Whether the crime affects your ability to safely parent and meet the child’s needs.
• When the offense occurred – more recent is seen as more concerning.
• If there’s a pattern of multiple convictions over time, indicating poor judgment.
• The nature of the specific crimes committed and against whom. Crimes involving children and family members are seen as putting kids at higher risk[3].

So while one old conviction likely won’t lead to loss of custody, an extensive or troubling history can jeopardize your rights. The court may require things like counseling, rehab, supervised visitation, or even no contact at all. It’s a case-by-case determination based on the facts[4].

The criminal record of a parent’s new partner will also be examined and could affect custody decisions. The court wants to ensure the child’s safety when in contact with all adults in a parent’s life[3].

Bottom line – a conviction definitely matters in custody cases. Speak to an attorney to understand your rights and options if this affects your family.

Child and Spousal Support Obligations

In addition to custody, a criminal conviction can also impact your family financially if you’re required to pay child support or alimony.

Jail time means you’re unable to work and earn income to make those court-ordered payments. Falling behind can result in penalties like wage garnishment or suspended driver’s licenses down the road. Your family suffers if support checks stop coming.

Fines and fees imposed for your conviction also take money out of your pocket that could otherwise go to your kids. Certain crimes like drug offenses may specifically restrict your eligibility for government benefits, further limiting funds available for your family[5].

If you’re unable to meet obligations, talk to an attorney about modifying support agreements. Don’t let your family’s stability suffer unnecessarily.

Housing Issues

Finding stable housing for your family becomes exponentially harder with a conviction on your record. Many landlords simply won’t rent to people with criminal histories. Certain offenses like sex crimes and domestic violence carry additional restrictions on where you’re legally allowed to live – you may not be able to reside near schools, parks, or even your victim[5]. Violating these restrictions equals more legal trouble.

Plus, if you serve jail time, your family may be displaced from their home with nowhere to go. This creates major instability and stress, especially for children.

If housing is jeopardized by your charges, consult an attorney immediately so they can help your family avoid becoming homeless. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of keeping your existing residence or finding acceptable new housing.

Loss of Employment

For families relying on your income, job loss resulting from a conviction can be devastating. Many employers are reluctant to hire anyone with a record, especially for higher-level jobs requiring special licenses and certifications[5].

Even for existing employees, a conviction (or just the arrest and pending charges) may be grounds for termination. Job loss means loss of income your family depends on for rent, food, medical care, child expenses, and more.

Plus, while incarcerated, you obviously can’t work and earn any money. The financial impact on your family multiplies if you’re the primary breadwinner.

An attorney may be able to help you negotiate with employers or set up agreements to save your job if possible. Don’t let your family’s financial stability crumble without exploring options first.

Partner/Spouse Criminal Exposure

In families where parents are unmarried, a conviction can also criminally implicate your partner or spouse in some circumstances. This is especially true when crimes involve children.

For example, if your spouse knows about abuse happening but fails to intervene or report it, they could face charges like child endangerment. Remaining silent makes them partially liable.

The same often applies in drug cases – if illegal substances are found in your shared home, your partner may be considered complicit. A domestic violence conviction can also cause problems for the victim if they lied to protect their abuser.

Consult an attorney to understand the potential risks to your loved ones if convicted. You need to know how your actions could criminally impact others in your household.

Social Services Intervention

A conviction may prompt social services agencies to get involved with your family through things like:

• Child protective services investigating claims of abuse/neglect
• Forced counseling for victims of domestic violence
• Court orders to complete rehab for drug offenses
• Anger management classes for violent crimes
• Parenting skills programs if your abilities are questioned

While often well-intentioned, these interventions can feel invasive and threatening to parents. But refusing to comply may have consequences like loss of custody, so you need to strike a balance.

Have your attorney work with these agencies on your behalf if issues arise. They can help minimize disruption to your family life while still meeting legal requirements. Don’t let your family get steamrolled without a fight.

Social Stigma and Reputational Damage

Even after serving a sentence, the social stigma of a conviction lingers and can isolate your family. Friends and community members may see you differently and not want to associate with a “criminal.” Your kids could even face bullying at school.

This social stigma extends to loved ones by relation – your spouse, parents, children may all suffer guilt by association. People make assumptions without knowing details.

These judgments and gossip can make it hard to feel accepted. Your family may withdraw from community life to avoid facing constant criticism and scrutiny. This only breeds more isolation.

While you can’t force people to change their views, counseling and community outreach programs can help your family move forward. An attorney may know local groups well-suited to offer support.

Restricted Travel and Activities

Depending on the specifics of your conviction, you may face restrictions on things like:

• Where you can travel, especially internationally
• Possessing firearms
• Volunteering or participating in community groups, especially those involving children
• Attending your child’s school events and activities

Violating these restrictions means new charges and more time in court. Your family’s ability to do things together becomes very limited.

Probation terms may also restrict your interactions – who you can see, where you can go, what hours you must be home. This hinders your involvement in daily family life.

Be aware of all conditions on your sentence so you don’t accidentally commit violations that will extend your punishment. Follow the rules so you can be present with your family as much as possible.

Emotional Trauma

The emotional trauma of seeing a loved one convicted can cause lasting damage to marriages and parent-child bonds. Stress, depression, anxiety, anger – these feelings can fester if not addressed.

Spouses may feel betrayed and lose trust. Children may feel abandoned if a parent is absent and less involved in their lives. These relationships need nurturing to heal.

Counseling and open communication are key to overcoming resentment and rebuilding family connections after a conviction. Don’t let your loved ones drift away when you need each other most.

As this overview illustrates, a Philadelphia conviction impacts way more than just the person sentenced. Families suffer collateral damage in many aspects of daily life.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – consult an attorney immediately if facing charges. Protect your rights and your family. Though the impact may seem severe, an experienced lawyer can help minimize damage and give your family the best chance to recover.