How Robbery Convictions Can Impact Your Life in New Jersey

How Robbery Convictions Can Impact Your Life in New Jersey

Getting caught up in a robbery charge can really turn your life upside down. Even if you aren’t convicted, just being accused can cause all kinds of problems. And if you are found guilty? Well, that robbery conviction will follow you around for years to come. Let’s take a look at some of the ways a robbery conviction can impact your life here in New Jersey.

Losing Your Freedom

The most obvious effect of a robbery conviction is the potential for jail time. Robbery is a second degree felony in New Jersey, punishable by 5-10 years in prison. Second degree charges also come with a presumption of incarceration – meaning judges are expected to impose jail time unless there are compelling circumstances not to. So there’s a good chance you’ll wind up behind bars if convicted of robbery in this state.

Spending years in jail means losing your freedom and being separated from loved ones. It also means having a criminal record that will make your life more difficult even after your release. While incarcerated, you’ll lose the ability to pursue an education or career. You’ll come out older, disconnected from society, and at a major disadvantage. That’s a pretty huge impact!

Say Goodbye to Certain Jobs

Another major impact of a robbery conviction is how it will affect your career opportunities. Lots of employers simply won’t hire someone with a record of robbery. It’ll be tough to get any job working with money, security, children, or anything involving trust.

Many career paths will be closed off right from the start. Want to be a security guard, armored truck driver, banker, school teacher? Probably not gonna happen with a robbery conviction. Even Uber and Lyft won’t let you drive for them if you’ve been convicted of robbery. That’s a whole lot of jobs down the drain.

This robbery conviction could prevent you from pursuing your chosen career or force you to totally change directions. It’s definitely going to make earning a living much harder. Say goodbye to certain jobs for sure.

Trouble Finding Housing

Finding a place to live can also become more difficult with a robbery conviction. Many landlords simply won’t rent to anyone with a record of robbery or theft. Some apartment complexes explicitly ban renting to people with certain types of convictions.

Even if you find a landlord willing to rent to you, a robbery conviction means you probably won’t qualify for subsidized or Section 8 housing. And good luck trying to buy a house with that kind of felony on your record! You may have a really hard time finding a stable living situation after a robbery conviction.

Loss of Rights

A robbery conviction comes with a loss of certain rights and privileges as well. In New Jersey, those convicted of robbery lose their right to vote while incarcerated and while on probation or parole. They are also barred from serving on a jury, holding public office, or owning a firearm.

Some of these restrictions seem reasonable given the circumstances. But others – like losing your right to vote – have huge civic impacts. And not being able to own a gun for self-defense is controversial, especially since violent criminals can still obtain firearms illegally. Nevertheless, you should know that a robbery conviction means forfeiting certain rights.

Difficulty Traveling or Immigrating

Think you might want to travel internationally or immigrate somewhere new after a robbery conviction? Think again. Most countries will deny entry to travelers with criminal records. Some won’t even let you visit on a tourist visa if you have a record of violent crime like robbery.

Trying to immigrate to another country like Canada? A felony conviction is considered “criminally inadmissible” and grounds for automatic denial. Robbery is almost universally seen as a crime of “moral turpitude” that makes you unwelcome. Expect your travel and immigration plans to get dashed with this kind of conviction.

Stigma and Reputation Damage

There’s also the social stigma that comes with being convicted of robbery. People will look at you differently and be more suspicious if they know about your criminal past. Some may avoid associating with you altogether. A robbery conviction can definitely damage your reputation.

Your mugshot and crime details may be published online or in newspapers where anyone can see. Even if expunged, records can still turn up in background checks. The stigma of having committed robbery could follow you around for many years. It can be tough to rebuild trust and social connections.

Financial Obligations

Don’t forget about all the financial costs that come with a robbery charge and conviction. The legal fees alone can be crushing, even with a public defender. You’ll also face fines, court costs, probation fees, restitution to victims, and more.

These financial obligations can dog you for years, damaging your credit and garnishing your wages. The monetary impact of a robbery conviction can be immense at a time when you already have limited career options. It’s like a huge financial punishment on top of your jail sentence.

Permanent Criminal Record

Finally, understand that a robbery conviction means you’ll have a permanent criminal record. Even if expunged, it can still turn up on background checks. This record will follow you around for life, impacting everything from job applications to security clearances to firearm purchases.

While a clean record could eventually be restored with an expungement, the robbery conviction still happened. That can’t be undone. This permanent blot on your record is one of the harshest, most lasting impacts that will forever change your life.

So in summary, a robbery conviction can drastically impact your freedom, career, housing, rights, reputation, finances, and permanent criminal record. The effects are huge and long-lasting. Your life in New Jersey will never be the same if you’re convicted of robbery. Consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing robbery charges to explore all your options. Don’t let this conviction follow you forever if you can avoid it.