The Hidden Costs of a Conviction in Long Island Criminal Cases

The Hidden Costs of a Conviction in Long Island Criminal Cases

Getting arrested and charged with a crime is scary enough, but if you end up with a conviction, you may be surprised by all the extra penalties and expenses that come along with it. Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction can cost you for years to come in ways you probably haven’t thought about. This article will go over some of the hidden costs so you know what you might be in for.

Lost Job and Future Job Problems

One of the biggest hidden costs is how a conviction can affect your career and ability to get a job. Many employers do criminal background checks and won’t hire someone with a record. According to studies, over 90% of employers do checks, and over 80% probably wouldn’t hire someone with a felony. So if you get convicted, there’s a good chance you’ll lose your current job. And if you don’t have one, it’ll be really hard finding one in the future.

This study talks more about the problems people have getting jobs after a conviction. Another one found 60% of people were still unemployed a year after release. It’s just really hard out there when employers judge you for your record.

Fines and Fees

Fines and fees that come with a conviction can also add up to thousands of dollars. Common fines for misdemeanors are around $1000 but can be higher. Felonies often come with fines from $5000 to $100,000 or more. And there’s usually a bunch of fees on top, like:

• Court surcharges – these extra fees pay for courts and can be a few hundred bucks
• Probation fees if you get probation – around $35-$65 per month
• Restitution if there was any damage or loss
• Crime victim assistance fee – another $25-$100

Over a few years, all those fines and fees really add up. If you can’t pay, you may end up back in court or even jail.

Insurance Problems

Another hidden cost is higher car insurance rates. Companies see you as more “risky”, so your premiums go up an average of 80% after a DUI and as much as 289% after other convictions! Rates can stay high for 5 years or more.

Home and business insurance can also get super expensive or be impossible to get with a record. It’s crazy how one mistake follows you for so long!

Conclusion

As you can see, a conviction comes with a ton of extra legal penalties, fees and other consequences that can derail your life for years…