You may be wondering, “how will a criminal record affect me?” Unless you obtain a record suspension, a criminal conviction will follow you around for the rest of your life. Among other things, a prior criminal record can be used to attack your credibility in a subsequent court proceeding. Please see below for a non-exhaustive list of the common detrimental effects of a criminal conviction:
Potential loss of liberty, meaning jail time and/or restrictive probationary conditions
Fines
Adverse effect on your future earning potential
Reduced employability
Difficulty travelling outside of Canada
Potential immigration problems
Social stigma, anxiety, depression – you will be branded as a “criminal”
Driving prohibitions
Firearms prohibitions
Forfeiture of property to the Crown
You may have to provide a sample of your DNA to the police
Are you concerned about how a criminal record may affect you? Call 416-428-2760 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
How Will a Criminal Record Affect Me?