The Consequences of a Theft Conviction on Your Criminal Record

“Theft” is the act of taking personal property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property. If you are found guilty of a theft crime, the conviction could result in many consequences, including fines, incarceration, probation, and a criminal record. Furthermore, a criminal record could have serious repercussions that affect the rest of your life.

Employment

Theft is a crime of moral turpitude because it is an act of dishonesty. As a result, prospective employers often disregard job applications from those with a criminal record. This is especially true if the open position encompasses an element of trust.

For example, a job that involves money handling, such as a bank teller, requires a trustworthy, honest worker. An employer does not want to hire an employee that might pocket funds. Therefore, it can be difficult to obtain this type of job with a theft conviction on your criminal record.

Traveling to Other Countries

If you have a criminal record, you may find it difficult to travel to other countries. Disclosure of a criminal record is a mandatory part of visa applications in some countries, and if you have a serious theft charge on your record, you may confront difficulty entering another nation. This is especially true if you are a repeat offender.

Housing

Shelter is a basic human right; however, you may find it more difficult to obtain housing with a theft conviction. Prospective landlords want to provide accommodation for reliable tenants who will pay monthly rent installments in a timely fashion.

Many landlords initiate background checks as a part of the rental application process. If the property owner discovers that you have a prior theft conviction on your record, the landlord may not trust you and deny your housing request.

Voting

The Brennan Centre for Justice reports that more than five million U.S. citizens have lost their right to vote due to criminal records. In fact, there are approximately 35 countries that deny convicted felons of the right to vote. If the right to vote is important to you, a theft conviction could prevent you from exercising such a privilege.

Financial

If you acquire a felony theft charge on your criminal record, it is likely that you will be refused financial loans. Financial organizations conduct character assessments and use criminal records to make loan decisions. While you can secure a loan with a criminal record, interest rates are generally high.

Ultimately, the repercussions of a theft record are reduced to the issue of loyalty. It is much more difficult to be trusted by society after committing a crime of deceit, and you may encounter these aforementioned consequences as you attempt to move forward with life.

If you are facing a theft charge, you want to ensure that you do everything in your power to prevent the serious consequences of a criminal record. A knowledgeable criminal law attorney can help you prepare your case.