When you get convicted of a crime, the judge is the one to hand down your sentence. They can consider a few different factors before ultimately making their decision, but one thing that’s likely to have an effect is any past convictions on your record. A judge can look at those convictions and decide that you are a career criminal who needs a harsher punishment than someone else who is being sentenced for the same crime. This is why you should consider talking to a Blue Bell criminal defense lawyer who can help you beat the criminal charges against you.
How Can Past Convictions Affect Sentencing?
A judge can look at your past convictions when they are sentencing you for another crime. If they believe that you are a habitual criminal, you could end up facing harsher punishments, like longer prison stays and higher fines, than someone with a clean record would. Your charges may have also been upgraded due to your history, further raising the risk of being hit with serious penalties. Your criminal history can really just make this worse for you from multiple angles.
Can Past Convictions Make it Harder to Negotiate With a Prosecutor?
There is another issue that could pop up when you have past convictions on your record. Even if you can talk to the prosecutor about a plea bargain, you are unlikely to get the same deal as someone with a clean record. The prosecutor knows that you are at risk of being sentenced more harshly due to your past convictions. This gives them more negotiating power. So you might be able to plead out, but your punishment is still likely to be significant.
Can I Expunge My Past Convictions?
Some crimes can be expunged in Pennsylvania, but many cannot. Most felonies are not going to be eligible for expungement, for example. It’s also difficult to get convictions expunged if you have many of them or any recent crimes on your record.
To sum up, we wouldn’t recommend relying on the expungement process. If you are facing criminal charges, talk to our lawyers and be ready to defend yourself. This applies even more if you already have past convictions to worry about.
How Else Can a Past Conviction Cause Problems For Me?
Unfortunately, your past convictions can often cause complications outside of the courtroom as well. A criminal record can:
- Make it hard to get a job that requires a license, like lawyer or doctor
- Make it difficult to secure housing
- Impact your ability to own a gun
- Affect your eligibility for security clearance, a necessity at some jobs
This is why it is so important to talk to a lawyer who can help you defend yourself from any charges leveled against you.
Talk to an Attorney Today
If you are facing criminal charges, contact Mudrick & Zucker. We can help you find a defensive strategy and prevent you from developing a lengthy criminal record that will be used against you later. Schedule your consultation today.
