A person facing criminal gun charges could potentially see ramifications impacting their financial, social, legal, and personal situation for years to come — or potentially even the rest of their life. The consequences of criminal gun offenses will vary depending upon the type of crime committed and the context; however, the implications for individuals involved are broad and far-reaching.
To pursue the most favorable outcome in a criminal gun case, working with a legal team is essential. Experienced legal professionals understand how to help you minimize the potential consequences and retain as much of your independence and former lifestyle as possible.
Here are some of the possible ramifications you could expect for a criminal gun offense and how they may impact your life going forward.
Legal Ramifications of Criminal Gun Charges
The first consequences that a person will typically face after a criminal gun conviction are legal. These can include:
- Fines – Fines are one of the most common repercussions of a criminal gun offense and range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the specific charge. Depending on the fine, additional fees for delinquency, default, or late payment may apply, as well as interest accrual
- Mandatory minimum jail or prison time – Many criminal offenses require at least six months in prison, but this range can span upwards to 10 years or even life in prison, depending on the details of the case. Individuals may or may not be eligible for parole
- Permanent change to criminal record – Felony and misdemeanor gun crimes can impact a person’s criminal record, adding a mark that employers and others conducting a background check can see in the future
- Immigration adjustment – If the person charged with the criminal gun offense was currently in the process of acquiring an immigration adjustment, such as securing a visa to work in the US or transitioning to a green card and permanent residence, they may no longer be eligible and could even be deported
Personal and Social Impacts
The legal consequences of a criminal gun offense are not the only potential outcome of a conviction. The individual is likely to face changes in their social and personal lives as well, including:
- Restrictions on firearm ownership – Many types of gun crime can result in a lengthy or lifetime ban on further ownership of firearms
- Loss of license – If the convicted individual was a professional in certain fields that require licensure (e.g., law, medicine), a criminal gun offense can be a sufficient cause for license revocation. This measure can stop them from practicing their employable skills, leading to job loss and difficulty finding gainful employment in the future
- Difficulty finding work – Even if an individual does not rely on a specific license for work, the mark on their criminal record can make them a challenging hire for future employers. The gun conviction itself may cause their current employer to cut ties with them, and they may no longer be eligible to work in certain fields, such as childcare
- Loss of reputation – When a person is convicted of a gun-related crime, the stigma of the charge can follow them. They may lose positions of authority or respect in their communities and see frayed social ties that lead to isolation or rejection
- Loss of property or responsibility – If an individual is incarcerated as part of their legal punishment for a gun crime, they often struggle to continue to pay their bills and debts. This financial difficulty can lead to car repossession, home foreclosure, defaulting on loans, and more — setting up compounded future challenges. They may lose child custody as well, if applicable
Rehabilitation Paths After Gun Crime
After a criminal gun conviction, many individuals struggle to find the help they need. Now more than ever, programs are available to help those undergoing difficulties properly reintegrate back into the community space.
Inpatient rehabilitation, such as admission to a psychiatric hospital, can equip individuals with the skills and immediate assistance they need to readjust their behaviors.
Alternatively, many outpatient programs are available, such as those that operate during probation or parole, group therapy, or even remediation classes to help people practice life skills for success.
Seek Legal Help to Manage the Consequences of Criminal Gun Charges
If you are facing a criminal gun offense, it does not have to destroy your goals for the future. Working with a legal team to minimize the impact of the potential penalties, whether financial, legal, social, or otherwise, can set you up for success after conviction.
The professionals at The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge can advocate on your behalf in court. Contact Attorney Monge to schedule a consultation before your court date.