TX Criminal Record Consequences: Job, Housing, and License Denial

We've all heard the warning that a criminal record will stick with you forever, but what does that actually mean? In Texas, there are multiple ways in which a criminal history can impact your life.

It's important to know that even if a charge is dropped or you are found not guilty for a certain crime, your record may still have that criminal charge on it for a period of time.

How Criminal Charges Can Impact Your Life

According to the Texas-based defense attorneys at the Neal Davis Law Firm, employment and child custody are often hit hard by criminal records.

Employment and Child Custody

For example, many well-paying jobs will refuse to hire someone if they have a criminal record when they conduct their background checks. This can include felonies and even misdemeanors in some cases.

Parents with criminal charges can heavily affect their ability to gain child custody rights upon divorce, especially if the charges involve the family. Also, Texas will not allow someone to adopt a child if they have been previously charged with a misdemeanor or felony involving the family or, in some cases, alcohol.

Driving, Firearms, and Immigration

Depending on the crime, someone can have their driver's license revoked or even be placed under a 180-day suspension.

If someone with a criminal record tries to purchase a firearm, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may refuse to allow it.

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Also, those attempting legal entry into the U.S. to become a citizen with a criminal record can severely impact their ability to receive a green card. Foreign nationals may also lose their jobs and face deportation if convicted of certain felonies and/or misdemeanors.

College, Healthcare, Renting/Leasing

Finally, someone with a criminal record of any kind seeking college admission is at the mercy of the university or college policies. Certain charges can also permanently ban you from gaining financial aid.

Earning a nursing or other healthcare license can also be impossible with a record.

Texas landlords can also refuse to enter into lease agreements with convicted felons. If the charges include sex crimes, this refusal can be permanent.