Being convicted of assault in Texas is a serious matter that can impact a person’s life in many ways. While the immediate consequences of an assault conviction might be fines, jail time, or probation, the effects often reach far beyond those punishments. Many people may not realize how much a criminal conviction can change their lives over time, affecting their future opportunities and relationships. Understanding the long-term effects of an assault conviction is important for anyone facing such charges or who has already been convicted. These effects can touch almost every part of a person’s life, making it difficult to move forward. At, Wilder Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Employment Consequences of an Assault Conviction
One of the biggest challenges that comes with an assault conviction is finding and keeping a job. Employers in Texas often conduct background checks before hiring someone, and a criminal record can be a major red flag. Many businesses are reluctant to hire someone with an assault conviction, especially for positions that involve interacting with customers or working in a team. Some jobs may even have policies that automatically disqualify anyone with a violent crime on their record.
Even after securing a job, an assault conviction can continue to cause problems. If an employer finds out about a conviction later on, it could lead to being fired or demoted. Jobs that require a professional license, like teaching or healthcare, can be even more difficult to get or keep because many licensing boards have strict rules about who can be licensed. An assault conviction could lead to a person losing their professional license, even if they have worked in their field for many years.
Housing Challenges After an Assault Conviction
In Texas, finding housing can be difficult for someone with an assault conviction on their record. Landlords often run background checks on potential tenants, and a criminal record can make it hard to secure a place to live. Some landlords may flat-out refuse to rent to someone with an assault conviction, while others might charge higher security deposits or impose stricter rental conditions.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
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The stigma of an assault conviction can also make it difficult to live in certain neighborhoods. People with a criminal record may face judgment or discrimination from neighbors, which can make it hard to feel comfortable or accepted in their community. These housing challenges can make it difficult to establish stability, which is important for anyone trying to rebuild their life after a conviction.
Educational and Scholarship Limitations
For those wanting to pursue higher education, an assault conviction can pose significant challenges. Many colleges and universities ask about criminal history on their applications. While not all schools automatically reject applicants with a criminal record, some may consider an assault conviction a reason to deny admission. This can be especially true for programs that involve working with the public, such as education or social work.
Even if someone is accepted into a college or university, an assault conviction can still impact their ability to receive financial aid or scholarships. Certain government grants and loans may not be available to individuals with a criminal record, and private scholarship organizations may have similar rules. Without financial assistance, pursuing education can become much more difficult, limiting a person’s chances of advancing their career.
The Wilder Law Firm helped me overcome my case with the most favorable outcome possible. My case was dismissed very quickly and they kept me updated throughout the process. They handled all of my court appearances which kept me from having to spend time away from work. I greatly appreciate their help and would highly recommend them.” - Forrest Davis I hired the Wilder Law Firm to help with my Family Violence Citations due to it’s remarkable reviews, experience in the field and high approval rating! The firm successfully resolved my cases and got both of them dismissed. This has not only given me a greater relief, but I’m happy and excited that I have no record to worry about. Thank you everyone at the Wilder Law Firm for the support and patience with me. I’m very excited." - Steve Ak My advice– call Wilder Law Firm– they will help you! I had two cases in two different courts and they were able to get both dismissed! Facing these two charges put me in a really hard time for a few months but with the Wilder Law Firm’s help, I was able to put all this past me and move on with a clean record. This was a hard life lesson but I am thankful for the results." - Rudy Castanon
Impact on Personal Relationships
An assault conviction can also affect personal relationships in many ways. Friends and family may treat a person differently after learning about their conviction. They might lose trust or feel uneasy around someone who has been convicted of a violent crime, which can lead to strained or broken relationships. This can make it difficult for a person to rebuild their life after a conviction, especially if they lack a strong support system.
In addition to affecting personal relationships, an assault conviction can also impact family life. Parents with an assault conviction may face challenges in custody battles or visitation rights. Courts often consider a person’s criminal record when deciding custody arrangements, and a conviction for a violent crime like assault could make it harder for someone to maintain custody of their children or even see them regularly.
Financial Consequences of an Assault Conviction
Beyond the immediate fines and court fees, an assault conviction can lead to long-term financial difficulties. The difficulty of finding stable employment can make it harder to earn a consistent income, while higher housing costs or the inability to secure affordable housing can strain finances even further. On top of these challenges, individuals with an assault conviction may also face higher insurance premiums. Many insurance companies consider a criminal record when determining rates, and a conviction for a violent crime could lead to significantly higher costs.
The legal costs of defending against future charges can also add up. People with a criminal record may be more likely to face legal scrutiny in the future, and even minor legal issues can become costly. This can create a cycle of financial hardship that is difficult to break.
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Social Stigma and Loss of Civil Rights
An assault conviction can carry a social stigma that affects a person’s ability to fully participate in their community. In Texas, a felony conviction can lead to the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, own a firearm, or serve on a jury. While some of these rights can be restored after completing a sentence, the process is not automatic and can be difficult to navigate. This loss of rights can leave individuals feeling isolated and powerless, making it harder to fully reintegrate into society.
In addition to the loss of civil rights, people with an assault conviction may also face judgment and discrimination from others. This stigma can affect both personal and professional relationships, making it difficult to move forward and rebuild a life after a conviction.
Travel Restrictions and Immigration Consequences
For individuals who travel frequently or are not U.S. citizens, an assault conviction can lead to serious travel and immigration issues. Certain countries may deny entry to anyone with a criminal record, making it difficult to travel for work or leisure. Even traveling within the United States can be more complicated, as some employers may require employees to pass background checks before sending them on business trips.
For non-citizens, an assault conviction can have even more serious consequences. In some cases, a conviction for a violent crime can lead to deportation or prevent someone from becoming a U.S. citizen. Immigration authorities take criminal convictions very seriously, and even a minor assault conviction could have life-altering consequences for someone’s immigration status.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional and psychological toll of an assault conviction can be significant. Many people who are convicted of a crime experience feelings of guilt, shame, or regret. These emotions can be difficult to overcome, especially if a person faces ongoing challenges in their personal or professional life because of their conviction.
The stress of living with a criminal record can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. The constant fear of judgment or rejection can make it difficult for someone to feel secure or confident in their daily life. Without proper support, these emotional and psychological challenges can make it difficult to move forward and rebuild a positive future.
While the long-term effects of an assault conviction can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that there are ways to address some of these challenges. In some cases, it may be possible to have a conviction sealed or expunged, which can limit the impact of a criminal record. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help individuals understand their options and navigate the legal process. An experienced lawyer can also help defend against future legal issues, protecting individuals from further harm.
If you or someone you know is facing an assault charge or dealing with the long-term consequences of a conviction, the Wilder Law Firm can provide the legal support you need. Our team is committed to helping clients overcome the challenges that come with a criminal record, so they can rebuild their lives with confidence. Contact the Wilder Law Firm today to learn how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of the legal system and securing the best possible outcome for your case.