There are a number of things that can affect your legal proceedings. This includes prior convictions. There are several ways that prior convictions can affect your legal proceedings.
Prior to the Trial
Your prior convictions can impact your case long before it even goes to trial. The officers can look at your record and see the prior convictions. Even if you have had your record expunged, your officer may still be able to see this. If this is your second or third time committing a crime, then you could possibly be charged with a felony.
Harsher Sentences
It is a good idea for you to contact one of the local criminal lawyers if you have been charged with a crime. The prosecutors already try to come down hard on people. However, if you have prior convictions, then they will try to come down on you even harder. Prosecutors argue that people who have prior convictions are a threat to the public because they are likely to commit the same crime again.
Your prior criminal history is something that may be brought up during the trial. However, not every prior conviction can be used in court. Most judges will only allow prior convictions to be brought up if the crime occurred within the past 10 years.
Prior convictions often explain why two people can be charged with the exact same crime, but one gets a much longer sentence than the other. Not only will you face a longer time in jail, but there is also collateral damage that can come from this.
For example, if you are charged with a new crime and have prior convictions, then you may lose your eligibility for public assistance. You may also not be able to vote or possess a firearm. Furthermore, it may be harder for you to get a job. Your entire life can change for the worse.
What Do I Need to Do If I Am Facing New Criminal Charges And Have Prior Convictions?
The stakes are high if you have prior convictions and are facing new criminal charges. You need someone who can offer experienced and aggressive legal defense for you. Criminal law attorneys in Philadelphia will fight hard for you. They believe that everyone is innocent until they have been proven guilty in the court of law. Your attorneys will make sure that you are defended to the fullest extent possible.