A conviction is the determination by a court of law that a defendant has committed a crime. A conviction may follow a guilty plea, a jury trial in which the jury finds that the defendant is guilty of the crime, or a trial by judge in which the judge makes a finding of guilt.
People convicted of crimes face many collateral consequences, including barriers to employment and housing, and loss of public benefits. These consequences can impede an individual’s ability to rebuild their lives and contribute to long-term social exclusion. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you navigate these issues and protect your rights and interests.
Wrongful convictions often result from mistakes by government officials. These errors include witness misidentification, faulty lab tests, and jailhouse informant information. EJI’s work has helped to free innocent people like Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent 30 years on Alabama’s death row for a murder he did not commit, and Beniah Dandridge, who served 20 years in prison for a robbery he did not take part in.
Felonies and misdemeanors remain on an individual’s record for life. They can lead to long-term collateral consequences, including a stigma that interferes with career growth and stability, and make it difficult to obtain jobs, housing, or credit. In addition, they can affect child custody and immigration status, particularly for naturalized citizens and Americans with family members born abroad. New York City’s Fair Chance Act, which took effect late last month, is one step toward leveling the playing field for individuals with records by allowing employers to consider them fairly.
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