A Criminal Conviction Is More Than Jail Time
When people think of criminal penalties, they usually focus on the obvious: jail, probation, or fines. But the reality is that a criminal record can follow you for years—or even a lifetime—after your case is closed.
At The Law Office of Michael Glasser, P.A., we understand that protecting your future is just as important as defending your present. That’s why we fight to keep your record clean whenever possible.
What Is a Criminal Record?
A criminal record is a formal record maintained by law enforcement and the courts. It contains information about your arrests, charges, and convictions. Even if charges were dropped or dismissed, the arrest may still appear on background checks unless sealed or expunged.
In Florida, your criminal record is accessible to:
-
Employers
-
Landlords
-
Licensing boards
-
Schools
-
Government agencies
Employment Challenges
Most employers in Florida conduct background checks. Even a misdemeanor conviction can disqualify you from job opportunities—especially in industries like:
-
Education
-
Healthcare
-
Government
-
Financial services
-
Transportation or logistics
A felony conviction can be even more damaging, often resulting in automatic disqualification.
Some employers may offer a second chance, but many won’t take the risk. That’s why a strong criminal defense is your first line of protection.
Housing & Rental Applications
Landlords often screen tenants through criminal background checks. A record of drug use, violence, or theft may lead to a rejected application—even if the offense happened years ago.
This can force you into limited or substandard housing options and make it harder to rebuild your life.
Education & Professional Licensing
A criminal record can affect:
-
Acceptance into college or graduate school
-
Eligibility for financial aid
-
Certification for certain trades (like nursing, law, real estate, or teaching)
Professional licensing boards often conduct deep background checks. Even nonviolent convictions may be flagged during the review process.
Immigration Consequences
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a criminal conviction can lead to:
-
Denial of green cards or visas
-
Deportation
-
Inadmissibility to the U.S. in the future
Certain offenses—especially drug, theft, or violent crimes—are classified as “crimes of moral turpitude” or “aggravated felonies” under immigration law and can trigger automatic removal proceedings.
Child Custody and Family Court
A criminal conviction—particularly for domestic violence, child abuse, or drug-related offenses—can severely impact custody or visitation rights in family court. Judges are required to consider a parent’s criminal history when making decisions in the best interests of the child.
Even if you are a devoted parent, your record can be used against you.
Social Stigma & Loss of Rights
Beyond legal consequences, a criminal record can lead to:
-
Social isolation
-
Damage to reputation
-
Difficulty building trust in relationships
-
Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or own a firearm (in felony cases)
These consequences may not be part of your formal sentence—but they are very real and long-lasting.
Sealing or Expunging Your Record
In some cases, it’s possible to seal or expunge your criminal record in Florida. This means your record would not be publicly accessible and wouldn’t appear in most background checks.
Eligibility depends on:
-
The type of offense
-
Whether you were adjudicated guilty
-
Prior criminal history
Michael Glasser helps eligible clients navigate the sealing/expungement process to minimize long-term consequences.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Protects Your Future
The best way to avoid the hidden consequences of a criminal record is to prevent a conviction altogether. At The Law Office of Michael Glasser, P.A., we:
-
Fight to get charges dropped or reduced
-
Pursue pretrial diversion or deferred prosecution
-
Argue for withholds of adjudication to avoid a formal conviction
-
Seek expungement or sealing when eligible
Our goal is not just to win your case—but to protect your job, housing, family, and future.
Arrested in Fort Lauderdale? Take Action Now.
If you’ve been arrested or charged in Broward County, the decisions you make today can affect you for years to come. Don’t wait to get legal help.
📞 Call (954) 242-1951 for a free, confidential consultation with Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Michael Glasser. Let us fight for your rights—and your future.
