If you have a criminal record, it can prevent you from some basic freedoms that can make your life difficult, such as:

(1) Employment

Most job applications and job postings will require you to indicate if you have had a prior felony or criminal charge. Many jobs now have background checks as due diligence by employers. This can limit the jobs you can find for employment.

(2) Voting

If you like to vote and want to have a say in who runs your local, state and federal government, this privilege will be taken away if you have a criminal record. At least for a time.

(3) Ownership of firearms

If you are interested in obtaining a gun permit in order to purchase or carry a gun, this privilege will be prohibited if you have a criminal record.

(4) Sitting on a jury

Having a felony conviction on your record prevents you from sitting on a jury of your peers.

first time offenders

First-time felony offenders in New Jersey may be able to have their felony conviction remain off their permanent record

New Jersey PTI Program / Pretrial Intervention Program

You may be eligible for an alternative to standard New Jersey criminal procedures. This program is for the most part a first time offender program. The objective of the program is based on the early rehabilitation of the offender, to prevent criminal behavior in the future. There are many conditions attached to this program, so it is best to talk to your attorney about the program and whether you might qualify for it.

Reduction of felony charges to a misdemeanor

The prosecutor may be influenced by your attorney to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor charge. It is vital that you have experienced representation who knows and understands the legal angles that can help sway the prosecutor. Often the fact that he has no criminal record can be enough. He should talk to his lawyer about whether a reduction might be a possibility in his case.

felony degrees

Qualifications differ by state. Some states make use of numerical grades to represent classifications (for example: capital, life, 1st rating, 2nd grade, 3rd level, or class 1, 2, etc). Others use a bottom-up reporting system (Class A, B, etc.)

extended effects

When convicted of a felony in the US, there may be additional concerns after serving a prison sentence. Some cases:

Deportation if the criminal is not an occupier

Loss of voting rights

You are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, bulletproof vests, or ammunition

Disqualification from running for public office

Ineligibility to serve on a jury

Exclusion of obtaining private licenses