When facing the possibility of a criminal conviction, most people generally think of the direct consequences—i.e. the sentence—and are so concerned with the possibility of incarceration or a lengthy probationary sentence that they overlook the collateral consequences of a conviction. Collateral consequences are those other than the sentence imposed as a direct result of a conviction, many of which are permanent and span across every aspect of your life. Here is a brief overview of the wide range of potential collateral consequences stemming from a criminal conviction.