If this is your first time facing criminal charges, you may wonder how a misdemeanor or felony could impact your life. Your charges, could prevent you from landing a job, securing housing, or driving a car. You may even lose custody of your children. Here are just a few ways that a criminal record may affect your future: Employment Challenges Many employers in Florida conduct background checks on job candidates before offering them a job. A felony or misdemeanor conviction could exclude you from consideration for your dream job. Housing Limitations Trying to find an apartment when you have a criminal record is not always easy. Even if your conviction is several years old, it could still come back to haunt you when you are looking for housing. If a landlord determines that your criminal history makes you a legitimate safety threat to other residents, they can reject your application. College Admission Difficulties You can still attend college or trade school if you have a criminal record. However, many colleges and universities run background checks on prospective students. A criminal record could reduce your likelihood your college of choice accepting you. You may also find it harder to secure financial aid for your education or find a job on campus. Immigration Barriers Criminal convictions negatively affect everyone they impact. But they can have an especially devastating effect on non-US citizens. Criminal convictions can hinder your eligibility to obtain a green card or attain your desired immigration status. They may also result in your removal from the United States and prevent you from re-entering America.