12 Aug What Consequences, Other than Prison, Can Come from a Felony?
In Arizona, a felony conviction means going to prison. And while prison terms are the one consequence that gets talked about the most, they are far from the only disruption to your life. From heavy fines to impacts on your career and relationships, a felony on your record can make your life very difficult.
Because the consequences of a felony will change your life, we want you to understand the full spectrum of a guilty verdict. Here’s what a felony conviction could mean in Arizona.
The Financial Impact of a Felony Conviction
Being convicted of a crime means you are subject to fines, fees, and restitution. These can really add up, especially since each one is its own category. Meaning you can owe hundreds of thousands of dollars across them.
- Fines: As part of a felony sentencing, a judge can charge fines of up to $150,000. These must be paid to the county where the crime took place.
- Fees: Courts cost money to run, and there are fees associated with almost every process. All these little things add up and, depending on the complexity of your case, could cost thousands, to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Restitution: Like fees, these amounts are difficult to predict. Restitutions are paid to the victims, and it is up to the judge to decide on the amount. They can cover the value of stolen or damaged property, medical bills, or the even pain and suffering of the victim.
Convictions Make It Difficult to Find a Place to Live
Felony convictions can impact your housing in several ways:
- Landlords are allowed to take criminal history into account when reviewing rental applications.
- Some convictions require registration on the sexual offender registry, which impacts where you are allowed to reside.
- Felony convictions disqualify you from access to public housing programs.
How a Felony Conviction Hurts Your Career
Convictions impact professional careers as well:
- Employers are not required to keep your job position open if you need to serve a prison term.
- Employers are allowed to take certain criminal history into account during the hiring process, even if they are not allowed to discriminate completely.
- Certain professional licenses cannot be obtained if you have a felony conviction.
- Felony convictions prevent you from joining the military. If you are currently serving, it could mean a dishonorable discharge.
- They also prevent you from obtaining government loans, which can mean being unable to finish education relating to your career.
A Felony Record Also Impacts Your Personal Life
Social relationships can also be strained due to felony convictions:
- Felony convictions can be used to change custody agreements.
- Others might distance themselves upon hearing about the conviction.
- Strain from incarceration, the loss of work or other problems that stem from a conviction can affect close relationships.
If You Are Facing Felony Charges, You Need the Right Lawyer on Your Side
If you have been charged with a felony, you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights. One who will build a strong defense and make sure you get a fair trial. Don’t risk the consequences of a felony conviction—the right lawyer can bargain a plea deal and get your charges reduced to a misdemeanor, or gather enough evidence to get the charges dropped altogether.
With over 25 years of experience, we know how to secure the best outcomes possible for our clients. Don’t risk your future! If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony in Arizona, contact the Todd Coolidge Law Firm for a consultation today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/11/25). Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash