Don’t Put a Wrecking Ball in Your Life – By the Hon. Rudy Nichols
Judge Rudy Nichols offers valuable insight into the direct impact and indirect consequences of a criminal conviction.
You Must Be Aware of the Direct and Indirect Impact of a Criminal Record
A criminal conviction has lifelong, both direct and indirect, consequences. Many individuals who are held back from pursuing a promising career, obtaining a professional license, or gaining custody of their children often look back and regret underestimating the impact of a criminal record. Judge Rudy Nichols of the Oakland County Circuit Court offers valuable insight into the impact of a criminal record on a person’s future.
What are the differences between direct and indirect consequences of a criminal conviction?
Direct consequences come straight from the sentence the judge hands down, such as jail, probation, fines, or specific conditions the court orders on the record. Indirect consequences reach far beyond the courtroom and often hit harder because people rarely see them coming. A conviction can limit job opportunities, threaten professional licenses, restrict housing options, trigger immigration problems, affect firearm rights, and strain family stability. Courts do not always warn defendants about this broader fallout, yet it can shape a person’s life long after the case is closed. A strong defense must account for both categories so the client’s immediate freedom and long-term future stay protected.
An Article by Circuit Court Judge Rudy Nichols About the Impact of a Criminal Record
By Oakland County Circuit
Judge Rudy Nichols
A criminal record can have a devastating impact on a young person’s future. Harmless high school pranks, minor brushes with the law, and following the crowd without standing up and saying “no” can result in a teenager being labeled a criminal or juvenile delinquent with a criminal record for the rest of their life. Defacing mailboxes, starting a fire in a restroom, hanging with friends who are drinking or participating in underage drinking, smoking marijuana, shoplifting, or destroying another person’s personal property may all start out as a dare or innocent teenage fun, yet each can have serious long-term consequences.
The impact of a criminal record is serious. Poor choices can permanently scar a young person’s future. High school students filling out college applications, for example, will find that a record can prohibit them from attending the university of their choice. Many college applications ask the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?” and the answer may negatively factor into the admission decision-making process.
A young adult with a criminal history can be ineligible for federal and state financial aid. Even if accepted into the college of their choice, they may be shocked to learn that their record prohibits them from obtaining licensure in a field of their choice, thus making their college degree virtually worthless. Examples include licensing requirements for attorneys, doctors, social workers, physical therapists, nurses, building trades, EMS personnel, cosmetologists, educators, and personal trainers, to name a few.
For teens thinking about going into the military, federal law requires all applicants to disclose any criminal history, including expunged juvenile records. A criminal record can make it difficult to travel abroad. In fourteen states a felony conviction can prevent one from voting.
One of the biggest impacts on adults with a record is their inability to secure gainful employment. Potential employers are reluctant to hire anyone with a criminal record and have every right to do a criminal background check. Without the ability to obtain meaningful employment, an adult with a record will find it difficult to support him or herself, find housing, apply for credit or obtain memberships to professional organizations.
There is a misconception that all teenage offenses committed under the age of 18 are sealed and not a matter of public record. In the past, juvenile files were sealed; however, with a change in the law several years ago, nearly all juvenile cases are now public records, and anyone can access an individual’s past criminal history.
The younger years are an exciting time of physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development. Parents, educators, counselors, coaches, and mentors need to reinforce to them the importance of the choices they make. It is imperative that teens realize that the poor choices they make in their middle school and high school years can lead to serious legal consequences, such as the impact of a criminal record, that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
What is the moral of the story?
The moral centers on how quickly a single lapse in judgment can reshape a young person’s entire future. Judge Nichols highlights a hard truth. What feels harmless in the moment can have legal and personal consequences that follow someone into adulthood, closing doors they never expected to lose. His message urges parents, teachers, and mentors to help teens see past the immediate thrill and understand the long reach of a criminal record. The story calls for honest guidance, steady supervision, and a clear reminder that choices made in youth can either build momentum toward opportunity or cast a shadow that lingers for years.
Why the Honorable Rudy Nichols is Qualified to Discuss the Impact of a Criminal Record
Judge Rudy Nichols, retired, is eminently qualified to discuss the impact of a criminal record. His qualifications include the following:
- Oakland County Circuit Court Judge since 1991
- Graduated, Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law
- General and municipal law practice, 1976-1982
- Former member: Michigan House of Representatives; Michigan Senate, 1982-1990
- Former chair, Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee
- Recipient of Outstanding Legislator of the Year by Michigan Judges Association
- Recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Police Officers Association of Michigan
- Author and co-author of articles published in professional journals, including “Overview of Michigan Rules of Evidence” and Michigan’s “Domestic Violence Law,” appearing in the State Bar Journal and in Laches
Do Not Settle for a Conviction or Jail Time
The defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have an unparalleled track record of successfully defending clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in state and federal courts throughout Michigan. Our attorneys understand the impact of a criminal record and will do everything possible to fight for a dismissal of all charges. If you are accused of criminal activity or face criminal charges, our team will stop at nothing to find a way to help. Call us today for a free consultation.
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