Will a conviction influence my finding a job?
Yes. Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the backgrounds of job applicants. This is largely due to the fact that, if someone causes harm while on the job and is found to have a criminal history, the employer can be found negligent and suffer considerable damages. Companies also have disclosure issues to important third parties, such as banks. Finally, as we all know, access to personal and other background information has become much more easily accessible via the Internet. This has made background checks a much more routine practice for many job positions.

The type of information employers can legally obtain, or ask about, varies from state to state. But the result is a very difficult job market for an applicant with any negative information in their background, especially a criminal conviction. If your future employment status is a concern, having an aggressive lawyer on your side can greatly enhance your odds of being a viable job candidate after the legal process has run its course.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Traditionally, the definition for a felony is a crime that is punishable by a year or more in jail. A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of less than one year. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors.

What should I do if I am arrested? If you are arrested, immediately ask to call an attorney. Do not say anything to the police that could incriminate you. Even if you were not involved in a crime for which you have been arrested, ask for a lawyer and do not speak to the police without a criminal defense attorney present.

What is the role of the grand jury? The grand jury decides whether there is sufficient evidence to indict a suspect and continue the criminal proceedings. An indictment means you have been formally charged with a crime. The grand jury reviews evidence and may hear testimony in deciding whether to indict someone, but makes no decision about guilt or innocence.

What is the role of the prosecutor? The prosecutor is the attorney who represents the government (federal, state or local) in a case against a criminal defendant. They may be referred to as district attorney, county attorney, city attorney, United States attorney or state attorney. While a prosecutor has the duty to punish those committing crimes, they also must try individuals in a fair manner.

What is the difference between probation and parole? Probation is a criminal sentence that permits a person to stay in their community instead of serving time in prison. Certain conditions must be met, such as reporting to a probation officer, refraining from drugs or alcohol and not committing further crimes. Parole is the supervised release of a prisoner after they have been incarcerated but before the end of their sentence. Conditions apply that are similar to those of probation.

What is restitution in the criminal context?
In some instances, a criminal sentence may include payment to any victims for their related losses. Restitution could include compensation for lost or damaged property, medical or rehabilitation expenses, lost income or funeral costs.

What is white collar crime? These are nonviolent financial or "paper crimes" typically involving fraud or other types of theft in business or commercial contexts, such as insider trading, embezzlement and tax evasion.

How are children and youth prosecuted? A separate juvenile court system handles the prosecution of minors. While the goal of the juvenile justice system is to account for the fact that children should not suffer the same consequences as adults, for unusually violent crimes, adolescents may be tried in the adult system.

If I am convicted of a crime while I am in the United States legally on a work visa, can I be deported?
Yes. If a non-citizen of the United States is convicted of a crime, he or she can be deported. This applies to those that are living and working in the U.S. in a lawful manner. Under a third category of crimes (such as aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, domestic violence, controlled substance crimes or possessing a firearm), you are at risk of deportation. In addition, a conviction could influence your ability to become a United States citizen.