Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, as it can have a considerable impact on your future. If you have been convicted of a crime in the past, you may wonder if this will affect the outcome of your current case. Many are unaware of the severity of these matters and why having the guidance of Houston criminal defense attorneys is imperative to fight for the best possible outcome. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn if convictions can be held against you in court and how prior crimes will impact sentencing.
If I Have Prior Convictions, Can They Be Used in Court?
When you have previously been convicted of a criminal offense, it’s important to understand that in some instances, this matter can be addressed in court. Generally, this is used to determine how trustworthy you are. Pending charges and arrests that did not result in a conviction cannot be discussed in court. However, if you’ve been convicted and are waiting for sentencing, it can be used as evidence in court.
Typically crimes involving dishonesty are admissible because they stand to show that your character may not be as strong or trustworthy as you claim. For example, if you are accused of murder and have previously committed fraud, that charge can be brought up to show that you are dishonest. However, if you are accused of murder but have previously been convicted of stalking, it may be admissible as evidence. This is because the stalking conviction could be a motive for the murder you committed.
How Will They Affect My Current Charges?
If you have previously been convicted of a crime and are facing charges again for the same offense, you can expect an increase in the penalties you will face after being convicted. For example, if you have a prior DWI charge, you likely face a minimum of three days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and potentially one year with a suspended license. However, when you are charged for the second time, you are viewed as a repeat offender. As such, the penalties will increase. You now face up to $4,000 in fines, between one month and one year in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years.
It’s also important to know that if you have a criminal record and are facing new charges for the first time, your prior conviction can be viewed as an aggravating factor. As such, it an increase the consequences you will face.
As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible if you are facing criminal charges and have prior convictions on your record. At the Gonzalez Law Group, we can fight to help ensure your rights are upheld during trial and work to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your current charges. Connect with our team today to learn more about these complicated issues.
