If you are charged with a crime in New York and have a prior criminal conviction, you may wonder how your past conviction can affect the outcome of your current case. Having a criminal record can impact the judge’s determination of what your sentence should be if you are convicted. Please continue reading to learn how prior convictions can affect sentencing for new crimes and why connecting with our seasoned Nassau County Criminal Defense Attorneys is in your best interest.
Can Prior Convictions Be Used Against You in Court?
If you have previously been convicted of a criminal offense, it’s important to understand how and when prior convictions can be admissible as evidence at trial. In most cases, prosecutors introduce prior convictions of defendants as evidence to help establish guilt or enhance penalties. Judges will consider several factors like relevance and possible prejudice before permitting this evidence to be presented during trial. This is because admitting past convictions can significantly influence the jury’s perceptions of defendants as they may view them as less trustworthy or as more likely to have committed the current crime than those without such past offenses on their record. Essentially, prior convictions can cast suspicion upon a defendant’s credibility.
It’s important to note that pending charges and arrests that did not result in a conviction cannot be presented in court. However, if you have been convicted and are waiting for sentencing it can be admissible during trial. In some cases, the prosecution can use a defendant’s prior wrongdoings unrelated to the current crime to establish partners or character traits that show you are dishonest.
Generally, past convictions can result in harsher sentences if proven guilty. When the court is determining an appropriate punishment, they will consider an individual’s criminal history as an aggravating factor. Repeat or habitual offenders face increasingly stiff penalties as the court aims to deter individuals from engaging in the same or similar unlawful actions in the future. This can result in extended prison terms and steeper monetary fines.
Should I Consult an Attorney?
As you can see, a history of engaging in certain criminal conduct could compromise the outcome of your current case. If you have past convictions and are now facing an active criminal case, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a seasoned attorney from KCS Law, who can negotiate with the prosecution to minimize the severity of your sentence by presenting mitigating factors related to your past convictions and the unique circumstances of your current offense. An attorney can help ensure that your legal rights are safeguarded throughout the process.
At KCS Law, we are prepared to help you formulate a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case and fight for the best possible outcome. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
