Being charged with a crime, depending on the severity, can change your life forever. Even some of the most minor crimes can cause you to serve an extended part of your life in jail and/or on probation. There are different defenses you can use to have a charge either dropped or reduced. If not, what are the long-term effects of being incarcerated?

One of the biggest obstacles for those who have been incarcerated is the difficulty finding a job upon release. Even though employers are not supposed to discriminate against those who have been in prison, it can be difficult to obtain employment with a criminal record.

People released from prison, if convicted of major drug charges, are legally not allowed to receive welfare or food stamps. The federal government put this law in place and it is a permanent position. Although not a federal law, many former criminals are banned from public housing complexes.

This can separate them from their family and in many cases leave them homeless.Those convicted of sex crimes can face problems securing housing and work long after they've left prison.

All of the limitations mentioned above can make it very difficult for people to successfully re-enter society after serving time in prison. This can lead to an increased rate of recidivism and further criminal charges followed by a return to prison.

Are you currently facing a criminal charge in Colorado Springs? An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to answer all of your questions and help you fight to have the charges dropped or reduced.

Source: Friends Committee on National Legislation, "Long-Term Effects of Incarceration," accessed Sep. 12, 2017