If you are facing an assault conviction in Georgia, you may be concerned about how it will affect your future. The consequences extend beyond the courtroom, shaping your opportunities in employment, housing, education, licensing, and even immigration.
At Henrickson & Sereebutra, we understand the weight of these challenges and are here to provide clarity, support, and legal guidance. Below, we explain the primary ways an assault conviction can impact your life and outline practical steps for moving forward.
How Does an Assault Conviction Affect Your Criminal Record in Georgia?
An assault conviction in Georgia becomes part of your permanent record, maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). This record is visible to employers, landlords, licensing boards, and schools during background checks.
Georgia does not automatically erase records over time. Unless you qualify for and pursue record restriction, the conviction remains accessible indefinitely. For this reason, it is wise to request your official background report. This helps you confirm accuracy, prepare truthful disclosures, and correct errors that may create unnecessary barriers.
How Is My Job Search or Professional License Affected by an Assault Conviction?
Employment is one of the biggest hurdles after an assault conviction. Many employers in Georgia conduct background checks, and a violent offense may disqualify you, particularly in regulated industries like healthcare, education, finance, and government. While some employers have adopted “ban-the-box” policies to delay criminal history questions, the conviction may still become an obstacle later in the process.
For those seeking or maintaining professional licenses — such as teachers, nurses, contractors, or attorneys — the stakes are even higher. State licensing boards review applications closely, often requiring personal statements, court documents, and evidence of rehabilitation. Boards may deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for violent crimes, even years after the conviction. Failing to disclose the conviction often results in harsh consequences.
Will You Face Housing Barriers or Discrimination Because of an Assault Record?
Securing safe and stable housing is one of the first challenges people encounter after an assault conviction. Many private landlords in Georgia rely on tenant screening services that flag violent convictions, leading to automatic denials. Property managers often consider a violent record as a liability issue, fearing future disturbances or legal complications.
Public housing programs are even stricter: federal guidelines often exclude individuals with violent convictions for years at a time, limiting access to affordable housing options. Even when housing is not outright denied, landlords may require larger deposits or impose restrictive lease terms. This instability can make it difficult for people to reestablish a steady home life.
How Will a Conviction Affect College Admissions & Financial Aid?
Higher education opportunities are also significantly affected. Georgia colleges and universities may ask applicants to disclose criminal history, and an assault conviction can trigger additional reviews. Admissions committees may require written explanations, court documents, or character references before deciding on acceptance.
For students already enrolled, disciplinary actions such as probation, suspension, or expulsion may follow a conviction. In addition, eligibility for federal financial aid can be restricted for violent offenses, limiting access to grants, work-study programs, and certain loans.
What Immigration Risks Does an Assault Conviction Create?
For non-citizens, the immigration consequences of an assault conviction are often the most severe. Immigration authorities treat violent crimes with heightened scrutiny, and even a misdemeanor assault can raise red flags. Convictions involving aggravating factors — such as the use of a weapon, domestic violence elements, or significant bodily harm — may be classified as crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies under immigration law. These classifications can trigger deportation, inadmissibility to the U.S., or denial of applications for permanent residency and naturalization.
Even lawful permanent residents with green cards are not immune. An aggravated assault conviction may result in removal proceedings, stripping a person of their status and separating them from family and community ties.
Can an Assault Conviction Prevent Firearm Ownership?
A felony assault conviction leads to the loss of firearm rights under both Georgia and federal law. Certain misdemeanor convictions, including domestic violence, can also result in lifetime bans. Attempting to own or purchase firearms while prohibited can bring new criminal charges.
Restoring firearm rights is extremely difficult and often requires a pardon or relief from the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, which is rarely granted. Losing these rights not only impacts personal protection but can also limit employment opportunities in fields that require the lawful possession of a firearm, such as law enforcement or security work.
How Can a Conviction Impact My Military Service?
Violent felonies generally bar enlistment in the armed forces. Misdemeanors may qualify for rare waivers, but the military is selective in granting them. Even if a waiver is approved, the conviction can limit advancement, security clearance eligibility, and access to specialized roles.
For service members already enlisted, an assault conviction may lead to discharge, demotion, or restrictions on re-enlistment. Beyond enlistment, military veterans with assault convictions may face challenges accessing certain VA programs or housing assistance, particularly when the conviction involves violence.
How Can an Attorney Help Reduce the Impact of an Assault Conviction?
Even when dismissal of an assault charge is not possible, legal counsel can often help reduce the long-term impact. In some cases, defendants may be eligible for a suspended sentence or probation in place of active jail time, allowing them to preserve employment and family stability. Georgia also permits record restriction for certain dispositions, such as cases dismissed or resolved through diversion programs. When available, these options can limit the visibility of a charge during future background checks.
At Henrickson & Sereebutra, we carefully assess every client’s circumstances to identify potential avenues for relief. Our attorneys assist with various post-conviction legal matters.
- Petitions for record restriction: We can help you petition the court to seal or expunge your criminal record, which can improve your chances for employment and housing.
- Applications for early termination of probation: We can work to get your probation ended early, giving you back your freedom sooner.
- Requests for modified sentencing: We can assist with modifying your original sentence to potentially reduce fines or jail time.
- Disclosures to employers or licensing boards: We can help you prepare strategic and honest explanations for past convictions when required, emphasizing accountability and rehabilitation to protect your career.
While not every case will qualify for relief, pursuing these measures can significantly reduce the collateral damage of a conviction and help preserve your future opportunities.
Protecting Your Future Through Strong Defense
At Henrickson & Sereebutra, our firm is led by two former prosecutors: Aaron Henrickson and Theo Sereebutra. Each bring insider experience from the prosecutorial side and a combined history of over 40 years of litigation. With a nuanced understanding of how criminal cases are constructed and prosecuted, we meticulously examine every detail, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue all available legal options.
Our mission is to protect your record, reputation, and future before a conviction ever happens. If you are facing assault charges in Georgia, do not wait until legislation or consequences threaten your opportunities. Call us at (770) 212-3313 or fill out our online form to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We are ready to fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.