Criminal Justice Practitioners' Perceptions of Collateral Consequences of Criminal Conviction on Offenders

Abstract

Scholars and policy makers wish to eliminate many collateral consequences to promote successful offender reentry. Current proposals to reduce collateral consequences of conviction typically involve the participation of criminal justice practitioners. This study surveyed criminal justice practitioners in Ohio to assess their perceptions of the percentage of offenders affected by particular collateral consequences and the magnitude of the impact of these consequences. The findings suggest that, although there is variability in perceptions across different categories of restrictions, justice officials believe relatively few offenders are affected by collateral consequences, and the perceived impact is relatively small. Efforts to eliminate collateral consequences may not have their intended effect on offender reentry. © 2014 Georgia State University.