When folks first call us to inquire whether we will represent them in their case for social security disability benefits, we ask a lot of questions.
One question we always ask is whether they have a criminal history. Why do we care?
There are a few important reasons we need to know.
First, Social Security will have information about this already – and it’s never a good idea for your lawyer to be unprepared or uninformed about your criminal record.
Second, certain situations related to conviction of a crime or imprisonment may prevent a person from receiving some or all types of disability benefits, including being incarcerated after conviction of a felony or when a disability occurred during the commission of a felony for which the person was convicted.
Finally, one of the key findings that a judge makes in a case is whether you are believable or “credible”. If you committed a crime that involved being untruthful (fraud, for example), that will damage your credibility right from the start. You may still be found disabled but it will be more difficult.
You owe it to yourself and your lawyer to tell us everything, so that we can put on the best case on your behalf.