From Arrest to Reintegration: A Model for Mitigating Collateral Consequences of Criminal Proceedings
By McGregor Smyth

CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Volume 24, No. 3 (Fall 2009)

Collateral consequences are the invisible, often unintended, punishments that those caught in the criminal justice system face. Indeed, the individual need not even be convicted of a crime-a simple arrest can initiate the process. Loss of job, eviction, deportation, severance of student loans, and denial of child custody are the triggers, the author argues, that so often lead to recidivism. Smyth suggests means by which defense and prosecution can reduce these effects, restore rights, and allow individuals a chance to reintegrate into society-rather than reoffend.