The Impact of a Criminal Record on Your Life – Criminal & Personal Injury Law

In the United States, over 70 million Americans have a criminal record¹. This includes both misdemeanors and felonies. These records can affect many areas of your life. You might struggle to find a job, get a driver’s license, or even enjoy basic rights. This article will look at how a criminal record can change your life in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

The United States holds 20% of the global incarcerated population¹.
Nearly 55% of public school institutions require applicants to disclose their criminal history¹.
Landlords in many states can turn away rental applicants based on their criminal records¹.
Certain professions like real estate, pharmacy, and pest control bar individuals with felonies¹.
Ex-convicts with transportation-related offenses often encounter challenges in maintaining employment due to license suspensions¹.

Difficulty Obtaining Employment

Finding a job can be tough for those with a criminal record. Employers often check criminal backgrounds during hiring. This can make it hard to get a job². Studies show a criminal record can cut a job offer by about 50 percent, especially for African Americans².

Absence of Employment History

Employers might see gaps in your work history as a warning sign³. If you have a criminal past, it can be hard to show you’re qualified and have changed for the better³.

Flagged Background Checks

A flagged background check shows your criminal history, which can lead to not getting the job³. Some jobs, like in healthcare or finance, must do deep background checks. They might be wary of hiring people with certain criminal records³.

Employer Concerns

Employers worry about your future behavior, especially in jobs that handle sensitive info or money³. Even with expungement, it’s hard to clear serious crimes from your record².

But, there are ways to boost your job chances. Be honest, highlight your skills, look for employers who don’t mind hiring with a record, and get more education or training³.

Statistic	Value
Percentage of U.S. adults with a criminal record by age 23	Nearly one-third²
Percentage of arrests in 2009 for serious violent crimes	4%²
Percentage of arrests in 2009 for property crimes	18%²
Percentage of arrests in 2009 for drug offenses	12%²
Percentage of arrests in 2009 for other offenses	56%²
Percentage of job applicants in the U.S. who reported undergoing a criminal background check in 2018	Over 70%⁴
Percentage of employers in the U.S. that conduct criminal background checks for all applicants (2012 survey)	Almost 70%⁴

Transportation Challenges

Having a criminal record can really affect how you get around. If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), you might lose your license. This makes it hard to get to work or run errands⁵.

You might then have to use more expensive ways to get around, like taxis, ridesharing apps, or public transportation. This can make things even tougher financially⁶. In 2008, the U.S. economy lost about $60 billion because ex-offenders couldn’t work well because of transportation problems⁶.

Jobs in the transportation industry also have strict rules. For example, transportation companies must check your criminal history and test for drugs⁵. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants even stricter checks for some jobs in the bus and rail sectors⁵.

These new rules worry companies about costs and how they might scare off job seekers⁵. But, services that help with background checks can make things easier and keep companies in line with new laws⁵.

In the end, transportation challenges for people with a criminal record can affect a lot of people and the economy. It’s important to understand these issues and find ways to help. This can help people get jobs and reintegrate into society⁶⁷⁵.

Limited Ability to Gain Certifications and Licenses

Having a criminal record can make it hard to get professional certifications and licenses. This can stop you from getting into certain jobs⁸. Jobs like real estate, pharmacy, insurance sales, and healthcare often don’t allow people with felony convictions⁹. The rules for getting these jobs vary a lot by state, with some being more forgiving than others.

Professions Barred for Felons

Federal laws keep people with certain convictions from jobs in banking and transport⁹. They also affect many state-licensed jobs in healthcare and education⁹. The American Bar Association says over 27,000 state jobs have rules against hiring people with criminal records. This includes over 12,000 jobs for those with any felony and over 6,000 for misdemeanors¹⁰.

State Variations and Exemptions

Rules for professional licenses for people with criminal records change a lot by state⁹. In Arizona, public employers can only block an applicant if the crime relates to the job⁹. Alaska doesn’t count pardoned convictions, but Connecticut looks at the crime’s relation to the job, how much the person has changed, and time since the crime⁹. Some states are stricter, making it hard for people with criminal records to get back into the workforce¹⁰.

There are efforts to make state licensing laws fairer and clearer¹⁰. Lawmakers want to get rid of vague rules, look at each case, and make standards the same for everyone¹⁰.

Limitations on Your Rights

Having a criminal record can limit your civil rights a lot. These limits can affect your right to vote, serve on a jury, or hold public office. Some states are trying to change this, but many people with criminal histories face big legal hurdles. These hurdles can deeply affect their civic and personal lives.

One big limitation is the right to vote. In many states, people with felony convictions can’t vote, either temporarily or forever.¹¹ This takes away a key democratic right and stops them from taking part in politics.

Being on a jury is another right that might be taken away. Depending on the state and the crime, people with criminal records might not be allowed on juries. This limits their civic duty and role in the justice system.¹¹
Trying to hold public office is also hard for those with criminal records. In some places, people with felony convictions can’t run for or hold elected jobs. This stops them from being active in their communities.¹¹

These limits on rights can affect not just the person but also their families and communities. It’s important to know the laws in your state, as they differ a lot.¹¹ By learning about these laws and fighting for change, people with criminal records can help make society more fair and open.

The effect of a criminal record on rights is complex and often ignored. As we deal with the issues of mass incarceration, we need to look at these limits and work towards a fairer system. This system should let everyone fully take part in civic life.¹²¹³

criminal record, background checks, employment impact, legal consequences

A criminal record can deeply affect an individual’s life, long after the legal trouble ends. This record makes it hard to get a job, find a place to live, go to school, and keep professional licenses and certifications.¹⁴¹⁵

Many employers check backgrounds before hiring, and a criminal record can lower your chances a lot. Employers might not want to hire people with criminal records, making it tough to even get an interview.¹⁴ Some jobs are very careful and won’t hire people with criminal pasts¹⁴.

Having a criminal record can also hit your wallet hard. People with records might make less money, stuck in low-paying jobs.¹⁴ Moving up in your career can be hard too¹⁴.

It also affects where you can live, as landlords often check backgrounds and might not rent to those with criminal records.¹⁵ Colleges and universities might not let you in because of a criminal record, which can stop you from getting an education.¹⁵

Expungement and rehab programs can help, but they’re hard to get through, and the stigma is tough to shake¹⁴¹⁵. But, there’s a growing push for criminal record reform, giving people a second chance if they’ve turned their lives around.¹⁵

In the end, a criminal record has big effects that go way beyond the first legal trouble. It affects jobs, homes, education, and professional licenses. Knowing these effects and looking into expungement, rehab, and legal help is key for people wanting to start fresh and get back into society.¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

Personal Life Impacts

Your criminal record can affect many areas of your life, like child custody and immigration status¹⁷.

Child Custody Oversight

A criminal record can hurt your chances in child custody cases. It might limit your rights or make it hard to give your kids a stable home¹⁷. Courts look closely at parents’ criminal pasts. A record could lead to more supervision or even losing custody rights.

Immigration Status Effects

Trying to immigrate or become a citizen? Some crimes can stop you from doing so or even lead to deportation¹⁷. A criminal record can block you from getting a green card or changing your immigration status. This can make planning your future and taking care of your family hard.

Dealing with the effects of a criminal record on your personal life is tough. But, there are ways to lessen the damage. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you try to drop or reduce charges. This could open doors to a better future¹⁷.

Conclusion

Having a criminal record in the United States brings big challenges that last long after the legal trouble ends. Finding a job¹⁸¹⁹²⁰ and enjoying civil rights and personal relationships can be hard. A criminal record makes it tough for people to start over after they’ve served their time²⁰.

Efforts like expungement, rehab programs, and laws for a fair chance help a lot. But, the stigma of a criminal record is still a big hurdle for many²⁰. We need to tackle the big issues of mass incarceration and how we handle criminal records. This way, people can have a fair shot at reaching their goals, even after mistakes in the past.

The effects of a criminal record can last a long time and touch many areas of life. We must push for rehab, support fair hiring, and fix the reasons behind mass incarceration. These steps are key to building a society that gives everyone a second chance and chances to succeed²⁰.

FAQ

What is the impact of a criminal record on my life in the United States?

A criminal record can affect many areas of your life. It can make it hard to get a job, find a place to live, go to school, or get certain licenses. It can also hurt your financial stability and personal relationships.

How can a criminal record affect my ability to find employment?

Many employers check criminal backgrounds before hiring. If you have a record, it can make it tough to get a job. Gaps in your work history can raise concerns. Employers worry about your future behavior, especially in jobs that deal with money, trust, or safety.

Can a criminal record impact my transportation options?

Yes, it can. Crimes like DUI or DWI can take away your driver’s license. This makes getting to work or running errands hard. You might have to use expensive taxis, ride-sharing apps, or public transport, which can be tough on your wallet.

Can a criminal record limit my ability to obtain professional certifications and licenses?

Yes, it can. Jobs that need special licenses or certifications, like real estate or pharmacy, might be off-limits with a felony conviction. Some states might consider how long it’s been since the crime, but it’s not always easy to get these rights back.

How can a criminal record impact my civil rights?

A felony can take away your civil rights. This includes voting, owning a gun, being a juror, or holding public office. While some states are trying to give back these rights, it’s hard for those with a criminal record to regain them.

Can a criminal record affect my personal life, such as child custody or immigration status?

Yes, it can. In child custody cases, a criminal record might be used against you. It could limit your rights or make it hard to give your child a stable home. For immigration or citizenship, some crimes can stop you from moving forward or even lead to deportation, making life harder for you and your family.