1. Employment Challenges

A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job.

Many employers conduct background checks and may not want to hire you if you have a criminal history. Here are some specific ways a criminal record can impact your employment:

Limited job opportunities: Many employers don’t want to hire individuals with criminal records, especially for positions that involve handling money, sensitive information, or children. For example, a bank might hesitate to hire you for a teller position, if you have a theft conviction.

Challenges accessing professional licenses: Some professions require licenses or certifications. A criminal record could disqualify you from such professions. For example, a felony conviction can prevent you from obtaining a teaching credential or a nursing license. (More on professional licensing in section 4 below)

Lower wages: Even if you find employment, a criminal record can limit your earning potential. You might find work in manual labor or entry-level positions but struggle to advance to higher-paying roles.

Employment gaps: Serving time in jail or prison can create gaps in your employment history. For example, a two-year gap due to incarceration can raise red flags during job interviews, leading employers to question your reliability.

2. Housing Difficulties

A criminal record can result in being denied housing, especially in competitive rental markets. Here’s how it can affect your housing situation:

Denial of rental applications: Many landlords refuse to rent to individuals with criminal records, fearing potential liability or disturbances.

Higher security deposits: If a landlord does accept your application, they might require a higher security deposit as a precaution. You might be asked to pay a double security deposit due to your criminal history, increasing your upfront housing costs.

Restricted housing choices: With fewer landlords willing to rent to you, you might have to settle for housing in less desirable neighborhoods or with less reputable landlords.

You’ll find it difficult to get a mortgage: A bank might deny your mortgage application or offer you less favorable terms if you have a criminal record.

3. Educational Barriers

Some colleges and universities consider criminal records during the admissions process. Here’s how a criminal record can impact your education:

Admission denials: A university might reject your application if you have a felony conviction for a violent crime.

Ineligibility for financial aid: Certain convictions, particularly drug-related offenses, can make you ineligible for federal student loans and grants. A drug possession conviction might disqualify you from receiving Pell grants or other student loans.

Limited campus housing: You might be forced to find off-campus housing, which can be more expensive and less convenient.

Career limitations post-graduation: Even if you are admitted and complete your education, your criminal record can still limit your job prospects in certain fields.

4. Professional Licensing Restrictions

Many professions require a license to practice, and a criminal record can disqualify you from obtaining these licenses. This includes fields like healthcare, law, real estate, and cosmetology. Here are specific impacts:

Automatic disqualifications: some licensing boards automatically disqualify applicants with certain types of convictions. For example, a felony conviction can prevent you from obtaining a medical license.

Rigorous review processes: Even if you are not automatically disqualified, you might face a rigorous review process that delays or denies your license. For example, the bar association might conduct a thorough investigation into your criminal history before allowing you to take the bar exam.

Conditional licenses: In some cases, you might be granted a conditional license with restrictions on your practice. For example, you might be allowed to practice law but under supervision and with regular reporting to the licensing board.

Impact on existing licenses: If you already hold a professional license, a new conviction can result in suspension or revocation.

5. Loss of Voting Rights

In California, individuals convicted of felonies lose their right to vote while they are in prison or on parole. Voting rights are restored after completing parole, but the process can be complex.

Here’s what this means:

Ineligibility to vote: While serving your sentence in prison or on parole, you cannot vote in any local, state, or federal elections.

Restoration of rights: Once you complete your parole, you can re-register to vote, but this requires taking proactive steps. You need to submit a voter registration form to have your rights restored and be eligible to vote in upcoming elections.

Impact on civic engagement: Losing the right to vote can make you feel disconnected from your community and less likely to participate in community events or local governance.

6. Impact on Immigration Status

For non-citizens, a criminal record can have severe consequences on immigration status. Certain convictions can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or refusal of entry into the United States.

Here are specific impacts:

Deportation risks: Certain convictions, such as a conviction for an aggravated felony, can trigger deportation, separating you from your family and life in the U.S.

Denial of naturalization: Criminal convictions can bar you from becoming a U.S. citizen, as good moral character is a requirement for naturalization.

Travel restrictions: A criminal record can prevent you from traveling abroad and re-entering the U.S., affecting your ability to visit family or conduct business internationally. For example, you might be refused re-entry into the U.S. if you have a conviction for drug trafficking.

Permanent residency challenges: A green card holder with a felony conviction might face challenges during the renewal process, potentially leading to deportation.

7. Difficulty in Obtaining Loans and Financial Aid

Some financial institutions and federal programs consider criminal records when approving loans or financial aid.

Here’s how it can impact your finances:

Loan denials: Banks and other financial institutions might deny your application for personal, business, or home loans, forcing you to seek less favorable financing options.

Higher interest rates: If approved for a loan, you might be offered a loan with a significantly higher interest rate than someone without a criminal record.

Limited access to federal aid: Certain convictions can disqualify you from receiving federal student loans or grants, making it harder to afford college.

Challenges in business financing: You might have difficulty obtaining a business loan to start or expand your business due to your criminal history limiting your ability to grow and succeed.

8. Social Stigma and Personal Relationships

A criminal record can lead to social stigma, affecting how others perceive and interact with you.

Here’s how a criminal record can impact your social interactions:

Trust issues: People might be less likely to trust you. For example, friends or family members might be wary of leaving valuables around you if you have a theft conviction.

Isolation and rejection: Peers, colleagues, or community members might exclude you from social gatherings or community events due to your criminal history.

Impact on romantic relationships: A criminal record can complicate romantic relationships, as partners might be concerned about your past and its potential future implications. For example, a potential partner might hesitate to commit to a relationship knowing you have a history of fraud or domestic violence.

Family dynamics: Your criminal record could affect family dynamics, especially if your offense caused harm or embarrassment to family members.

9. Restrictions on Travel

Some countries deny entry to individuals with certain criminal records. This can affect your ability to travel for leisure, business, or to visit family.

Here how this can happen:

Entry denials: Countries like Canada and Australia have strict entry restrictions for individuals with criminal records. For example, you might be denied entry into Canada if you have a DUI conviction, preventing you from visiting friends or attending business meetings.

Visa complications: Applying for visas can become more complicated and time-consuming if you have a criminal record. You might need to provide additional documentation and undergo extensive background checks when applying for a visa to visit the UK.

Deportation risks: You could be deported from a foreign country if your criminal history is uncovered during your stay.

Limited travel opportunities: You might avoid planning international trips due to concerns about potential entry denials or visa issues.

10. Increased Sentencing for Future Offenses

Having a criminal record can result in harsher penalties if you are convicted of another crime in the future.

Here’s how it can affect you:

Enhanced sentences: Courts often impose longer sentences for repeat offenders, considering the prior convictions as aggravating factors. A second DUI conviction might result in a significantly longer jail sentence and higher fines compared to the first offense.

Three Strikes Law: In California, the “Three Strikes” law mandates severe penalties for those with multiple felony convictions. For example, if you have two prior serious felony convictions, a third felony conviction can result in a life sentence under the Three Strikes law.

Probation and parole violations: Committing a new offense while on probation for a previous crime can revoke probation and impose the original jail sentence.

Increased fines and penalties: Repeat offenses often come with increased fines, community service hours, and other penalties.

Final Words:

A criminal record can have far-reaching consequences, but this doesn’t have to hinder your life. The first thing you should do is seek legal advice on exploring options like expungement to mitigate these impacts.

Contact our office today to learn how to mitigate the consequences of your criminal record.