There are so many criminal offenses listed out in US law that experts can’t even say for certain how many exist! With that in mind, is it any surprise that a whopping one out of three Americans has a criminal record?
While not all crimes get treated the same, having any form of a criminal record is damaging. It hurts your future career opportunities, personal relationships, and more.
If you got convicted of a crime in the past, then it’s important for you to get informed about how to handle your record. Read on to learn everything you need to know about criminal records and what they mean for your future.
What are Criminal Records?
When you get arrested for crimes, you go through a booking process. During this process, the police record your personal information. They take your fingerprints and pictures. They attach this to the police report about the legal offenses that occurred.
Each person who goes through this booking process has a criminal record. Even if you later get found not guilty, the police will save your fingerprints and details. All this information on your criminal record is public information, too.
How a Criminal History Impacts Your Life on the Outside
Once you have a criminal record with a conviction on it, life changes on the outside. Your options will decrease, and your personal relationships might suffer, too.
You’ll have to disclose your record when you seek out a job. You’ll also need to admit to your crimes to any potential landlords, too. The bad news is you could get rejected for both applications due to your record.
Are Criminal Records Permanent?
Everyone deserves a second chance, right? If you got convicted of a crime, then you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences forever. This is especially true when your crimes were non-violent or drug-related.
If you serve your time and stop committing crimes, then you could erase your record. How’s so? You’ll need to file a petition with the court requesting sealing or expunging your record.
You’ll need to go to court and explain why your records should get erased. If approved, then the court will order that your prior crimes get sealed away forever. You can legally say you’ve never gotten convicted of a crime after you go through the process.
Crimes in 2022 and Beyond
Criminal records outline every crime you’ve gotten convicted of throughout your adult life. Once convicted, you’ll have to endure some unique challenges. You’ll need to be honest on job applications and even in personal relationships, too.
The good news is that you can clear your record if you abstain from crime for a few years. Contact an attorney if you need more information about your situation.
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