There are many stereotypes attached to people with criminal records. While some crimes involve conduct that is morally reprehensible, this isn’t always the case. A criminal record doesn’t necessarily define an individual. For instance, someone may have made a silly mistake when they were young or got in with a bad crowd.
In some cases, it may be possible to have your criminal record expunged, particularly if the offense was minor or occurred several years ago. There are several potential benefits of going through this process, just a few of which are introduced below.
Career advancement
Criminal background checks are something that nearly all companies engage in. While companies are generally not supposed to deny opportunities to anyone solely on the basis of the fact that they have a record, this does happen. You may not be given the opportunity to explain your side of the story, which could set you back in terms of your career advancement. If your record is expunged, it will no longer appear on background checks and you will no longer have to try and explain yourself. It’s important to note that criminal background checks can also come up during applications for housing, financing and college enrollment.
Your well-being
As well as having practical benefits in terms of employment, housing and education, seeking an expungement may also be good for your well-being. Carrying around a mistake from the past can be a significant weight that becomes too much of a burden to bear each and every day.
A criminal conviction does not define you or your future. But as it can affect both for years on end, it may benefit you to seek legal guidance to find out whether or not having your record expunged is a feasible proposition.
