What are the consequences of having a criminal record?

The fact of having spent time in prison represents a problem in itself when it comes to obtaining different opportunities in society and adapting to the system.

Having a criminal record can profoundly affect a Houstonian’s ability to access decent housing, employment, loans, and other options that can be limited by a criminal history.

This is where an expungement lawyer in Houston comes in. This legal professional can help mitigate these effects and allow people to move forward in their social lives.

What do we mean by expurgation?

In many cases, people with criminal records can have public records of arrests and convictions expunged or erased to improve their reintegration into society.

For this, it is vital to consult with a legal representative who is familiar with the criminal laws of your state and can request this expungement.

Generally, however, a person has the right to have his or her record expunged if he or she was acquitted by a judge or if the case was dismissed by the court.

Otherwise, if the person maintains his criminal record, he may encounter various complications. The most common are the following:

Lack of access to housing

This is one of the main problems that an ex-convict can face. Those with criminal records are often excluded from the real estate system, as landlords usually carry out checks before renting the property.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, people who have been incarcerated “face a unique set of barriers to finding and maintaining safe and stable housing, including bias and discrimination against those with criminal records.”

Lack of employment

Not being accepted for a job is also a problem for most ex-convicts, who must face serious complications in order to survive.

People with criminal records are eventually displaced from the labor system, being discriminated against by employers and companies, who relegate them from personnel selections.

On the other hand, agencies such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have developed resources for job applicants and employees with arrest or conviction records. In a report, they provide an overview of anti-discrimination laws and what to do if you have experienced such a situation.

Complications for studying

In the U.S., many universities require background checks for admission. In addition, carrying such a background can interfere with receiving federal financial aid.

Immigration obstacles

Many people who are not citizens of the United States can suffer serious consequences to their immigration status, such as being deported to their country of origin.

Additionally, certain crimes can result in a loss of civil rights, such as being unable to vote or being unable to possess firearms. This will depend on the state you are in.