What to Do if Your Criminal Record Prevents You From Getting a Job

If you’re like many people, you have a criminal record—and it’s affected the way you live your life.

Even if your record contains incidents from years ago, long before you were a mature adult, it could prevent you from finding a place to live, getting a loan, or even getting a job.

So what should you do if your past criminal record prevents you from getting a job?

Employment and Your Criminal Record

While nobody is forcing you to tell potential employers that you have a criminal record, they could find out anyway.

In fact, many employers conduct criminal background checks on potential employees and use the information they find in their decisions to hire (or, in many cases, not hire).

Some employers are required to conduct background checks; for others, they’re optional. For example, police departments and other law enforcement agencies, the military, and many medical employers must conduct background checks on potential employees.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Job Because of Your Criminal Record

If you can’t get a job because of your criminal record, the best option for you may be to attempt to have your record expunged.

Criminal record expungement can offer you a fresh start; your record essentially disappears so that the general public can’t see it.

However, not everyone is eligible for criminal record expungement. If you’re not (there are several specific conditions you must meet if you want your criminal record expunged), you could still qualify for criminal record sealing. Sealing is similar to expungement, but your record won’t vanish; it will still exist, and it will still be visible to some people (including law enforcement officials, the military and healthcare providers).

Do You Want a Fresh Start Through Expungement?

Call us at 847-920-4540 for an expungement or criminal record sealing consultation. We’ll ask you some questions to find out whether you’re eligible for either process, and if you are, we’ll begin developing a strategy to petition the court on your behalf.

You don’t have to let your criminal record hold you back. We may be able to help you get the fresh start you deserve.