Have a Criminal Record? What You Need to Know

In this post, I’ll be discussing the ramifications of having a criminal record, specifically in the context of employment. As of May 2023, the unemployment rate in the United States is around 3.4 percent, which means that most people who want a job have found one.

However, having a criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, and that’s what I’ll be talking about here.

Additionally, I’ll also cover a new law in Arizona that allows individuals to seal a criminal record if it meets certain requirements.

Why You Would Want to Get Your Record Sealed

There are several reasons why you might want to get your criminal record sealed.

One of the biggest reasons is that many employers are hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record. For certain jobs, such as those working with children or vulnerable adults, a criminal record can be an automatic disqualification.

Even for other employers, a criminal record can still make them hesitant to hire you because of the potential liability it may bring.

CEOs and companies have reporting requirements that they must adhere to, and hiring someone with a criminal record could open them up to liability if something were to go wrong down the line.

Even if your criminal record doesn’t directly affect your job prospects, it can still weigh on your mind and create a sense of shame or embarrassment.

Reason 1: Some Employers Won’t Hire You

Employers are less likely to hire someone with a criminal record, and some won’t hire them at all. For certain jobs, such as those working with children or vulnerable adults, a criminal record can be an automatic disqualification. These jobs require a level of trust and safety, and a criminal record can make employers hesitant to take a chance on someone.

Reason 2: Liability Concerns

For other employers, a criminal record may not be an automatic disqualification, but it can still create liability concerns. CEOs and companies have reporting requirements that they must adhere to, and hiring someone with a criminal record could open them up to liability if something were to go wrong down the line. The fear of potential liability can make employers hesitant to take a chance on someone with a criminal record.

Reason 3: Personal Reasons

Even if your criminal record doesn’t directly affect your job prospects, it can still weigh on your mind and create a sense of shame or embarrassment. Some people just don’t want the shadow of an old mistake hanging over them, even if it’s not affecting their job prospects directly. If you live in Arizona, a new law allows individuals to erase their criminal record completely, which can help alleviate some of these personal concerns.

What is the New Expungement Law in Arizona?

As of January 2023, a new law in Arizona allows individuals to seal their criminal record if it meets certain requirements. Previously, individuals could file a motion to set aside the penalties of their conviction, but it wouldn’t completely erase it from their record. Now, individuals with a conviction in Arizona can erase their criminal record completely, which can help with employment prospects and personal concerns.

Learn more about this new law here: New in 2023! Arizona Expungement Law

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a criminal record can create numerous challenges, especially when it comes to employment. However, a new law in Arizona now allows individuals to erase their criminal record completely, which can help alleviate some of these challenges. If you have a criminal record and live in Arizona, it’s worth looking into whether you qualify for record sealing under the new law.

Please call or email me (derronw@msn.com) to see if you qualify. 

Derron