The consequences of having a criminal record are plentiful. It prevents many from finding employment, presents obstacles when applying for housing, makes it difficult to secure professional licenses, and can even prevent family reunification.
The consequences of having a criminal record are plentiful. It prevents many from finding employment, presents obstacles when applying for housing, makes it challenging to secure professional licenses, and can even prevent family reunification. In addition, the ease of accessing criminal history data via the internet has made it hard for many to succeed in their personal and professional endeavors.
But what you may not realize is that a criminal record can be a direct cause of poverty.
The sad truth is that our criminal justice system makes it virtually impossible for those with records to become productive members of society. This doesn't just hold back Americans at an individual level; it hurts families, communities, and the economy. For example, a 2010 Center for Economic and Policy Research report notes that the cost of employment losses for those with criminal records is estimated to be $65 billion per year in gross domestic product.
America imprisons its citizens more than any other nation, and we do it repeatedly. Data from the National Institute of Justice tells us that 79% of prisoners released will be arrested again within seven years. Most of these people are working-age men who would generally strive to be primary earners for their families; men between 25 and 54 make up over 70% of the prison population. So, these men are unable to keep their households afloat when imprisoned, and when they are released, they are often unable to find work. And when they're faced with long-term unemployment, many return to criminal activity to make ends meet. This is how the cycle of poverty works, and it's nearly impossible to break it.
Ban the Box initiatives are gaining traction across the country, but it's not enough. Conviction history is too extensive of an obstacle for those trying to find work. Labor force discrimination hurts the economy, especially in vulnerable minority communities. Americans with criminal records want the same thing everyone wants: to succeed professionally, provide for their loved ones, and live a little larger than previous generations. Sadly, many of them won't be given a chance.
If you've had trouble garnering employment because of your criminal record, call us at 1-866-899-0266. We can determine if an expunction or non-disclosure is an option for your conviction or arrest record. We know that a clear history empowers you to pursue any career you wish, and our goal is to give Americans a second chance to succeed.