Criminal Records

The consequences of having a criminal record as an adult is much more severe than one might perceive it to be. In many cases, the impact can limit one from getting a professional job or working in certain fields, it can prevent them from getting an education, rejects them from traveling in particular areas of the world and many other penalties as well. A criminal record is information held about that person’s arrest or conviction. Courts can than review ones criminal record to determine their sentencing. Consequence doesn’t just end there though, it than creates a larger conflict for that individuals personal life. The main difference between juvenile and adult justice systems is to keep juveniles out of jail and perform in programs that may reform them and be beneficial to them for future reference. Unfortunately for adults, consequences are much worse based on the crime committed.

One of the most common and probably most important uses of a criminal record is access to a background check on that person. This can be extremely crucial to someone’s chances of getting a quality job whether it be a part-time or professional career. They can question you at any time about the incident(s) and can deny you from the position. Additionally, if you lie about your record in your application, it looks worse and can actually be a crime in itself. Depending on the case and amount of convictions one can still receive the job but even that might be too difficult to guarantee. Some of the main reasons an employer frowns upon hiring a convict has do with security of the company, workplace safety and enforcement of employment laws.

The ability for employers to conduct background checks on somebodies criminal history is just one of many consequences to be faced. In order to pursue a career, getting an education is essential. Just as if someone with a criminal history were applying for a job, the same measures would be taken when applying for an education. Acceptance can be negatively affected by ones criminal record. Conducting a background check is part of the application process at any age. For an adult, the circumstances may be worse. Colleges are implementing exclusionary policies as part of the process. Although they haven’t exactly found that students with past criminal histories are major risk factors to rate of crime on campus, it is still relevant that having a criminal record can jeopardize ones chance of being enrolled.

Clearly the outcome of having a criminal record is not worthwhile. The effects are harmful to one’s life and to many others; physically and emotionally. Sadly, no matter how much one regrets a past conviction, it will never go away.

Reference

http://www.communityalternatives.org/pdf/HigherEd.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_record
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/criminal-record-chris-huhne-vicky-pryce/#.U1S3PioZ5OI