It’s not uncommon to have a criminal record—millions of Americans do. If you find yourself with a criminal record, you might be wondering how certain aspects of your life will be affected. Here are the answers to a few questions you might have about your record.
Will my criminal record affect my ability to buy a car?
Your ability to purchase a car might be affected by your criminal record. Start applying online for a car loan and you could find it difficult to get a loan. When applying for a loan, make sure to compare rates and find the best one that will accept your application. You can do this easily when applying online. You might also find it a challenge to get a great car insurance rate. Companies might view your criminal record as a sign that you’re reckless and choose to charge you more for insurance. When you’re looking to buy a car, make sure you compare loan rates and insurance costs online and find the best one you can.
Who can see my criminal record?
It’s fairly simple to find criminal records online, so your information can be accessed by other people. Any offenses that have been expunged will not show in your online listing, which includes public records of your criminal offenses, misdemeanors, arrests, traffic violations, and court subpoenas. This means that anyone can access your criminal record online. It’s best to be upfront with your friends, family members, and neighbors about your criminal record. Let them know a few details so they won’t be surprised if they see it online. It can be very nerve-wracking to tell loved ones about your past, so make sure you practice what you’re going to say and try to stick to the facts. Be honest about what happened and what the circumstances were. Your friends and family members will appreciate your openness and trustworthiness.
Will it affect my ability to get a job?
It could be more difficult to find a job if you’ve been convicted of a crime, but it depends on your state and the type of employment. Employers are prevented from discriminating against applicants, and this includes discrimination based on a person’s criminal record. However, this doesn’t apply in certain situations. For example, if you’ve been convicted as a sex offender, a school or daycare would have the right to deny you employment. Many employers are now choosing not to perform background checks on applicants as they are trying to make the hiring process more equitable, but it all depends on the type of employment you’re seeking. Do a background check on yourself before applying for a job so you know what your potential employer will see when they do it.
Will it affect my freedom?
Having a criminal record means you’ve been convicted of a crime, whether it’s a felony or a misdemeanor. Depending on the state in which you live, your civil liberties could be affected by your criminal record. You might be unable to vote in elections or own a firearm. You could be unable to serve as the executor of a loved one’s will. In addition to being legally affected, your social freedoms might also suffer. Other people could hear about your criminal record and feel wary or afraid of you. They could view you as untrustworthy, and your mental health might suffer as you experience feelings of shame and guilt. Your freedom could be affected legally and socially by your criminal record.
Having a criminal record isn’t the end of the world. Some things might be harder for you to accomplish, but as long as you’re open and honest, you should have no problems continue to live a successful and happy life.