People who have a criminal history often have to face challenges that other people don’t have to deal with. Two common collateral consequences of a criminal conviction are difficulty obtaining employment and a home.
Some people who are dealing with these effects may qualify for record sealing. Record sealing limits access to certain criminal records by the public. The regulations governing this depend on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and how much time has passed. Understanding how record sealing can impact employment and housing is critical.
Employment after record sealing
Many employers conduct a background check during the hiring process. If a criminal record appears, the individual may be disqualified even if they have the experience, work history, qualifications and references that would otherwise make them a good candidate. This can make it more difficult for them to find suitable work that allows them to have financial stability. However, if they’re able to have their record sealed, that keeps the record out of the public record, which means that barrier to employment is removed.
Housing after record sealing
People who have a criminal history often have trouble being able to rent an apartment or house. A sealed record means that the person would be evaluated on factors like rental history, income and references instead of being denied a rental before they’re even evaluated for suitability. This can make a big difference in housing markets where rentals are limited.
While record sealing can help to remove a major barrier that someone with a criminal history faces, it doesn’t guarantee housing or employment. The record sealing process can take time and must be done precisely. Getting experienced legal guidance can be beneficial in these cases.