Does a criminal record prevent you from getting a job?
A criminal record is a public document that records information on arrests, convictions, and the disposition of those charges. They are used for a wide variety of purposes, including employment background checks and security clearances.
How long do convictions stay on your record?
The answer to this question depends on the laws of your state. In the United States, most states limit how long a crime stays on your record. For instance, Texas limits reporting of felonies to seven years after the date of disposition.
In some other states, such as California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia, a person’s criminal history is available to employers and licensing agencies. However, a person can request their records to be sealed by court order.
Can I get my criminal record expunged?
If you have a misdemeanor conviction on your record, you can ask to have it expunged. This is a way to clear up any potential stigma that a previous offense may have created in the eyes of an employer.
There are no specific restrictions in the employment context for how a conviction may be considered in a hiring process, but the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state and local laws may determine what type of information can be reported to a consumer reporting agency (CRA) by an employer. In addition, some states have a ban-the-box law that prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal history on an application form, which is why it’s important to disclose any criminal records in an honest and transparent manner.
Does my criminal record affect me going abroad?
If you are planning to travel abroad for work, it is recommended that you check with the embassy of the country where you will be working. They will be able to tell you if your convictions are considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA), or whether you need to declare them.
Does my criminal record affect me at all if I have to take a professional development course?
If your job requires you to be an accredited professional, such as a nurse or dentist, you will likely need to disclose your criminal record. You will be subject to a criminal record search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) on behalf of the organisation you are applying for.
Does your criminal record affect you at all if you want to apply for insurance?
If you’re thinking about taking out insurance, it is important to disclose any convictions on your record. This is because insurance companies will not be able to provide you with cover if they have a reason to believe you may be a risk, based on your criminal record.
Is it legal to declare my criminal record when applying for jobs?
In the UK, you can choose whether to disclose your criminal record when applying for a job. If you do decide to disclose it, it’s worth referring to the Unlock flow chart to find out what you need to say.
