7 Ways Your Criminal Record Can Come Back to Bite You

If you have a criminal record, you probably already know it can come back to haunt you. In fact, maybe it already has – and maybe you’ve considered expunging your record. This guide explains seven ways your criminal record can come back to bite you, plus what you can do about it.

Check out seven major ways that having a criminal record can derail even the best-laid plans:

It can prevent you from getting a job
You may be ineligible for housing opportunities
You may run into issues trying to travel outside the U.S.
You may not be eligible for some professional licenses or certifications
You may need to pay higher insurance rates
You may have a hard time getting approved for a loan
You have to deal with the social stigma associated with having a criminal record

Here’s a closer look at each.

#1. Your Criminal Record Can Prevent You From Getting a Job

When employers run a background check, they may find your criminal record and deny you the job. In some cases, employers will even fire you if they later find out that you have a record. That’s why it is important to understand the Indiana laws regarding employment discrimination – and how criminal record expungement can help prevent discrimination.

#2. You May Be Ineligible for Housing Opportunities

Having a criminal record can have an impact on your eligibility for certain housing opportunities. Landlords and other property owners may be less likely to rent to you if they find out you have been convicted of a crime. That’s another area where expungement can help – since landlords, banks, and other organizations must respect the expungement order and treat you as if your record doesn’t exist.

#3. You May Run Into Issues Trying to Travel Outside the U.S.

Having a criminal record can make it difficult for you to travel outside of the United States, since many countries require travelers to have clean records in order to be admitted. In some cases, having a record can even make it difficult for you to get a visa or other travel documents.

#4. You May Not Be Eligible for Some Professional Licenses or Certifications

In some states, including Indiana, certain professional licenses and certifications are unavailable to individuals with criminal records. That means that if you want to pursue certain career paths, your criminal record may be an obstacle.

#5. You May Need to Pay Higher Insurance Rates

Insurance companies sometimes charge higher rates for individuals with criminal records. This can include auto insurance as well as health, life and other types of coverage. That’s because insurers see people with criminal records as a greater risk than those without records – even if the crime wasn’t related to driving or any other activity typically associated with insurance coverage.

#6. You May Have a Hard Time Getting Approved for a Loan

Criminal records can make it difficult for people to get approved for personal loans, mortgages and other types of financing. That’s because lenders generally like to work with clients who have proven themselves to be reliable, and having a criminal record can make it difficult for them to trust you.

#7. You Have to Deal With the Social Stigma Associated With Having a Criminal Record

The social stigma associated with having a criminal record can linger long after your sentence is finished. That means people may judge you or look down on you because of your past – even though you have paid your debt to society and done everything possible to put the past behind you.

Knowing these seven ways that having a criminal record in Indiana can come back to bite you will help protect yourself from future issues. Expunging your record is one way to ensure that your criminal record doesn’t impact the rest of your life.

Do You Need to Talk to an Indiana Expungement and Sealing Attorney?

If you’re ready for a fresh start, we may be able to help. Call us at 317-647-5476 or fill out the form below for a free consultation on expungement. We’re here to answer your questions and get you the fresh start you deserve.