Many people come to regret a crime in the months and years after committing it because of how it affected their future. Having a criminal record can be debilitating because it can prevent you from getting a job, gaining access to housing, and having the right to do certain things that most other citizens can do, such as owning a gun.
If you are worried that a criminal record will affect your future opportunities, it is important that you understand both what kinds of charges stay on your record and whether you can prevent having a charge stay on your criminal record. The following is an overview of how certain charges can affect your criminal record.
Misdemeanors and felonies show up on background checks for the rest of your life
Misdemeanors are a lesser type of crime when compared to a felony. A person might be charged with a misdemeanor if they engage in vandalism, trespassing or public intoxication. A misdemeanor usually results in a fine, but it may also include a small amount of jail time. While a misdemeanor may not be such a serious crime comparatively, it does stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. This means that misdemeanors, as well as felonies, can have serious implications for your future.
Non-convictions can also show up on your background check
If you were arrested on suspicion of a crime and the case was dismissed, this event can also show up on your background check for up to seven years.
Clearing an arrest from your record
It can be possible to go through the process of expungement to clear a crime or arrest from your record. However, some things, such as convictions and arrests related to sex-related crimes, can never be removed.
If you are concerned about how a conviction or arrest will affect your future, make sure that you defend yourself adequately and consider the process of expungement.