Expunging Your Criminal Record – 5 Reasons to Do It

Image source: Cisive Blog

Whether you were convicted of drug possession in the past or you were convicted of violent crimes, there is one thing you know for sure: you cannot escape it. What you did cannot be changed, and it’s there forever, as part of the past.

But whether the felony was a minor one or not, it will follow you everywhere, and that isn’t a good thing. In fact, it can affect different areas of your life more than you think. So, why not consider an expungement of your criminal record?

In Santa Fe, where the overall violent crime is 24.2, which is higher than the U.S. average, people had to seek expungement attorneys to escape the burden. But wherever you are, you have the same chance.

If you’re not sure if getting one is worth it or not, here are 5 reasons you may want to do it.

1. Obtaining a Loan

Many people have to apply for a loan. Some need it for important property renovations, while others may need it for medical reasons. Whatever the reason, getting one will be difficult if you have a criminal record.

Lenders will take a look at your past and think that breaking the law once makes breaking other laws a piece of cake for you, which puts them at risk.

Therefore, they may refuse to give you a loan. Expunging your criminal record will allow you to keep it private, increasing your chances of getting a loan.

2. Getting a Job

A criminal record will be an obstacle in your way when you are trying to get a new job. When you’re filling out a job application, you will usually be asked whether you’ve been convicted of a crime in the past.

If you were, the employer may end up refusing to hire you. Also, if you lie on the job application, you will end up breaking the law again.

If you expunge your record instead, you can write “no” on your application.

3. You’ll Feel Better

There is a lot of negativity surrounding the idea of being convicted for a crime, and you may feel like you cannot function properly in a society like this.

So, successfully expunging your criminal record will allow you to feel free and live without worrying about your past anymore.

4. Adopting a Child

Adopting a child is a serious matter and it can be a bothersome process. In 15 states, though, it is illegal for someone with a criminal past to adopt. Getting your criminal record expunged, though, can help you out.

At the same time, you should know that certain convictions, like those involving crimes against children, cannot be expunged, so you will not be able to adopt a child if you’ve done anything like this.

5. Voting

Did you know that you will not be able to vote if you have a criminal record? Well, now you do. If you want to participate in the next elections, you should get an expungement. This will restore your right to vote.

So, what do you think? Should you get an expungement too? Expunging your record can be very beneficial, so don’t hesitate to do it if you want to enjoy more rights.