It goes without saying that most people don’t set out with the intention of being a criminal. After all, jail doesn’t sound like a good time for most people. However, despite people’s best intentions of wanting to lead an honest life, many people find themselves with a criminal record.
The problem is that when something goes on your record, it can follow you for the rest of your life, and hold you back in many ways emotionally, financially, and even spiritually. If that wasn’t enough to convince you already, here are some of the most important reasons you never want to get convicted of a crime.
Immigration Issues
If you are a foreigner, then a criminal record could affect your ability to stay in the United States. You could be denied asylum, or deported depending on the nature of the crime. This could be a disaster for people who are trying to build a life in the United States and have a family here depending on them. You’re better off keeping your name clear if you hope to stay in good standing with immigration.
Housing Issues
Once you have a crime under your belt, it can be extremely challenging to find housing. Many places check your criminal history to ensure that you won’t put your neighbors in danger. If a landlord sees that you have a serious offense in your record, it could significantly affect your ability to find housing.
Custody Issues
If you ever break up with your spouse and attempt to get custody of your child together, a criminal record could affect your custody arrangement. The courts want to see that you’re a stable and able parent who doesn’t get into problems with the law. If a judge is forced to choose between one parent who has committed a crime and one who hasn’t, the choice is indisputable.
Employment Issues
If you have a criminal record, then it can be extremely challenging to find an employer who will trust you. In many cases, people with a criminal history have extreme difficulty finding a job, and sadly in many cases, it winds up leading to more crimes. Employers want to trust you with their business and their money. So, if they’re trying to find a reliable employee, the last thing they want to see is a criminal offense.
Working With Kids
Everyone makes mistakes. Some people wind up with a crime on their record that was committed decades ago in their younger careless years. However, even a mistake that was made decades ago can affect your ability to work with kids forever. Your license to work with children may be rejected for even the slightest offense in your past.
