No parent wants to see their child contend with the weight of a criminal record. This is why it can be tempting to believe that a youthful indiscretion will simply fade with time. Unfortunately, a criminal record does not erase itself.
Criminal records can haunt your child for years, potentially limiting their educational opportunities and career prospects. As a parent, it is crucial to take action to protect their future. One option is to consider expungement.
Effects beyond immediate legal consequences
Your child may encounter hurdles in their education due to criminal records. These can include:
- College admissions: Many colleges ask about criminal history on applications. A record may lead to rejection or limited choices.
- Financial aid: Some convictions can disqualify students from federal financial aid, making college unaffordable.
- Campus housing: Universities may deny on-campus housing to students with certain criminal records.
- Internships and co-ops: Many companies conduct background checks, restricting opportunities for hands-on learning.
- Professional licensing: Certain convictions may prevent students from obtaining licenses in healthcare, education and other fields.
Due to their criminal history, they may also struggle to build relationships, experience feelings of isolation and low self-esteem and find it challenging to secure jobs. These, on top of the legal repercussions of criminal charges, which often involve imprisonment and fines.
Opening doors that might otherwise remain closed
Expungement, the legal process of clearing or sealing a criminal record, can give your child a fresh start. Certain offenses qualify for record restriction, which limits public access to the record. This legal tool can be incredibly helpful when they pursue their education.
The court will look into various factors to determine if expungement is an option for your child. These can include the type of offense committed by the child, the child’s age at the time of the offense and the child’s behavior since the charge.
Remember, there are often viable solutions for legal challenges you or your child is up against. Always consult an attorney to pursue the most effective course of action for your child’s specific situation.