How a Criminal Record Impacts Employment and Housing

A criminal record can affect employment and housing because employers and landlords may review criminal history during background checks. Depending on the nature of the offense and the policies involved, a record may affect job opportunities, rental applications, professional licensing, and other aspects of daily life. Fortunately, South Carolina expungement laws may help remove eligible records from public view.

If you are concerned about how your criminal record could affect your future, consider discussing your case with our Conway, SC, criminal defense attorneys at L. Morgan Martin.

You May Not Discover the Impact Until Years Later

The consequences of a criminal record don’t always appear immediately. Consider the following scenarios:

• A Conway resident works for the same employer for years before applying for a supervisory position that requires a background check.
• A recent graduate seeks a professional license.
• A family applies for a rental home near Coastal Carolina University.
• An applicant pursues a position with a healthcare provider or financial institution.

In each situation, a past arrest, charge, or conviction may become relevant long after the criminal case itself has ended. This is one reason criminal records can create challenges that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Employers Typically Review More Than Your Resume

Many employers conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. Depending on the position, employers may consider:

• Criminal convictions
• Pending criminal charges
• Certain arrest records
• The nature of the offense
• How much time has passed since the incident

For instance, an employer hiring someone to handle financial transactions may evaluate a theft-related conviction differently than an employer hiring for a position with unrelated duties. A criminal record doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting hired. However, it can significantly impact how employers assess your application.

Landlords May See More Than You Expect

You may assume landlords only look at income and credit history. In reality, property owners and management companies often conduct criminal background screenings when evaluating rental applications. Depending on the circumstances, a landlord may see:

• Conviction records
• Pending criminal cases
• Certain arrest records
• Eviction-related court records

Whether a landlord considers that information may depend on the property’s policies and the specific facts in your criminal record.

Some Consequences Have Nothing to Do With Jail or Fines

A criminal record can also affect opportunities that many people never anticipate. Potential consequences may include:

• Professional licensing issues
• Government employment opportunities
• Volunteer positions
• Educational opportunities
• Security clearances
• Certain immigration matters for non-citizens

These are known as collateral consequences because they occur outside of the criminal sentence imposed by the court.

Expungement Can Be More Valuable Than You Realize

Many people first learn about expungement after a job, housing, or licensing issue arises. Under South Carolina statutes, certain criminal records may qualify for expungement if specific legal requirements are met. When an expungement is granted, eligible records are generally removed from public access.

Take note, though, that eligibility will depend on your offense, the outcome of your case, waiting periods, and other statutory requirements. For some individuals, expungement can help prevent eligible records from appearing during future background checks.

Your Criminal Record May Not Tell the Whole Story

If you have questions about your criminal record, expungement eligibility, or how a prior charge may affect your employment or housing opportunities, take advantage of the free initial case assessment our Conway, SC, criminal defense lawyers offer. Call 843-248-3177 or fill out our online form to schedule yours today.