The consequences of having a criminal record are plentiful. It prevents many from finding employment, presents obstacles when applying for housing, makes it difficult to secure professional licenses, and can even prevent family reunification. The ease of accessing criminal history data via the internet has made it hard for many to succeed in their personal and professional endeavors.
But what you may not realize is that a criminal record can be a direct cause of poverty.
The sad truth is that our criminal justice system makes it virtually impossible for those with records to become productive members of society. This doesn’t just hold back Americans at an individual level; it hurts families, communities, and the economy overall. A 2010 Center for Economic and Policy Research report notes that the cost of employment losses for those with criminal records is estimated to be $65 billion per year, in terms of gross domestic product.
America imprisons its citizens more than any other nation, and we do it repeatedly. Data from the National Institute of Justice tells us that 79% of prisoners released will be arrested again within seven years. The majority of these people are working-age men who would normally strive to be a primary earner for their families—men between 25 and 54 make up over 70% of prison populations. So not only are these men unable to keep their households afloat when they are imprisoned but when they are released, they are oftentimes unable to find work. And when they’re faced with long-term unemployment, many returns to criminal activity as a way to make ends meet. This is how the cycle of poverty works, and it’s nearly impossible to break it.
Though Ban the Box initiatives are gaining traction across the country, it’s not enough. Conviction history is too large of an obstacle for those trying to find work. Labor force discrimination hurts the economy, especially in vulnerable minority communities. Americans with criminal records want the same thing everyone wants: to succeed professionally, provide for their loved ones, and live a little bit larger than previous generations have. Sadly, many of them won’t be given a chance. If you’ve had trouble garnering employment because of your criminal record, give us a call at 877-628-1214. We can determine if an expunction or non-disclosure is an option for your conviction or arrest record. We know that a clear record empowers you to pursue any career you wish, and our goal is to give Americans a second chance to succeed.