The Impact of a Criminal Record on Employment Opportunities

The Impact of a Criminal Record on Employment Opportunities

As almost anyone who has been convicted of a crime will tell you, the punishment itself is not the only consequence of the conviction. The ramifications of having a criminal record can be surprisingly far-reaching and affect not just you but also your family. By working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you present the best case possible to avoid a conviction. In this blog, we’ll be reviewing some of the impacts that a criminal record might have on your employment opportunities.

Can Your Employer Ask About Your Criminal Record?

In Maryland, employers are legally permitted to inquire about your criminal history during the hiring process. Maryland’s “Ban the Box” law prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history before the first in-person interview. However, once the first in-person interview happens, they can ask about your criminal history and weigh it as a factor.

Despite protections against discrimination, many employers remain wary of hiring individuals with criminal records. Some have concerns about workplace safety, potential liability, or even the perceived risk of recidivism. Some industries also have strict rules that require background checks before hiring, like healthcare and education. Depending on your criminal record, you may be unable to find employment in those industries. Additionally, positions that involve working with vulnerable populations or handling sensitive information are often inaccessible to those with certain types of criminal records.

How Can a Criminal Record Affect Your Employment Outlook?

The stigma associated with a criminal record can be overwhelming. Job seekers often find themselves in an impossible situation—they need a job to support themselves and demonstrate rehabilitation, but their criminal record makes it exceedingly difficult to secure employment. This vicious cycle actually increases recidivism rates and can also make those with a criminal record more likely to be impoverished. Fighting as hard as possible to avoid conviction is the best way to avoid these potential problems.

How Can You Limit the Impact of Your Criminal Record on Your Employment?

If you have already been convicted of a crime or you are concerned that your criminal record will be impacted in the future by a conviction, there are legal avenues that can be pursued to mitigate the impact of your criminal record on your life. Expungement is one such option. In Maryland, expungement allows certain criminal records to be sealed or erased, which makes them inaccessible to employers or the general public. However, the requirements for expungement are specific and depend on factors like the nature of the offense, the time since the conviction, and whether you have committed subsequent offenses.