Many people report that it is difficult to get their life back on track once they leave jail or prison. There seems to be a stigma against those who have paid their debt to society by serving their time. It is asserted that it is not fair that they have a difficult time finding employment. Regardless of how you feel about convicted and released individuals, one thing is sure: they are everywhere. According to a recent article found at The Guardian, 70 million adults have arrest or conviction records in The United States. This roughly measures 1 in 3 adults have a criminal history of some kind.
What shows up on my criminal background check?
The good news is that many companies are willing to hire convicted felons. By doing a simple Google search, you should find lists of companies to which you can apply. This provides an opportunity for released prisoners to gain meaningful employment and build their lives after prison. Many people are unsure of what shows up on their employment background checks. Below is a quick look at some of the information that will be acquired.
- If you have any current pending charges
- Misdemeanor convictions and the nature of those crimes
- Felony convictions and the nature of those crimes
- Any acquitted or dismissed charges
Why employers gather criminal background information?
The main reason background checks are performed is to protect the company, its employees, and customers. Most of the time, they are looking for criminal charges that would be relevant to your potential work duties. Employers have an obligation to ensure they have taken the correct steps to ensure the right person is being hired for the job. The consequences of illegal hiring can be quite large. Almost 30 percent of employers report that they have lost $50,000 for one bad hire.
The unfortunate reality is that your life doesn’t reset when you get out of prison as though your sentence never happened. You will find new obstacles that must be overcome for you to move on with your life. By working with companies that aim to help rehabilitate felons, you stand a better chance than other places. If you are being charged with serious crimes, it is vital to speak with a local defense law firm. Doing so can potentially help you reduce your sentences or gain expungement to support your future.
