Having a criminal record

Criminal convictions are recorded for some offenses, and these records may exist forever. This can affect your child’s life in many ways:

Career

Certain types of work can be closed to someone with a criminal record. For example, some types of jobs require certifications or registrations with a professional association when your academic training is finished, and that association can refuse to accept a person with a criminal record.

Employment

Some employers will check applicants for a criminal record. A person may not be able to get a job in the armed or police services, in security or public services, or in business or industry if s/he has a conviction. A person who is convicted of an offense while employed could be fired.

Licenses

Having a criminal record can prevent a person from getting many sorts of licenses; for example, licenses for driving a taxi, running a liquor store or owning a gun.

Travel

Many countries require that people traveling there get a visa. These countries can refuse to give a person a visa who has a criminal record.

Social Status

Many individuals and groups of people discriminate against someone with a criminal record. A criminal record can affect your standing in the community, the attitudes of your co-workers and neighbors and your relationships with your family and friends.