Why having a criminal record is bad?

A criminal record — even if its for a misdemeanor — can limit your chances of gaining college or graduate school admission. This depends on the policies of the individual college or university. Also, a sexual or drug-related offense on your record can make it impossible to gain financial aid to attend college.

Does having a criminal record ruin your life?

Having a criminal record can profoundly affect your life, job prospects, and opportunities. Felonies tend to follow your employment record for life, while most misdemeanors lose their relevancy after a few years or, at most, a decade.

How does a criminal record affect someone?

A criminal conviction in NSW will complicate your day to day life in a number of ways. Because your criminal record sticks around as a representation of your past actions, often for many years, this negative association will be a black mark against you for employment, housing and other common applications.

What happens if you have a criminal record in Australia?

Criminal offences will generally be on your record for the ten years after the date conviction was recorded. After that time, most offences will become “spent convictions” and you will no longer have them on your criminal record. A conviction is spent on completion of the relevant crime-free period.

How does a felony conviction affect your life?

Not only can it have a lasting impact on your life, but it can also lead to the loss of basic civil rights (such the right to vote, sit on a jury, and to own, possess, or use a firearm). Convicted felons can also be barred from certain jobs (including law enforcement, the school system, and health care).