Having a criminal record can have a major impact on your life. For example, there are some companies that will not hire anyone who has a felony record. They can run background checks, so they can discover your record if they want to, and it may be a barrier to your employment.
As a result, people sometimes apply to have their records sealed. When these records are sealed, it is not as if they have been completely eliminated. They do still exist. But they are sealed so that they will not come up on a background check if a prospective employer runs one.
Some agencies can still see your records
As noted, though, the records have not been erased, and it’s important to realize that people can still access them. The government specifically says that this could include qualified agencies, listing them as law enforcement at the state, federal and local levels. Your employer may not be able to see your record, but the police will still know that it exists.
Additionally, those who are attempting to immigrate to the United States need to know that immigration services will still be able to look at any convictions that have been sealed. These can play a role in whether or not you are allowed to enter the country, or they may come into play when you’re trying to change your status. Once again, you just need to know that the record still exists and could impact your life in these ways.
If you do have a criminal record, you can see why it’s important that you understand all of the legal options you have moving forward with your life.