How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Future—and What You Can Do About It
By Sullivan Rice
A criminal record doesn’t just stay in the courtroom—it follows you into your job search, your education, your housing applications, and even your personal relationships. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences can last far longer than the court proceedings.
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve helped countless clients fight not only to avoid a conviction but to repair and rebuild after one. Here’s what you need to know about how a criminal record can affect your future—and what steps you can take to regain control of your life.
1. Employment Opportunities Can Disappear
Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record—even for a non-violent offense—can raise red flags.
You may face:
Fewer interview offers
Automatic disqualification from certain fields (healthcare, education, finance, government)
Hesitance from employers concerned about liability or trustworthiness
Even if you're the most qualified candidate, your record may prevent you from getting a fair shot.
2. Housing Can Be Harder to Find
Landlords often run criminal background checks before approving tenants. A criminal record could mean:
Application denial, especially for violent or drug-related charges
Higher security deposits or restrictive lease terms
Difficulty accessing public or subsidized housing
In Minnesota, some protections exist—but many private landlords can still deny housing based on a record.
3. Educational and Professional Licensing Barriers
If you're applying to college, graduate programs, or for professional licenses, a criminal record may trigger additional scrutiny.
Common issues include:
Denial of financial aid or student loans
Ineligibility for certain programs
Disqualification from professional boards (law, nursing, real estate, etc.)
4. Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, a criminal record can have devastating effects, including:
Visa denial
Green card complications
Deportation
Even relatively minor charges can carry major weight in immigration court.
5. Reputation and Relationships Can Suffer
A criminal conviction—especially one that’s searchable online—can damage your personal life:
Friendships and family dynamics may change
Child custody battles can be impacted
Community or volunteer opportunities may be limited
What You Can Do About It
1. Hire a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney—Early
Avoiding a conviction in the first place is always the best option. An experienced defense attorney can:
Fight for dismissal, diversion, or reduced charges
Negotiate non-conviction outcomes that keep your record clean
Help you understand long-term consequences before making decisions
2. Explore Expungement
In Minnesota, you may qualify to seal or expunge your criminal record. This process can make your record invisible to most employers, landlords, and the public.
Eligibility depends on:
The type of offense
The outcome of your case
How much time has passed
Your record since the conviction
Jack Rice Defense regularly helps clients successfully navigate the expungement process.
3. Be Proactive About Rebuilding
Even with a record, you can take steps to show growth and responsibility:
Maintain steady employment or education
Volunteer and stay involved in your community
Keep documentation of your rehabilitation efforts
Be honest—but strategic—when asked about your past
Jack Rice Defense: Protecting Your Record, Rebuilding Your Future
Your record doesn’t define you—but it can impact you. At Jack Rice Defense, we don’t just defend you in court—we defend your future.
Whether you’re facing a charge or living with a past conviction, we’ll give you the honest advice, expert strategy, and fierce representation you need to move forward.
