How can having a criminal record affect my life in Philadelphia?

How Can Having a Criminal Record Affect My Life in Philadelphia?

Getting convicted of a crime in Philadelphia can really mess up your life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. A criminal record makes everything harder – finding a job, renting an apartment, getting government benefits. Basically all the normal stuff we take for granted becomes a huge challenge when you have a record.

Let me break down exactly how a conviction can ruin your chances at a normal life here in Philly. I’ll also talk about some options for trying to get your record cleared or sealed.

Employment

First off, having a record kills your chances of getting a decent job. Most employers in Pennsylvania can legally not hire you just because they see you have a criminal history. It doesn’t even matter if the crime has nothing to do with the work – they can still say no thanks.

There are some basic protections against discrimination though. Like if the crime was a minor offense or a long time ago, they technically can’t use it as the only reason not to hire you. But good luck proving that’s why you got rejected – they’ll just claim it was for another reason.

Basically you can forget about any job where they do a background check. So retail, restaurants, office jobs are off the table. Your options get very limited very fast. Maybe some warehouse or construction companies will take a chance on you, but the pickings are slim with a record.

Housing

Apartment hunting becomes just as difficult when every landlord does a criminal background check these days. Most will automatically reject you if they see a conviction, especially for something violent or drug-related.

If you’re lucky, you might find a small-time landlord willing to give you a chance to explain your situation. But the big corporate apartment complexes will give you the cold shoulder every time once that record pops up.

Preparing a bunch of documents showing you’ve turned your life around might help convince a sympathetic landlord. Letters of recommendation from employers, proof you’ve completed rehab programs, evidence you’ve been clean for years – pull out all the stops.

You can also look into special transitional housing programs for ex-offenders. But space in those is very limited, and you usually need to show you’re already working.

Government Benefits

Don’t expect much help from the government if you have a record either. Things like food stamps, Medicaid, disability benefits – these all require background checks too. Any outstanding warrants or parole violations means automatic denial for public assistance programs.

Even if you qualify, they scrutinize everything extra closely when you apply with a criminal history. One tiny mistake on your paperwork and they’ll cut you off right away. You basically have to walk on eggshells and pray nothing goes wrong.

Getting approved for subsidized housing is also next to impossible for anyone with a record. So if you were hoping to get your name on the list for low-income housing assistance, fuggedaboutit.

Student Loans

Trying to go back and finish your degree? Not so fast – a drug conviction means no federal student aid for you!

Yup, the government can revoke your eligibility for things like Pell Grants and federal student loans if you have just one minor drug possession charge on your record. Crazy right? And it doesn’t matter if it was five, ten, even twenty years ago – one strike and you’re out.

A few states have passed laws limiting this ridiculous rule. But not good old Pennsylvania! So if you were hoping to get some help paying tuition or vocational training, you’ll need to find another way.

Voting and Jury Duty

Even participating in the democratic process can be impacted by a criminal conviction. While Pennsylvania does restore voting rights once you’ve completed your sentence, a felony record means you can also be disqualified from ever serving on a jury.

So not only do you lose your ability to have a say at the ballot box while locked up, you also lose the ability to have a voice in the judicial process going forward. Talk about adding insult to injury!

The Bottom Line

As you can see, even a minor brush with the law can snowball into a lifetime of closed doors and lost opportunities here in the Philly area. The effect on your quality of life is massive – no chance at a good job, safe housing, education, or government aid. It’s like a scarlet letter you can never take off.

Sealing and Expunging Your Criminal Record

The good news is there are options for cleaning up your criminal record in Pennsylvania. Getting prior charges sealed or expunged won’t completely erase what happened, but it can help lift some of the barriers to getting your life back.

The main choice is filing a petition with the court to get your record sealed. This limits public access to your conviction so most employers and landlords won’t see it. Certain more serious felonies don’t qualify though.

Expungement actually removes charges from your record, which is obviously better, but the process is more complicated. You’ll probably need to hire a lawyer to navigate all the specifics for expungement in PA.

Either way, waiting 3-5 years after completion of your sentence is best before trying to pursue record sealing or expungement. It shows you’ve moved on and remained crime-free. The courts definitely don’t like sealing records for recent offenses.

So Don’t Lose Hope!

Even if you feel like your life is ruined because of a conviction, don’t give up! Reach out to local groups that help ex-offenders rebuild their lives. Take advantage of programs for job training, continuing education, addiction counseling – whatever you need to get back on track.

Stay persistent and keep believing in yourself. It’s an uphill battle but a better future is possible, even with a criminal record. We all make mistakes, especially when young. You still deserve a chance to turn your life around!