Criminal Record? How To Appeal Your Wrap Sheet. That is the question many people ask themselves when they are looking for jobs and want to answer “no” on any criminal background check. When you have a criminal record, it can seem like your options are limited or non-existent, but that doesn’t need to stop you from having a successful career. Here, we will help teach you how to appeal your wrap sheet on criminal records with tips and tricks that can make all of the difference in your search for employment.
1. Expunge Your Records
Many people do not realize there are ways to expunge your criminal record. Expunging is the legal process of making designated information unavailable through routine record searches. This does not erase or destroy it; instead, an order of expungement (which varies by state) provides retrieval and removal of the records, but they are marked to indicate they can only be revealed under court order. An expungement is suitable for the person whose record it is, but not necessarily for anyone else. Expunged records may also be sealed.
2. Get a Certificate of Rehabilitation
A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a document that “certifies” you have been rehabilitated and are considered free from your prior criminal history by a Philadelphia criminal attorney. If possible, this should be applied prior to starting job-hunting. You cannot apply for a certificate unless five years have passed since completing your sentence (or release on parole or probation). You must have also been released from prison, parole, and probation without further criminal problems during those five years.
3. Get a Pardon
A Pardon is a document that “certifies” you have been pardoned for a conviction of a crime from a criminal lawyer in Philadelphia, and removes your civil disabilities. With a Pardon, you can say you have never been convicted of a crime. Five years must pass from when you finished any incarceration and when the application was filed to get one. There are different pardons, so be sure to research which one would work best for your situation.
4. Update Your Resume
If your criminal record prevents you from getting a job, don’t just leave it off your resume. Be proactive and take the time to highlight everything on your resume not related to your criminal record so if they do run a background check on you, the non-relevant information will be what pops up first. Make sure not to lie on your resume but find creative ways to highlight the positives and hide the negatives.
Conclusion
Don’t let a criminal record stop you from providing for your family. If you are currently unemployed, it may be time to explore new career paths to accommodate your situation. There are many resources available that can help. Just do your research and be proactive.