Collateral Consequences
Collateral consequences refer to the various negative effects that an individual may experience as a result of a criminal conviction, beyond the sentence imposed by the court.
These consequences can have far-reaching impacts on a person’s life, affecting their ability to get a job, housing, education, loans, government benefits, and other essential needs for themselves and their families They can also have a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical health.
Employment
>90%
employers who use background checks to screen out applicants
50%
how much less likely people with records are to get a callback interview
1/2
of people with criminal records are unemployed
A criminal record can be a significant barrier to finding and maintaining employment.
It can lead to financial instability and make it difficult for people to support themselves and their families. It can also affect getting or keeping a professional license, making it impossible to practice in certain fields.
Housing
>90%
employers who use background checks to screen out applicants
50%
how much less likely people with records are to get a callback interview
1/2
of people with criminal records are unemployed
A criminal record can be a significant barrier to finding and maintaining safe and secure housing.
Background checks by landlords make it difficult for those with a criminal record to find and maintain suitable housing. Property managers often accept rental application fees from them, deny the application after a background check, and don’t return the fee. This can lead to frustration and even homelessness, which can have significant negative impacts on mental and physical health.
OTHER COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES
In addition to employment and housing, a criminal conviction can also result in the loss of government benefits. For example, a person with a felony conviction may be ineligible for certain types of financial aid or public housing. This can make it difficult for an individual to access necessary resources and can lead to increased financial instability.
Social stigma and discrimination are also common collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. A person with a criminal record may face discrimination in the workplace or in other social situations, which can make it difficult to form and maintain relationships. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can have significant negative impacts on a person’s mental health.
Finally, the stress and trauma associated with the criminal justice system can have significant negative impacts on a person’s mental and physical health. Incarceration can expose individuals to traumatic experiences such as violence, abuse, and neglect, which can have long-term negative effects on their physical and mental health.
Additionally, the uncertainty and stress associated with navigating the criminal justice system can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, collateral consequences can have far- reaching impacts on a person’s life. They can affect an individual’s ability to find employment and housing, access government benefits, and form and maintain relationships. They can also have significant impacts on a person’s mental and physical health. It’s important to be aware of these consequences and to work to mitigate their impacts, whether through policy changes or support for individuals with criminal records.