From Conviction to Employment: The Benefits of Arizona Set Aside for Job Seekers
Having a criminal record can be a significant obstacle for individuals seeking employment.
Even minor convictions can limit opportunities and hinder career advancement. Fortunately, Arizona offers a legal process called “set aside” that can help people with criminal records move forward by allowing them to legally answer “no” to questions about their past convictions.
This article will explore the benefits of setting aside your criminal record to find employment and how an Arizona Expungement Lawyer can help.
How Can Setting Aside Your Record Help You Find A Job?
Set aside is a legal process that allows individuals to have their criminal records cleared, allowing them to move forward with their lives without the stigma of a conviction.
Once a record has been set aside, it is as if the conviction never happened.
Some of the many benefits of setting aside a record in terms of employment are:
- Increased Opportunities: Having a criminal record can make finding a job or advancing in a career challenging. Setting aside opens up new job opportunities by allowing individuals to legally answer “no” to questions about their past convictions. This can help them to compete on a more level playing field with other job candidates.
- Improved Confidence: Knowing that a criminal record is no longer an obstacle can improve job seekers’ confidence and self-esteem, leading to a more successful job search.
- Higher Earnings: Individuals with criminal records often face lower pay rates and fewer job opportunities than those without records. Setting aside prior convictions can help job seekers to increase their earnings by opening up higher-paying job opportunities and promotions.
- Better Access to Education: Many educational programs have strict policies regarding criminal records. Setting aside a criminal record can help job seekers access previously unavailable educational programs.
- Better Housing Options: Individuals with criminal records often have difficulty finding housing. Set aside can help job seekers to access better housing options and to live in areas that may have previously been off-limits due to a criminal record.
How Do Job Seekers Address Potential Concerns that Employers May Have About Their Criminal Record Being Set Aside?”
In Arizona, employers are generally prohibited from considering an applicant’s criminal record unless the crime is directly related to the position.
This means that employers can’t turn down job applicants just because they have a criminal record, especially if the record has been set aside.
However, employers can still do background checks and ask about a person’s criminal history as part of the hiring process.
There are a few things that people looking for jobs in Arizona can do to ease any worries that might come up during the hiring process. For example, they can highlight their current qualifications and skills and give references who can talk about their work ethic and character.
Additionally, Arizona law allows individuals who have had their criminal records set aside to seek a court order prohibiting employers from disclosing or considering the set-aside record.
This means that even if a potential employer learns about an individual’s past criminal record, they may be unable to use that information against them during the hiring process.
People seeking employment can work with a set-aside attorney to understand their legal rights and explore their options for protecting their privacy and reducing the impact of their past criminal history on their job search.
Potential Employment Limitations of Having a Criminal Record Set Aside
While having a conviction set aside in Arizona can significantly improve a job seeker’s chances of finding employment, there are still specific jobs for which individuals may be ineligible even after the set-aside process.
Some of these jobs need a higher level of security clearance or a more thorough background check than most jobs do.
Additionally, certain professions, such as law, medicine, or education, may require additional review of an individual’s background, even if their record has been set aside.
It is essential to research and understand the specific requirements for any job or profession you are applying for.
Are There Certain Potential Employers That May Still Be Able to Access an Individual’s Criminal Record After it Has Been Set Aside?
While having a criminal record set aside in Arizona can provide significant benefits for job seekers, certain states and federal agencies may still be able to access an individual’s criminal record, even if it has been set aside.
For example, say someone is trying to get a job with the federal government or a company that works for the government. In that case, they might have to go through a background check that looks at their whole criminal history, even if their record has been cleared.
In the same way, let’s say someone wants to get a professional license or certification in another state. In that case, that state may require a background check that includes a review of the individual’s criminal record.
This impact on employment opportunities can vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Set-aside records are sometimes still enough to meet the requirements for a job or license.
In other situations, a criminal record may be enough to rule out a person even if it’s been cleared. In these situations, job seekers may need to take extra steps to address any concerns or limitations.
For example, they may need to provide more proof or details about their past, work with a set-aside attorney to protect their legal rights or look for jobs that are less likely to require a background check or security clearance.
The Importance of a Set Aside Attorney
Even though you can go through the set-aside process without an attorney, having an experienced one can be very helpful.
Record-clearing lawyers can be beneficial throughout the process. They can ensure that all documents are filed correctly and that the person’s rights are protected. They can also help job seekers understand the set-aside process and its potential benefits.
How a Set Aside Attorney Can Help
- Legal Expertise: Set aside attorneys with specialized legal expertise in the set-aside process. They can ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the process is completed correctly.
- Personalized Advice: Set aside, attorneys can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s specific circumstances. They can help job seekers to understand the potential benefits of setting aside for their unique situations.
- Protection of Rights: Set aside, attorneys can protect job seekers’ legal rights throughout the set-aside process. They can ensure that all legal procedures are followed and that the individual’s rights are protected.
Conclusion:
A criminal record can impact your chance of finding employment. However, if your criminal record is affecting you in finding a job, an Arizona Expungement Lawyer can help.
An Expungement Lawyer can assist you in having your criminal record sealed or expunged, which can reduce or eliminate the negative impact on finding employment.
With the help of an Expungement Lawyer, you can take steps to improve your chances of seeking employment.
How do I Begin the Process of Sealing my Criminal Record in Arizona?
To begin the process of sealing a criminal record in Arizona, individuals should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for guidance and assistance. You can also begin by taking our Free Eligibility Survey Here.
Start With Your Free 5-Minute Eligibility Survey
Take our free online eligibility test to find out what choices are available for your specific Arizona case and get started in the right direction to getting your rights back!