How long does a felony stay on your record?

 A felony is a serious criminal offense that can have a lasting impact on an individual's life. One of the most significant consequences of a felony conviction is that it can stay on a person's record for many years, if not indefinitely. In this article, we will explore the different factors that determine how long a felony stays on a person's record and the potential consequences of having a felony conviction on one's record.

The length of time that a felony stays on a person's record depends on several factors, including the type of crime committed, the state in which the crime was committed, and the individual's criminal history. In general, felony convictions stay on a person's record for life. However, some states have laws that allow for the expungement of certain types of felony convictions. Expungement is the process of sealing or destroying criminal records, which makes it so that the conviction is no longer publicly available.

For example, some states have laws that allow for the expungement of non-violent or non-serious felony convictions after a certain period of time has passed. In California, for example, non-violent felonies can be expunged after five years if the individual has completed their sentence and has not been convicted of any other crimes during that time. Similarly, in Texas, non-violent felonies can be expunged after ten years, provided that the individual has not been convicted of any other crimes during that time.

However, it's important to note that not all states have laws that allow for the expungement of felony convictions, and even in states that do have such laws, the process can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, certain types of felony convictions, such as sex offenses and violent crimes, are not eligible for expungement in most states.

In addition to the length of time that a felony stays on a person's record, there are also potential consequences of having a felony conviction on one's record. These consequences can include difficulty finding and keeping employment, difficulty obtaining housing, and difficulty obtaining certain professional licenses.

Having a felony conviction on one's record can make it difficult to find employment. Many employers conduct background checks on job applicants and may choose not to hire an individual with a felony conviction. Even if an individual with a felony conviction is able to find a job, they may be passed over for promotions or be terminated from their job if their conviction is discovered.

Having a felony conviction on one's record can also make it difficult to find housing. Landlords may choose not to rent to an individual with a felony conviction, and if an individual with a felony conviction is able to find housing, they may be charged higher rent or be evicted if their conviction is discovered.

Finally, having a felony conviction on one's record can make it difficult to obtain certain professional licenses. Many professions, such as law, medicine, and teaching, require individuals to have a clean criminal record in order to obtain a license. A felony conviction can make it difficult or impossible for an individual to obtain a license in these fields.

In conclusion, a felony can stay on a person's record for many years, if not indefinitely. The length of time that a felony stays on a person's record depends on several factors, including the type of crime committed, the state in which the crime was committed, and the individual's criminal history. Even if a state allows for expungement of certain types of felony convictions, the process can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, having a felony conviction on one's record can have significant consequences, such as difficulty finding and keeping employment, difficulty obtaining housing, and difficulty obtaining certain professional licenses.