1. By: Brent Hiser & Tony Thomas

2. Many Americans have been convicted of something or other With unemployment at >10%, Employers may be “choosier” than in the past. Over 80% of companies perform background checks.

3. Those with a criminal record are being passed over by employers in favor of those with a clean sheet. Those convicted are trying to erase their past records.

4. Lawyers charge clients to help them expunge their records from courts. However, companies are not required to erase their records/database, so information may still be out there. States are making it easier to expunge records that include small possession drug offenses, disorderly conduct, and other misdemeanors.

5. Gives people that have not committed a crime in several years a chance to start over. Allows convicted people to compete with those that have not committed a crime. Allows select veterans better access to jobs.

6. Allows convicted people to compete with those that have not committed a crime. Companies may not be able to pick the best candidate. Internet records and company databases may still contain critical information