The Impact of a Criminal Record on Employment and Housing

A criminal record can affect your life long after a case ends. Whether it was a misdemeanor or felony, even one conviction can close doors in employment and housing. In Orange County and across California, people face real barriers not because of who they are now, but because of something in their past.

But a record doesn’t have to define your future. At the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo, we help people clear their records, challenge unfair denials, and take meaningful steps forward. Talk to an Orange County, CA, criminal defense attorney about how to begin.

Employment Challenges After a Conviction

Most employers run background checks. Nearly 90% of companies screen for criminal history before hiring. Even if a charge is unrelated to the job, it may lead to:

• Losing a conditional job offer
• Difficulty securing professional licenses
• Bias or assumptions based on your record

California’s Fair Chance Act (Government Code § 12952) limits when employers can ask about your criminal history. But once they see it, they can still decide not to move forward. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and explore record-clearing options with a local Orange County, CA, criminal defense lawyer.

Housing Barriers with a Criminal Record

Housing is another area where a conviction can create setbacks. Private landlords and public housing programs often deny applicants based on background checks, even when the record is old or minor.

We’ve seen clients turned away from rentals, lose access to housing assistance, or struggle to live near work or family. In competitive markets like Orange County, a single charge can make a big difference. That’s where expungement or sealing may help and where an Orange County criminal defense attorney can make a difference.

Expungement and Record Sealing in California

Depending on your case, you may be eligible for relief. California law provides two main options:

• Expungement (Penal Code § 1203.4): If you completed probation or jail time, you may ask the court to dismiss your conviction.
• Sealing (SB 393): If you were arrested but not convicted, you may be able to seal the arrest record entirely.

While these options don’t erase your past, they can limit what employers or landlords see in background checks and open up more opportunities. An experienced Orange County, CA, criminal defense attorney can help you understand what applies to your case.

How an Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps Clear Your Record

At the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo, we go beyond courtroom defense to help clients address the lasting effects of a criminal conviction. We guide individuals through the process of expungement or record sealing in California and help determine eligibility.

We also assist those denied jobs or housing due to a past conviction, preparing background check responses, writing letters of explanation, and protecting your rights every step of the way. With over 30 years of experience, our Orange County, CA, criminal defense lawyer knows how to fight for your second chance.

Talk to an Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Your past doesn’t have to define your future. With over 30 years of experience, the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo has helped countless clients across Orange County reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence.

If a criminal record is holding you back, now is the time to take action. Call (714) 547-4636 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your second chance.