Criminal charges, an arrest and a conviction can seriously damage your reputation. It could limit your job prospects, influence college scholarship opportunities or lead to divorce or other family strain.
It is possible to repair your reputation after criminal allegations and a conviction, but it takes time and dedicated effort. Here are some strategies to help get your life back or build a better future.
1. Ask about record expungement
Some states allow you to request an expungement of your arrest record. This is a clean sweep that removes public access from information surrounding your charges, the arrest and conviction. The severity of the crime, as well as the type of government entity that brought the case, affects this option.
2. Make a sincere apology
Taking ownership of your actions will demonstrate your efforts to make things better. A publicly released apology, such as one posted through social media platforms, requires careful wording and genuine expressions of apology.
3. Establish a new narrative
You can create a new narrative for yourself by engaging in positive behaviors. You can join a charity or community organization and work for the good of others. You can enroll in a support group and address underlying issues that could influence criminal or disreputable behaviors.
It will require hard work and consistency to develop a new name for yourself. Give yourself time to move past your ordeal and allow others that benefit as well. Keep up your efforts to make a positive impact on your community and family going forward.