The Economic Losses from Arrest and Conviction Records

In some states, a person must pay off all fines and fees to regain their right to vote after a felony conviction. This report by the Clean Slate Initiative demonstrates additional consequences of conviction records that affect people’s economic opportunities and earnings for years afterward. This report examines the relationship between arrest and conviction records and employment and earnings during prime working years (ages 26-40). The study uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 and categorizes respondents according to their most serious reported legal system involvement: arrest or non-conviction, misdemeanor conviction, non-violent felony conviction, or violent felony conviction. The report estimates that respondents with arrest or conviction records have lower employment rates, work fewer weeks, and earn less annually than matched peers without reported legal system involvement. Across ages 26–40, the report estimates cumulative earnings losses ranging from $72,000 for arrest or non-conviction records to $159,000 for violent felony convictions. The report concludes with policy and economic implications for individuals with records and for the country’s economic losses.

You can read the full text here. 

Key Findings:

• $440 billion in lost annual earnings associated with arrest and conviction records.
• Estimated annual earnings loss:
  • Arrest/non-conviction: 14.9%, approximately $4,400
  • Misdemeanor conviction: 17.8%, approximately $6,400
  • Non-violent felony conviction: 31.8%, approximately $9,300
  • Violent felony conviction: 36.7%, approximately $9,800

Recommendations:

• Clean Slate policies recommend sealing eligible arrest and conviction records through an automated process once legal requirements and waiting periods are met.