The economic consequences associated with an arrest or conviction record can continue for decades.
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Our latest research finds significant differences in expected annual earnings between people w/ records and their statistically similar peers w/o reported legal system involvement. Depending on record type, estimated earnings penalties range from $4,400 to $9,800 every year.
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Over 14 prime working years, those differences can add up to an estimated $72,000 to $160,000 — affecting someone’s ability to build savings and assets, invest in education, support a family, and prepare for retirement.

Sep 14, 2026 · 5:03 PM UTC

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The findings in our report underscore the need to reduce unnecessary record-related barriers through policies like Clean Slate’s automated record sealing. Read The Economic Losses from Arrest and Conviction Records to explore the full findings at thecollectivecost.org #ELACR26

The Economic Losses from Arrest & Conviction Records | The Clean Slate Initiative

New Clean Slate Initiative research estimates arrest and conviction records are associated with $440 billion in lost earnings annually across the U.S.

cleanslateinitiative.org
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