The impact of COVID-19 on our country and the world has been sweeping. Nearly all facets of our lives have been affected. Even people who do not become physically ill from the virus have been impacted by job loss, and many small business owners have been required to close up shop. While this can be devastating for any business owner, those individuals with criminal records may be impacted more severely.
A criminal record, even those involving misdemeanors, may make it more difficult to secure employment. One solution to this dilemma is to open a business, but those who have done so are faced with an additional hurdle in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
As all “non-essential” businesses have been directed to close, many business owners across the country are struggling to pay their employees and keep their business afloat. Because of this, the U.S. government created the Paycheck Protection Program in an effort to give small businesses forgivable loans so they can continue paying employees until we begin to reopen as a society.
Unfortunately, one of the main disqualifiers for receiving a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program is a criminal record. When people apply for the Paycheck Protection Program, they are asked whether they ever had a felony conviction, a guilty plea, a pretrial diversion program, or whether they have ever been placed on parole or probation in the last 5 years. When these people answer “yes,” they are generally denied the right to these loans. More and more of the formerly incarcerated are speaking out about this, saying they have either been denied because of their record, or they never heard back.
If you find yourself in this position, please do not hesitate to give our experienced New Jersey business law attorneys a call today. We know how stressful these times are, which is why we are here to help you in any way we can.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
We understand how challenging various legal issues can be, which is why we are dedicated to providing individuals with the compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation they deserve. Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman has helped clients through the various legal matters for over 40 years, which is why we know we have the experience needed to do the same for you. For powerful legal counsel regarding family law, litigation, business law, real estate, and criminal law, you know where to turn–contact Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman today to schedule a consultation.