Recent discussions highlight the significant socioeconomic impacts of incarceration and criminal records on individuals and the broader economy. Experts note that individuals who are charged or arrested, even without convictions, face lasting repercussions that can hinder their employment opportunities. A report indicates that the national economy loses approximately $87 billion annually due to the exclusion of individuals with arrest and criminal records from the workforce. Research suggests that while incarceration has short-term effects on earnings and employment, it does not yield long-term benefits. Instead, it is the conviction status that predominantly affects an individual's earning potential. This underscores the need for policymakers to address the underlying challenges that contribute to these issues.