What can happen by having a lengthy criminal record?

A criminal record can affect you in many ways depending on many factors. The time since the last crime or conviction was, the type of crime, what you have done personally to rectify your behaviour. Having a criminal record and how it will affect you will vary from country to country but the following are some areas which might get affected. Respect from others, getting a job, getting housing, being able to travel to other countries, getting insurance. The list is not exhaustive.