If you have a criminal history, it may seem like the odds are going to be stacked against you. Employers and landlords can look into your history, as can banks and universities. If they are comparing you against another qualified individual, then you think your criminal history will be the deciding factor. It may be, but it is also very likely that it will not be.
Not every person with a criminal history is defined by that. They are not all arsonists, murderers, rapists, and kidnappers. Let us face it, these serious crimes are what most people automatically think of when they hear the word criminal, but criminal records include parking violations and issues with alcohol, for example. These are still crimes, but they are more common across more people. Plenty of people have all kinds of parking violations!
That being said, do you really think that the company you just interviewed with will turn you away because you had 3 different parking violations, when the interview went very well and it seems like you are an excellent fit for the position and company? Of course not! Do not let your criminal history stop you from going out there and taking chances and risks that will only help yourself!