Is a Criminal Record a Dealbreaker?

Jake told me he was a musician, so I asked if he had a record. He didn’t look much like the singing type, but who was I to judge?

“Yes, but not a music record. Kind of like a criminal record,” he replied rather quickly.

I began to choke on my drink (courtesy of Jake). Usually, I’ll give anyone a chance, but the words “criminal record” stopped me in my tracks.

“Oh, really? Do you mind if I ask for what?” I asked. He laughed.

“You watch too many episodes of CSI,” Jake said. “Having a criminal record isn’t that big of a deal. In fact, if you don’t have one, there’s probably something wrong with you. All I did was break a few windows, and some other things.”

I didn’t feel like starring in Taken: Part 2, so I left. But Jake got me thinking. I wondered: was there anything wrong with dating a guy with a criminal record? Is there a line?

Guys at SU aren’t your typical lawbreakers. (Go clubbing downtown on a Saturday night, though, and that’s a different story.) But say the cutie buying shots at Chuck’s turned out to be on probation – would you run the other way?

Ali: I’d draw the line at violent things, or robbery on a big scale. Mandy: Murder and sexual assault are no-nos. But drugs are a case-by-case kinda deal. Katie: I definitely draw the line at robbery. You don’t want him leaving in the morning with your wallet or DVD player. Stick to misdemeanours – at least he’ll know how to use handcuffs in the bedroom. Abby: If it were drug-related, and he was clean now, I’d be okay with it. Not so much with child porn or molestation. On the other hand, if he were 27 and just got arrested for stupid bullshit, I wouldn’t tap that. But if he were 20, it would be more understandable.

Maybe we’re just attracted to the Chuck Bass in everyone.

Where do you draw the line when it comes to criminal records? Comment below. We'll be judging accordingly.