[RBBronson123]

No, Kranar-the 70 million does not include unpaid parking tickets, unless it escalates to a criminal case (which rarely happens). The explosion in these numbers occurred during our war on drugs in the 80's and 90's, along with "three strikes" laws.

The 70 million number relates to the number of people who have, in their record, an event(s) that might stand in their way from a variety of opportunities, so they are, by definition, serious events.

[Kranar]

Failure to pay a parking ticket by the due date or failure to appear in court to contest a traffic ticket can result in a bench warrant for your arrest which results in a criminal record. Also, in many jurisdictions if you do not appear for a petty misdemeanor traffic ticket, you can be found guilty for failure to appear which also results in a criminal record.

No you will not go to prison over it but if you are subsequently pulled over, you can be arrested for your unpaid traffic ticket and held in jail until a court has a hearing on your case (and it goes without saying this will result in a criminal record).

[vidanay]

Are you arguing with the guy whose literal business it was to know the facts of these situations?

[giaour]

Having (or having had) an outstanding bench warrant for your arrest sounds like the kind of thing that could really mess up your employment prospects, though!

I'm really not sure what you're trying to dispute. It seems like you and OP agree that there are many ways that someone can get themselves a criminal record and that a record shouldn't be a lifelong burden that prevents you from getting a decent job.