Q: I have a criminal record for credit card abuse when I was 18. Long story short, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. My room mate used it at a grocery store and I was the driver, but did not know until after. When I found out, and the investigators talked to me, I told him everything. My options were receive probation and community service for $1500 or fight it for $10,000. Needless to say I was a kid and didn't have that kind of money so I had to do the probation. I want to teach and I'm 29 now, my question is will I be able to or am I wasting my time in school? I just need to know so I can change my major. Thank You for your time.
Jenny
A: Hello jenny,
You may want to look into expungement. I'm not sure what state you are in so you better speak to a legal professional. Often felons and ex-offenders require some legal assistance before looking for jobs. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. You may qualify for low-cost or no-cost legal assistance.
You can always contact the school board where you wish to teach to find out if your conviction would exclude you from employment consideration. If you find that it will, you should try private schools. They usually have fewer restrictions than public schools.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Felon hopes expungement will help job search
Q: Hello, my name is Stacie and back in 2002 I was convicted of Felony Theft (long story short, I was with my abusive ex & I took the blame for it) Thank God I was eventually able to move & get far away from him before he could kill me. I was recently approved for an expungement. I also received the paper work from the attorney general office stating that "this section has initiated the necessary action to remove the information from the files of the Indentification Divison, Federal Bureau of Investigation." I'm kinda confused when it comes to expungements. Am I able to join the military or work as a civilian on a military base? I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't come up on a background check since I'd be working for the government. I would more than APPRECIATE it if You could answer this question for me because I'm a single mom trying to find a good job so I can provide for my child.
Hello Stacie,
Generally speaking, expunged records are not simply erased. They will usually be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. I am going to say it will show up on a government background check. As for joining the military, there are ex-offenders and felons accepted into the military everyday. The Army seems to be the most accepting branch for ex-offenders and felons.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Hello Stacie,
Generally speaking, expunged records are not simply erased. They will usually be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. I am going to say it will show up on a government background check. As for joining the military, there are ex-offenders and felons accepted into the military everyday. The Army seems to be the most accepting branch for ex-offenders and felons.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Multiple felon needs job search help
Q: Hello,
I was reading your blog about jobs for ex felons and was curious if you could provide some information. A little information about my history, in April 1982 I was charged with a 1st degree felony charge of aggravated burglary and was told to plead guilty by a court appointed attorney even though I wanted to plead not guilty he said I would be punished for taking it to trial and the judge agreed to probation so I plead guilty and was sentenced to a term of 2 - 15 in Ohio State Reformatory. Well I spent 9 months there and my family got another attorney and he got it reduced to a felony 2 and I was released. I only spent a year on Parole and was released on good behavior so that is 1 felony against me.
I can get a job almost anywhere but I cannot keep it because of the 911 terrorist attacks. everyone now does background checks and asks if you have ever been convicted of a felony
which should not be allowed. Since then I was terminated from a job for no reason and have been charged with unauthorized use of property and it is pending felony 5 but the judge agreed to probation and this happened all because I helped the HR manager with her email and the company found out I did this after I was terminated so they called the FBI and that is how I was charged.
I have a bachelor of science in health administration and an extensive background in information technology but there is no way I will ever work legally again. Any advice or know any companies who hire felons? I am working with state senators to get the expungement laws changed in Ohio but this could take years and the money I have saved up I have been living on is all but gone so I need a job.
Thanks
Rick
A: That's quite a story. My suggestion to you is to only apply for jobs with cover letters and resumes. Often when ex-offenders and felons apply this way, the question about criminal background never comes up. If it ever does, be honest. I posted a video on YouTube that has an extensive list of companies that hire ex-offenders and felons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruC-cpCR6no
I hope this helps
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
I was reading your blog about jobs for ex felons and was curious if you could provide some information. A little information about my history, in April 1982 I was charged with a 1st degree felony charge of aggravated burglary and was told to plead guilty by a court appointed attorney even though I wanted to plead not guilty he said I would be punished for taking it to trial and the judge agreed to probation so I plead guilty and was sentenced to a term of 2 - 15 in Ohio State Reformatory. Well I spent 9 months there and my family got another attorney and he got it reduced to a felony 2 and I was released. I only spent a year on Parole and was released on good behavior so that is 1 felony against me.
I can get a job almost anywhere but I cannot keep it because of the 911 terrorist attacks. everyone now does background checks and asks if you have ever been convicted of a felony
which should not be allowed. Since then I was terminated from a job for no reason and have been charged with unauthorized use of property and it is pending felony 5 but the judge agreed to probation and this happened all because I helped the HR manager with her email and the company found out I did this after I was terminated so they called the FBI and that is how I was charged.
I have a bachelor of science in health administration and an extensive background in information technology but there is no way I will ever work legally again. Any advice or know any companies who hire felons? I am working with state senators to get the expungement laws changed in Ohio but this could take years and the money I have saved up I have been living on is all but gone so I need a job.
Thanks
Rick
A: That's quite a story. My suggestion to you is to only apply for jobs with cover letters and resumes. Often when ex-offenders and felons apply this way, the question about criminal background never comes up. If it ever does, be honest. I posted a video on YouTube that has an extensive list of companies that hire ex-offenders and felons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruC-cpCR6no
I hope this helps
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Felon with deferred DWI needs a Job
Q: Three years ago, I was arrested for a DWI with child under 15. It was a difficult case because there was a lot of circumstances surrounding the case. Gastric bypass, anxiety meds consumed, etc. Anyhow, DA pursued prosecution but found a loophole for Deferred for me on this felony. Just in time before legislation closed. Three months before they did actually. Anyhow, I served my two years probation and it ended without incident. I was able to find a great job while on Deferred but only because I knew the person. I had to quit my job due to personality conflict and now I cannot find work anywhere. It is already embarrassing enough to have this charge on my record being a mother, a college student, a respected individual. But now I can’t seem to find work. I’ve applied everywhere and most places tell me I’m overqualified. I can’t get it non-disclosed because it’s an enhanced form of child endangerment. That’s what SOME lawyers say. SOME lawyers say I can. NO lawyer has EVER had a case like this so they don’t know how it would go down. Afraid to waste my money over and over again while lawyers make mistakes trying to figure it out.
I tell the truth on application with the first line stating DEFERRED ADJUDICATION: FINAL FINDING- NO CONVICTION
And then I input the details it asks to explain.
Why IS it so hard to find work for a woman with a DWI? Especially a felony? If it was a man, they would just shrug it off like no big deal and hire them up and shake hands and head out to the bar for a drink. It’s such a double standard. I’m a good person. I work hard. I’m dedicated to what I do. I made a mistake. Even the justice system saw that there was circumstances surrounding what happened and gave me a break. They could have thrown the book at me, but didn’t. Why won’t employers cut me some slack.
A: Hello,
Perhaps you are disclosing too much information and scaring employers away with your explanation. I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to only disclose what is asked...no more!
For each application you complete, pay careful attention to the wording. Most applications ask about convictions and not arrests. In reference to your deferred adjudication, you must consider the conditions of your deferment. In most cases, when the conditions are fulfilled (usually a fine and probation,) the original charges are dismissed but they remain as charges not convictions. Anyone accessing your record (other than law enforcement, the court system, and government agencies) will only see the charges. For more clarification, contact the prosecutor in your case.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Felon will have degree soon, needs a job
Hello sir,
My name is Ms. Aaron taste and I live in SC. In 2005, I was charged with a breach of trust and financial transaction card fraud while I was in college. I was convicted and then put on probation for five years. On the 27 of this month my probation is to be terminated in full. It has been so very hard for me to find a job, but I have made due over the past five years. From deli associates to fast food to telemarketing, i would do anything just to keep the bills paid.
I still must say I am lucky. I am still single and I do not have any children. I recently (Feb. 2010) received my associates degree in psychology and I am so proud of myself to have gotten that far. I am currently studying for my bachelors in Human Resources Management, but sometimes I feel like I am just wasting my time. I have other misdemeanors such as bad checks and shop lifting on my record but I do not know where to begin to start my journey into getting a conviction either expunged or attempt to get a pardon. Please help me. I have even been thinking about moving to another state and then being able to get the job of my dreams, working with at risk youth, etc. I try to think at how it could be worse. I have heard of felons not being able to work or get an apt. Well I have all of that and even more, if it had not been for prayer and the trust that I regained from my parents, I really don't know where I would be. Please help. I guess what I am asking, is where do I go from here especially after getting off probation and a year and a half left on my bachelors.
Thank you
Miss Aaron
Hello Miss Aaron,
I'm not sure moving to another state will help. Your convictions will still be relative. What I suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to contact their local legal aid office. There you may get free advice about what processes are available in your state (expungement, sealing, etc.)
I work with felons everyday who get professional jobs. I next suggest you contact your local United Way office. In addition to supporting a number of organizations that offer services to ex-offenders and felons, the United Way may offer some insight into employment opportunities at non-profit organizations they work with.
I hope this helps
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
My name is Ms. Aaron taste and I live in SC. In 2005, I was charged with a breach of trust and financial transaction card fraud while I was in college. I was convicted and then put on probation for five years. On the 27 of this month my probation is to be terminated in full. It has been so very hard for me to find a job, but I have made due over the past five years. From deli associates to fast food to telemarketing, i would do anything just to keep the bills paid.
I still must say I am lucky. I am still single and I do not have any children. I recently (Feb. 2010) received my associates degree in psychology and I am so proud of myself to have gotten that far. I am currently studying for my bachelors in Human Resources Management, but sometimes I feel like I am just wasting my time. I have other misdemeanors such as bad checks and shop lifting on my record but I do not know where to begin to start my journey into getting a conviction either expunged or attempt to get a pardon. Please help me. I have even been thinking about moving to another state and then being able to get the job of my dreams, working with at risk youth, etc. I try to think at how it could be worse. I have heard of felons not being able to work or get an apt. Well I have all of that and even more, if it had not been for prayer and the trust that I regained from my parents, I really don't know where I would be. Please help. I guess what I am asking, is where do I go from here especially after getting off probation and a year and a half left on my bachelors.
Thank you
Miss Aaron
Hello Miss Aaron,
I'm not sure moving to another state will help. Your convictions will still be relative. What I suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to contact their local legal aid office. There you may get free advice about what processes are available in your state (expungement, sealing, etc.)
I work with felons everyday who get professional jobs. I next suggest you contact your local United Way office. In addition to supporting a number of organizations that offer services to ex-offenders and felons, the United Way may offer some insight into employment opportunities at non-profit organizations they work with.
I hope this helps
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Felon wants to become a teacher
Hello there,
Randi
Hello Randi,
Generally speaking, in cases like these, upon completion of your probation, the charges are formally dropped. You will have an arrest record but no conviction record. I can't see that being held against you. I don't see any reason you cannot become a teacher. To be absolutely certain, you can contact your local legal aid office for advice.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Thank you very much for this resource. I am a 26 year old woman looking to get a teaching certificate. I would like to teach elementary, Jr. High, or High School. I was given a deferred sentence in 2008 for Felony Menacing. Again, the charge was deferred and I successfully completed my probationary term. As I understand it, there was no plea of guilty and I was not charged. I was told that law enforcement and other government agencies will have access to view the record of the arrests. Does this disqualify me from working with children and becoming a teacher? I still have to get my teaching certificate and would really, really like to do so. I just need to get the appropriate information to ensure that this is possible and that I will not run into any trouble with this situation.
If you can provide me with links and resources I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and service,
Hello Randi,
Generally speaking, in cases like these, upon completion of your probation, the charges are formally dropped. You will have an arrest record but no conviction record. I can't see that being held against you. I don't see any reason you cannot become a teacher. To be absolutely certain, you can contact your local legal aid office for advice.
I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Mom of a felon want to help him get a job
Q: Hi my son was charged with 5 counts of grand theft he happened to have drug problems he went through a court options program and completed am in process of getting charges expunged In meantime can't get job all places check records. He is 22 and now is very sad we put him in rehab and is drug free for 7 months now don't want this to head him back to drugs! Any suggestions?
A: Your son should be proud that he has the kind of family who is strong enough to exhibit the type of tough love that he needs. Many of the felons and ex-offenders I deal with do not have that type of support.
In relation to his convictions, five counts of grand theft is not the worst case I've had to deal with. He probably will not have a chance at jobs that any kind of valuables will be at risk. I suggest he try getting a job through a temporary agency. Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world. Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them. Good workers are hard to find. If an employer sees that he is hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently. Some other advantages to using a temporary employment service:
He can try different types of work and develop new skills which can be used later.
He can make new contacts.
Build a work history.
Earn a wage until you can find permanent employment.
He probably will have better success looking for small independent agencies that have fewer hiring restrictions than larger national companies and are free to hire anyone they choose. He will be able to get a list of these agencies in your local phone directory.
He can also go to your local One-Stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get him ready for work and assist him in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare him for a career.
Some services available are:
Career planning and counseling (often counselors have experience in assisting ex-offenders and felons)
Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills
Computers with internet access and word processing
Daily access to thousands of job listings Job postings and referrals Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
You can your nearest One-Stop Career Center on the web at www.servicelocator.org I hope this helps.
A: Your son should be proud that he has the kind of family who is strong enough to exhibit the type of tough love that he needs. Many of the felons and ex-offenders I deal with do not have that type of support.
In relation to his convictions, five counts of grand theft is not the worst case I've had to deal with. He probably will not have a chance at jobs that any kind of valuables will be at risk. I suggest he try getting a job through a temporary agency. Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world. Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them. Good workers are hard to find. If an employer sees that he is hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently. Some other advantages to using a temporary employment service:
He can try different types of work and develop new skills which can be used later.
He can make new contacts.
Build a work history.
Earn a wage until you can find permanent employment.
He probably will have better success looking for small independent agencies that have fewer hiring restrictions than larger national companies and are free to hire anyone they choose. He will be able to get a list of these agencies in your local phone directory.
He can also go to your local One-Stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get him ready for work and assist him in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare him for a career.
Some services available are:
Career planning and counseling (often counselors have experience in assisting ex-offenders and felons)
Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills
Computers with internet access and word processing
Daily access to thousands of job listings Job postings and referrals Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
You can your nearest One-Stop Career Center on the web at www.servicelocator.org I hope this helps.
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to
adogzheart2@gmail.com If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a JobTuesday, August 3, 2010
Felon in Texas has a job but needs advice
Q: Hi,
I am a convicted felon with several charges I received with in a 5 month period between Dec '02 to April '03 . These were mostly all drug trafficking charges. There were several, and I was arrested two 3 times in total between these 5 months. I was 22 at the time. I did 3 yrs in prison and got out in 8/2006. I then moved from Florida where I lived my entire life to Texas and hopes of starting a new life. Till now I was very successful in do this. I currently work for a Wireless Provider as a Store Manager over two stores with an excellent track record.
When hired for this company start up company they only did background checks in Texas. All my charges were in Florida. Now because of the companies success we being bought out, or merging with a bigger wireless provider. The merger will take place by the end of September 2010.
Since we are merging the new company is asking us all to fill out applications, and sign off on National background checks. I'm very concern with this and I don't what the outcome will be.
I guess my question were can someone with my get find a career. And in your opinion what do you think will happened to me?
Regards,
Steven
A: Hello Steven,
As I always advise ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to Always be Honest! Never take the risk of non-disclosure only to found out later. Most employers won't fault you for being a felon but will for being a liar.
In your case, you are a valued employee, which are hard to come by. What you do have in your favor is that your past convictions have nothing to do with theft which is important in retail and they had nothing to do with a former employer.
Tell the truth, which is your part and hope that your new employer will do the right thing
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
I am a convicted felon with several charges I received with in a 5 month period between Dec '02 to April '03 . These were mostly all drug trafficking charges. There were several, and I was arrested two 3 times in total between these 5 months. I was 22 at the time. I did 3 yrs in prison and got out in 8/2006. I then moved from Florida where I lived my entire life to Texas and hopes of starting a new life. Till now I was very successful in do this. I currently work for a Wireless Provider as a Store Manager over two stores with an excellent track record.
When hired for this company start up company they only did background checks in Texas. All my charges were in Florida. Now because of the companies success we being bought out, or merging with a bigger wireless provider. The merger will take place by the end of September 2010.
Since we are merging the new company is asking us all to fill out applications, and sign off on National background checks. I'm very concern with this and I don't what the outcome will be.
I guess my question were can someone with my get find a career. And in your opinion what do you think will happened to me?
Regards,
Steven
A: Hello Steven,
As I always advise ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to Always be Honest! Never take the risk of non-disclosure only to found out later. Most employers won't fault you for being a felon but will for being a liar.
In your case, you are a valued employee, which are hard to come by. What you do have in your favor is that your past convictions have nothing to do with theft which is important in retail and they had nothing to do with a former employer.
Tell the truth, which is your part and hope that your new employer will do the right thing
Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to
If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job
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