Felon want to join the military

Q: Hey my name is Dylan. I have recently gained interest in joining the army. I’m from Illinois and I was charged with a class 1 felony in November, 2009 when I was 17 years old and was charged as an adult. I’m 18 years old now. By law I’m suppose to serve prison time, however I was granted a strict probation sentence. I’m still going through the motions of court, but upon completion of probation the felonies will be expunged. I want to enlist and get things started as soon as possible! Please help me out! Let me know what I can do! Thank You!

Dylan

A: Hello Dylan,

Once your probation is finished, I suggest you speak to a recruiter. Even if your charged is expunged, it will still be visible to the military. The recruiter will be able to help you establish your eligibility. I don't know which branch of the military you are interested in but the Army has a record of being more lenient than the others.

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

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Disabled felon needs hekp finding jobs

Q: Hello,

I am Shaun. I was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury about 6-7yrs ago. I am a barber now, however i have an injury now that has put me out of work. I desire a new career but have much concern as to what i should go into because of my past. Do you have any advice for me or maybe people that would like to help me.
sincerely,

Shaun

A: Hello Shaun,

I suggest you contact your local One-Stop Career Center. There you will find a list of services that can help you find a new career including training and job search services. Most Career centers have counselors who have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. There are also contacts with other agencies that offer vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for those with disabilities.

You can find the nearest One-stop Career Center here:

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 Job

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Felon in PA needs help finding jobs

Q:Hello,

I am contacting you after perusing the Jail to Jobs website and the How Felons Can Get Jobs blog.

I am originally from Philadelphia and am planning on returning there after my time at college (out-of-state). I am a convicted felon (over seven years) and will actively be seeking employment in Philadelphia in the coming year. I would like to know if you have any recommendations for re-entry programs or job placement. While it has been eight years since my last arrest, I am sure that I will still find the same difficulty gaining employment as a recently released ex-offender.

Aside from the past two years (enrolled in college since ‘08), I have maintained full-time employment since 2003. Although I have previously worked with various ministries and organizations, because most of the establishments have primarily focused their programming on adjudicated youth and ex-offenders, my past criminal history has not been a concern. However, as a soon to be college graduate with a great deal of life experience, I am looking to possibly expand my horizons.

I thank you in advance for your time and support and await your posted reply.

Respectfully,

John

A: Hello John,

There are a number of sources in the Philadelphia area that help ex-offenders and felons find jobs. I have listed to below.

Best of luck to you.

Metropolitan Career Center/STRIVE Philadelphia

162 West Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-843-6615

Web Site: www.strivecentral.com/sites/national/mcc.htm


Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation

1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103–1813
215-557-2625

Web Site: http://www.pwdc.org/jobseekers/jobseekers_workshops.html

re 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

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Expungement may help felons get jobs

Q: Hello,

I am on probation for misusing my expense account and accepted a plea bargain that gave me a Suspended Imposition of Sentence for : Felony Theft Class B. This SIS technically is not a conviction. However, it comes up in background checks and I can't pass the check. Consequently, I can't get a second chance. Most of the programs that I find are not for people on probation. Do you have any suggestions? I have a degree and 7 years of high level medical sales experience ranging from medical devices to pharmaceuticals?

Thanks for your help.

A: Your conviction is probably dependent on the completion of the terms of your deferment. Once the terms are completed, the original charges will be dropped. When this is done, you should try to get the charges expunged. I'm not sure how expungement works in your state. You should get legal help getting this done.

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

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Mass. passes legislation to help felons get jobs

Based on new legislation, starting on November 4, 2010, most Massachusetts employers must eliminate any questions relating to an applicants possible criminal background.

On August 6, 2010, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill that considerably changes Massachusetts’ Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) system, which maintains selective information involving individuals’ backgrounds.

The law, which will take effect on November 4, 2010, will prohibit prospective employers from asking any questions relating to applicants criminal record. This does not, however, stop employers from obtaining information via background checks later in the application process. It only applies to the initial application.

The purpose is to prevent otherwise qualified applicants from being screened out of consideration for employment based on a prior criminal record. The understanding of proponents of the bill is that it will help to put applicants with criminal histories on equal ground with other candidates so that they would have a chance to explain their criminal histories in person during an interview. Supporters of "Ban the Box" contend that it will increase opportunities for ex-offenders and felons to get jobs and successfully re-enter society.

Details if this legislation can be found here:

http://www.nixonpeabody.com/linked_media/publications/Employment_Law_Alert_08_12_2010.pdf

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

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Felon with deferred conviction wants job advice

Q: Hello,

I fond you web page to be informational and also motivational. I was charged with theft and it is deferred I have not completed my probation, but my question is when I complete the probation and finish paying all my fines. I am wondering if it make sense at all to go back to school to become an ADN, LVN or counselor. I am wonder if these jobs will hire me with this charge. Or would you send me some information about expungement. Would that apply for me and how should I go about it.

Thank you for your help in advance. I have applied for so many jobs. I can't count and I get turned down time and time again.

Sincerely

Melinda

A: Hello Melinda,

Generally speaking, when the terms of deferred sentences are met (in most cases, a fine and probation,) charges are formally dropped. If you are unsure of the terms, you should contact the prosecutor assigned to your case.

One the terms are met, there will be no conviction simply a dropped charge. In most cases, employers are only interested in convictions. If there are provisions in your state for expungement or sealing, it won't hurt to apply for it. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs need legal help. Contact your local legal aid office to find out if this is an option for you.

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

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Expungement could help felons get Jobs

Q: Hello Sir:

I was convicted of felony in 1989 for possession and Delivery of narcotics, I served 26 months and everything has been well for me until 2009. I have been having a hard time getting a job in my field of study, which is computer science. I am enclosing my resume so that you can take a look at all of the places I have worked, but can't seem to find work because of the intense background checks now. ONE Conviction 21 Years ago man it's hard. Please Advise. Thank you.

Jason

A: Hello Jason,

Looking at your background, your inability to find work may be more a sign of the economy rather than your criminal record. For many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, expungement may help. Expungement will not erase your conviction but it may keep it off of the average background check. You can find more information here:

http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/selfhelp/intro/criminal/setaside_help.htm

I would not attempt this alone. You may be able to get low-cost or even low-cost assistance at your local legal aid office.

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

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