Can felons go to college and get jobs?
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 hope this helps
7 comments :
My name is Renee and Im from Sc. I have a breach of trust felony from 2006. I always wanted to become an xray tech, but because of my past mistakes Im not sure If I will be able to beoome one. Im already in school and I have been doing extremely well, and know Im at the point of trying to figure out if I'm possibly wasting my time, or should I keep going, and at least try and get an expungment. It seems, Ive have been stuck in the same place for the last four years, and Im afraid that I will neer really amount to anything not matter how hard I try.
Hello. I came across your page and was looking for some advice. I have a DUI Felony that I got little over 10 years ago in NY. I been living in Florida for the past 10 years and was working with my father who owned a painting company. He passed away a year ago & I let the license expire since his death took a toll on me. After the painting business, I got into owning a auto mechanic shop in the past year that didn't do well since the economy took a turn and had to let that go. All my life I have been a independent worker. Now at the age of 40, I am very eager to work with a place that there is stability and growth. I am having a hard time looking for work with all the places that I am applying for. I don't know if it is due to the fact of my background or the economy? I was considering applying for school but is it a waste of time for me to invest the money because of my background? I know that I am better than working at a local restaurant or some menial job that pays chump change since my work experience is skilled and I am always professional. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Leslie,
Expungement is worth looking into. You can find information about expungement in S.C. at this link:
http://expungement.uslegal.com/expungement-of-criminal-records/south-carolina-expungement-law/
If this is confusing, I suggest contacting your local legal aid office for assistance.
As for employment after you complete training, I suggest you contact the placement office of your school. I'm sure there is someone there who can find out if your charge will hinder you employment opportunities
Hello Louis,
As I suggested to Leslie, speak to the placement office of you prospective school to first see their placement record, and then inquire as to the probability of you being hired in your field. Hopefully they will give you a candid answer.
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Hello my name is brenda I got an insufficent funds check charge (f) in 2011! I wanted to go into med school, But I am now afraid that I will not be able to presue that due to my felony. Any suggestions on careers i can go into that will accept felons?