Juvenile record is a problem

Hey,

My name is Ali, I am in need of help. I was convicted of a juvenile felony in 99 and its now impossible to find a job. I have a bachelors in English and became certified in VA and two other states to teach.

I was lucky and was able to find a job teaching in VA for a public school. I was even able to get into the air force(somehow). The Air Force found out about my background but looked past it and I served my time. The school I taught for gave me employment before they had livescan (my worse enemy). Anyways since I left that school district a few years back I was overseas teaching.

Since I came back and moved to Austin, TX it is impossible to find gainful employment. I know I can go to McDonalds, but I am 27 now and need something realistic. I had a job as a security guard, the company loved me and all, but when my background came back, they let me go. I am at wits end with trying to find something that will allow me to actually be a productive member of society.

I am young and have so much to offer, but my background haunts me. Its frustrating to have served my time and still all these years later have it thrown in my face. I don’t know where to turn or where to start. I know in TX you cannot get a teaching license with a criminal background, so I don’t know where else to turn. Can you give me some direction as to where to start?

Respectfully,

Ali

Juvenile record is a problem

Hello Ali,

I am confused. It is my understanding that juvenile records are automatically sealed by the court ant are only visible to law enforcement, the court system and government agencies. The one instance that it would not be sealed is the case of a sexual offense. In any event, I suggest you get a copy of your record. The best would come from the FBI.

Individuals can obtain a copy of their national criminal history record from the FBI by submitting a request to the address below. In order to receive a copy of your FBI record for personal, employment, or international work requirements the FBI requires the following:

1) A signed written request with a brief explanation for the request and your complete return
mailing address.

2) Each request must contain two completed applicant fingerprint cards with all of the applicant's
personal information (name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.) and a current set of 10 rolled
fingerprints and eight flat finger impressions. Fingerprints and impressions must be taken by a
local law enforcement agency.

3) An $18.00 fee in U.S. currency by certified check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.

This information is provided in compliance with the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

FBI
CJIS Division
ATTN: SCU, MOD.D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26303

For more information, you may contact the FBI at 304-625-3878

Once you have a copy of your record, you can see exact what comes up on a background checks. Next, I suggest you speak to an attorney. An attorney can tell you what your legal options are. You can probably get low-cost or even no-cost legal assistance at your local legal aid office. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs require legal assistance.

In relation to teaching positions, you may want to look at teaching at your local community college. Community colleges are less bound by regulations than public schools are

I hope this helps.

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