Does sealing of records help felons get jobs?

Helping felons get jobs

I had a deferred sentence. After completing probation, the guilty plea was withdrawn. I then sealed the record. This was twenty years ago. I then applied for a job as a corrections officer and was denied the position because my federal background said I had this on my record. Please help. Not sure if I was denied because of the deferred judgment or because I did not disclose my sealed record.

I am confused, so let me tell you what I know about deferred sentences.

Often first time offenders, depending on the severity of the crime, are offered adjudicated sentences as a means to keep the load on the court system down. The offender is given certain terms to abide by. In most cases, when the terms are met (usually a fine and probation,) the original charges are dropped but they remain as charges not convictions. Anyone accessing your record will see the charges. The exception is that your deferment and its terms are always visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. The same applies to expungement and sealing of records. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs consider expungement to help the get jobs. Expungement and sealing will only hide the record from public view but it will still be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.

I hope this gives you a better understanding.  This is not intended as legal advice just a bit of information.  To get a more definitive understanding as it relates to the statutes in your state, speak with a qualified legal professional.


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  "Can expungement help ex-offenders and felons get jobs?"

Juvenile record is a problem

Will my juvenile record work against me?

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


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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"Will my Juvenile Record Hurt my Job Search?"

Trucking jobs for felons and ex-offenders

Ex-offender wants a Job as Truck Driver

Hi,

My name is Claudio. I worked for the MBTA for 14 yrs. I was convicted of a felony in '09. I can't find work anywhere. I have a CDL and there's lots of driving jobs out there but no one calls. Is there a way that you could help me with information on where to find work or what are my options.

Thank you in advance,

Claudio

Hello Claudio,

It offers the opportunity for a great career with a good salary.  Trucking is the perfect choice for someone without a a family looking to make a fresh start.  A career in trucking is a viable option for many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

Professional trucking requires a Commercial Drivers License or CDL.  Ex-offenders and felons may be eligible for CDL training in their respective states through the Dept. of Labor.  You can contact your local One-stop Career Center to inquire about funding for training.  You can find your local One-stop Career Center here:

www.servicelocator.org


There are felon friendly trucking companies all across the country.  The website below will help you identify trucking companies offering opportunities for ex-offenders and felons.

http://www.classadrivers.com/index.php?method=CompareCompanyListing&ListAll=1

Each carrier makes its own rules regarding felony convictions. Some will employ a driver after 5 years or longer since the conviction. Other companies won't hire felons, regardless. You just need to get on the phone and start contacting carriers.

Best of luck to you.

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Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

"Trucking Jobs May be Perfect for Ex-offenders and Felons"

Felon want a career in health care

 Felon wants job in medical field

 Hi,

I just stumbled upon your blog and I think its a really great thing you have here. I have some convictions from back when I was a teenager. Three drug charges, which were all at the same time, one of which is a felony. And also I simple larceny charge. I got caught steeling glow sticks at the grocery store when I was 18. All my mistakes I made when I was a teenager haunt my everyday now that I'm an adult. Recently I moved to Florida from Michigan. And I'm finding it very hard to find a job here. I was interested in possibly working in the medical field, however, every time I go to apply for one they seem very strict about having a criminal background. I know that anything is possible when I comes to being motivated. Do you think I'm wasting my time with the medical field? Sometimes I feel like I'm getting nowhere. I spent over 300 dollars on a Certified Nursing Assistant prep class and now I'm about to take my CNA test, that is if the state allows me to after they check me out. I'm preparing myself for a big let down even though I feel I've learned a lot and gained much out the experience. If they don't allow me to take the test should I take a different direction other than the medical field? After I quit drugs and everything 6 years ago I went back to school got my diploma and then continued on to college. I felt like I could do anything that I set my mind to. My dream is to be an art teacher. However, I keep getting people telling me I cant do things because of my past. I have even had people tell me not to go to college because I'm wasting my time. What do you think about that? Am I going to be making minimum wage for the rest of my life even if I'm lucky enough to get hired at that?!

Thank you so much for your support and effort into doing this sort of blog and research. It helps to know that I'm not alone and there are other professional people in my same situation.

Jeffrey


Hello Jeffrey,

I have worked with ex-offenders and felons who have jobs in the health care field here in the state of New Jersey. I suggest you contact can contact the medical licensing board in Florida. They will be able to advise you of licensing restrictions relating to your conviction. For more information, obtain the Florida Nurse Practice Act and Rules of the Board of Nursing, you can contact them at this number: 850-488-0595

Also don't give your dream of being an art teacher. Too many ex-offenders and felons believe having a criminal record eliminates them from good jobs.  Considering your background, you may not be eligible to teach in public schools but there are other options. Community colleges adult learning annexes, private and charter schools are great places to start. They usually have fewer regulatory restrictions than public school systems.

I hope this helps.
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Real Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs

"Felon get a job in health care?"

Felons should apply for all jobs the qualify for

Ex-offenders and Felons can get Jobs

HELP! I am a 25 year old who is a recovering addict from an auto accident which almost killed me. I am highly educated in Finance/Accounting. I worked on Wall Street and was well paid as an intern. I am now on a three year probation. I was hired at a very good company in NYC before the court recently convicted me. A background check was done at that time and all was clear since I had no convictions. I turned down the job at the time - approximately a year ago. If I were to return to that company who wanted to hire me and make my contacts, would the company once again do another criminal background check? Are there any high paying jobs online I can do from home since I am educated with degrees and talented in my field? Is my life over?

I cannot attend Law School unless these felonies are expunged which is unrealistic. I don't know where to turn, I feel hopeless, I never leave my home.

I would appreciate any help or information you can give me. Thank you, God Bless.

Heartbroken
 

Hello Heartbroken,

I suggest contacting the person you were in contact with before. As I suggest to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for. The worst that could happen is you could be turned down. The way I see it, you will not get a job you don't apply for.

Regarding expungement, many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs require legal assistance. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. There you could get low-cost or even no cost advice to help you find out what your options are in your state.  Just as an FYI, even with an expungement, your conviction will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies.

I hope this helps.


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"Ex-offenders and felons can find jobs"