Will a withheld adjudication keep me from jobs?

Will Deferred Judgement bar me from jobs?

Hello,

I was convicted of a criminal offense here in Florida for theft back in 2010. I am currently attending school and in my senior year at Saint Leo University and am majoring in criminal justice with a minor in homeland security. Adjudication was withheld from the case, but I'm scared that when I graduate, and get off probation I won't be able to find a job in my degree field. Do you have any recommendations on what to do. I am also currently unemployed and finding a problem find a job as well.

Thanks,

Wayne



Hello Wayne,

I get a lot of questions about withheld adjudication / deferred judgement. Lets understand what it means to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. Withheld adjudication generally refers to a decision by a judge to put a person on probation without an adjudication of guilt. There will be terms set by the court usually a fine and a period of probation. Once the terms are met, the charges are typically dropped. There will be no conviction associated with that offense. If the person does not complete the terms of probation, a finding of guilty may be entered and the person may be sentenced according to the punishments defined for the offense.

So when completing an application that asks if you "Have you ever been convicted of a crime, you can answer "no" and rightly so because you haven't. Bear in mind that the charge will appear on a background check as a charge and not a conviction. You should have no problem with this. To absolutely certain of the status, you should check with the prosecutor or your probation officer associated with your case.

As for finding a job in Florida, I suggest you contract your nearest One-stop Career Center. There you will find a variety of services that can help you find your next job. You probably can find counselors who will work with you one-on-one to help you. You can find your nearest One-stop Career Center here:

One-stop Career Centers

I hope this helps.

Felon with Withheld Adjudication seeks Trucking Jobs

Felon mom in MD needs a job

Advice to help a felon get a job

Hi,

My name is Sue. I live in Maryland. While working for a cleaning company I was pulled over in my personal car while with a coworker on the way to the next job (had been asked by the company owner to use my personal car for the day due to the company car being in the shop). She started getting antsy as soon as the officer walked up, he asked her to step out and searched her. He found over 20k in gold jewelry in her possession. I later found out she had stolen from every house we had been in. None was found on me, but some had fallen out of her apron, in between her seat and the door. I was charged along with her, and later convicted of felony grand theft. I had been facing eviction and had money troubles (single mom of two working 40 hours and barely making enough to pay bills) plus I had pawned jewelry a couple weeks earlier. With this and my co worker saying I knew what she was doing was apparently enough to convict me. I was given probation while she received jail time. I was working at a bank when I got convicted and was fired as soon as they found out. My problem is, I can't find a job now, and having never been in prison I don't qualify for most of the reentry programs. I'm still a single mother and am close to losing everything. Is there anything that may be able to help me? I feel like I got a life sentence. I'm going to lose everything if I don't find a job quickly, but I can't find a job because of the felony. How am I supposed to keep going when there is no where to go?

Sue


Hello Sue,

That's quite a story. It is my experience that ex-offenders and felons convicted of any kind of theft are usually not considered for positions where valuables are at risk. You may have to concentrate your efforts toward jobs that do not include the exchange of money or goods. You may have to think about doing work you have never done before. This may even be an opportunity to get training for a new career.

I suggest you try your local One-stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

There are counselors there whose function is helping citizens gain employment. Many of them have experience working with ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

You can find the nearest One-stop Career Center here:
www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

Felon needs help finding a job

Ex Offender in NC needs a Job

Ex-offender needs job

Hello Eric,

I have seen your site from time to time b/c I am an ex felon that hasn't served time but does have 7 charges of larceny from 1996 and 1 DWI in 05. I cannot find work in NC. This is one of the hardest places to find employment. I have office skills along with various skills. I have gone thru the Community Success that tries to help ex inmates in Raleigh NC but I do think they are having a hard time as well. My life, as with others, is just getting worse without a source of income. Any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate your time.

Also, I viewed briefly your list of companies that may hire ex offenders....I do know Budget Car Rental will not as with Delta Airlines.

Thanx,

Debra



Hello Debra,

any job at any employer in any state.. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. Those companies indeed hire ex-offenders. Unfortunately past offenses dealing with any type of theft are among the most difficult to work with especially jobs where valuables are involved. You are much better off applying for positions that do not require you to work with anything that may be of risk.  Also remind any employer that you interview with that you can be bonded.  The Federal Bonding Program is  sponsored by the Department of Labor. It  was created to aid high-risk, but qualified, job seekers who have offers of employment.  The Program offers an insurance policy that protects employers against any losses incurred due to actions by high-risk employees. The program is designed to help those who are qualified to work but need a second chance. It gives employers an incentive to hire qualified, high-risk job seekers who might otherwise be unable to find work.

The bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for

An applicant can be bonded the same day the job offer is made. You can find more information about the program by contacting the addresses below:

Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL

1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

1 (800) 233-2258


An often underutilized resource is your local One-stop Career Center. There you will find a number of services that can help you find a job or train for career. These centers often have counselors that have experience helping ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. These counselors also have access to a database of open jobs in your area. The center nearest you can be found here:

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC

3351 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, NC 27610

919-212-3849

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC

I hope this helps.


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 Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find a Job?

Felon in Ohio needs help finding Jobs

Felon looking for job search help

Hello. My name is Mikee and I am 21 years old. I was recently charged with felony possession of methamphetamine for drugs that my (now) ex-husband left in my car. I did not know he was on drugs and now it has ruined my life and future.

I'm having a terrible time finding a job. My biggest problem is that I am not qualified to do anything, really. I only have one year of experience in retail sales. I do not have a college degree, but I did graduate from high school and complete a year in community college. I have many skills: computers, customer relations, fluency in Spanish; my town (Columbus, GA) is just not a good place to find a job, even with a clean record. I have tried Goodwill with little success. They look at me without much hope when I tell them I have a felony, but I have tried to keep my spirits up regardless and keep searching.

I would very much appreciate if you could help me with some resources for felons without much experience. I am not picky about jobs, I cannot afford to be. I just want someone to give me a chance, let me get my foot in the door. I spent two months in jail. The crime has been paid for, even if I was not the one to commit it. Please, I live with my parents again now and they are threatening to put me out. They do not understand how hard it can be for felons. Thank you for providing such a wonderful resource for felons. You are doing good work here.

Mikee.


 
Hello Mikee,

Thank you for your kind words. Let me suggest a very underutilized resource that ex-offenders and felons can use to find jobs, One-stop Career Centers . Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use

There are counselors there whose function is helping citizens gain employment. Many of them have experience working with ex-offenders and felons looking for employment.

You mentioned that you are in Columbus, Ohio. The center in Columbus is COWIC.

You can find the address and a list of available services here:

COWIC

1111 East Broad Street
Suite 102
Columbus, OH  43205

Also in Columbus there is the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services where you will find job search assistance and and other services and resources that can help your family.




Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
30 E. Broad St., 32nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-6282
www.state.oh.us/odjfs/index.stm


I hope this helps. The best of luck to you.



 

 

Felon needs job and career direction

Ex offender seeks professional job

Advice to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Eric,

Here's the situation (a mess in some ways...good in others);

I'm 52 years old, white male, MBA in Finance and MIS, BS in Computer Science and Marketing...worked in Mortgages with Village Bank and Credit Card Decisioning, Billing, and Marketing Websites with The Miller Bank (Star Bank).Village Bank and The Miller Bank/Star Bank both went out of business due to the economy. I've been unemployed for a while, since March 2008...there have been a few jobs thrown in here and there since then but they didn't last (Funeral Sales and Sr. Manager with a consulting firm).

The funeral sales position required me to be licensed in Life, Accident, and Sickness. I was completely honest during the interviews and application concerning past and a recent shoplifting arrest. I cleared the background check and was hired. I was denied a temporary license to sell insurance due to the shoplifting incident. The company fired me...yes, even though I passed their background check and the fact that they own the insurance company. Confusing, but true.

I have 6 children and the financial pressures are mounting. I have the following on my background...

• A DUI from 1989...I was slapped on the hand with an ARD sentence but the charge was not expunged.
• In 1992/1993 My boss told me to take home the following...a water cooler, a fax machine, and a word processor because we were getting new equipment. I was arrested for "theft by taking" and "receiving stolen property"...both misdemeanors. I plead guilty because the company wasn't backing down. My ex-boss later married my ex-wife. Still, the charges are on my record.
• Since I've been in Georgia in 1996...I married a widow and there have been domestic violence arrests but all "nolle prosse".
• Also since 1996 in GA...In 2007 a shoplifting incident that was handled via a first time offender conviction..."nolle prosse", but not expunged.
• And last year (2010) in Florida...another shoplifting incident that was handled via a guilty plea in absentia...adjudicated guilty. Since this was not "adjudicated withheld" I am not eligible to have this case expunged...ever. I have completed all probation and restitution requirements (fines and community service).

So...you can see when my background gets pulled there is a ton of things that show for me...all misdemeanors...all ugly.

I'm always honest on my applications and in interviews. With the state of the economy it appears I'm too big a risk...plus I know my age is a factor. So, I'm fighting a sketchy past and an age issue. I feel there is no hope.

But, you mentioned The United Way in your blog. I am a true professional from head to toe. Look as polished as any attorney or CEO during interviews. I know I can be of value to a corporation in some capacity. Do you think The United Way is my best place to start to rebuild myself and get back to work?

I hate to see convicted felons (aka sports stars like Michael Vick) return to society after having served their time and paid full restitution move back into society like nothing occurred. How does the little guy do that?

I'd appreciate any all information you may have for me.

Thank you!

Steve



Hello Steve,

For most ex offenders and felons looking for jobs the United Way is a great place to start. The United Way supports a number of organizations that have contacts to open positions. Perhaps a more polished professional like yourself may be better served by contacting your local S.C.O.R.E (Service Corp of Retire Executives) office. As the name implies, there are retired executives who serve communities in many ways. Perhaps you may find valuable contacts that could help you locate your next opportunity.

Another suggestion I often make ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to apply with cover letters and resumes. Often when applicants apply directly to employers this way, the question of a criminal record never comes up.  Take a look at the video below.  It outlines how ex-offenders and felons can use resumes sent with well written cover letters as a way to get interviews.  This will let prospective employers the opportunity to meet the person before meeting the criminal record.

Advice for ex-offenders and felons: Sending Resumes and Cover letters

I hope this helps.

Felon needs job and career direction

Felons join the Military

Military may be an option for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs

Hello. My name is Yamile. How are you? I am 30 years old and was arrested for drug possession in 2002. In this one arrest they were charging me with 3 felony cocaine possessions and 1 misdemeanor marijuana possession (under 20 grams). The judge threw out 2 cocaine possessions (no action) resulting in only one felony and 1 misdemeanor. I had plead not guilty since the stuff was someone else's who threw it in my car so since it was my car and I was the driver, I was arrested. I completed a program which left the 1 felony and the 1 misdemeanor as nollo pros (both of them). I was not convicted. I had a car accident in 2001 and got the ticket. In 2008 I was stopped for supposedly running a stop sign which I fought and paid a 126 dollar fine. I've always wanted to join the military since I was 15 but didn't even bother going in when a recruiter over the phone (2008) told me I would never get in. Do I need a waiver for all 3 things? What is an approximate of my chances. This is killing me due to the fact that the army has been my lifelong dream and don't know if there is even a chance for me. Thank you for your time and your answer will be greatly appreciated.



Hello Yamile,

I believe your are referring to Nolle Prosequi. I am not a legal professional but in most cases, Nolle Prosequi is declaration made by a prosecutor in a criminal case or by a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit either before or during trial, meaning the case against the defendant is being dropped. The declaration may be made because the charges cannot be proved. To be absolutely certain, contact the prosecutor associated with your case.

Next, get a copy of your criminal record to be certain what is on it. The best record 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 get a copy of your criminal history, you can take it to the Army recruiter to see if you are eligible for a waiver that could make you eligible.

With so many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, the military may be an option.

I hope this helps.

Felon wants to join the military or get a job