Sex-offender with deferred adjudication needs a job

Sex offender needs a job

How are you doing?...I'll get to the point. I was received deferred adjudication for aggravated Sexual assault when I was 17...I make no excuses for my actions I was in a very dark place at that time with drugs, liquor, among other things...I plead guilty and received 3 yrs probation and rehab.... Ive since been clean and sober for 9 years.

After rehab my family and I moved to Texas in hopes of starting fresh. I was told I would have to register as a sex offender which at the time I was o.k. with doing...because my probation officer told me before that I never received a tier hearing because the judge believed I had no risk of re-offending (and I'm proud to say I have not since I was 17...I'm 26 now) so although I had to register only law enforcement, courts, and anything fed related could actually see it... But as I found out not soon after that it was very much public record not only was I on quite a few websites on every background check it also shows up...I've tired to get in contact with my old p.o. but when I called the number he gave me the last day of probation i find out he had a heart attack and passed...he was really the only one to really ever try to help me because he knew the whole story...its been extremely hard to find any kind of work here in Texas beside fast food but I have two kids that I have to provide for and I'm running out of options....

The thing is I actually have no problem registering but I was wondering if there is anyway to get myself off these websites or anyway really to get it to a point where its not public at all????


Hello,

In most cases I would not attempt an answer for a question of this nature because I am not a legal professional. I believe there are other ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs that are in similar situations, I will offer a suggestion.  My understanding of deferred adjudication is, there is an initial plea of guilty. It is my understanding, once the conditions of the deferment are met (typically a fine and probation,) the charges are formally dropped. Since there is no conviction, you may legally answer “no” when the questions asked “Have you been convicted….” The charges although formally dropped, they will still remain as a charge and will appear on background checks as a charge and not a conviction.

If your charge is appearing on registries, there may be a reason that you don't know.
Because this seriously impacts your ability to get a job, I suggest you get legal assistance in first establishing the terms of your deferred adjudication and then what your rights are.  Many ex-offenders and felons who need jobs also need legal advice. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office to get assistance.

Sex offender needs job search advice

Felon seeks job as a Nurse

Advice to help a felon get a job

My name is Elsie. I have never been to prison or the county jail.
However, I face some of the same struggles. In May of 1999, I was
foolish enough to allow myself to get in an altercation with a
neighbor. You have no idea how many times I have wished I could erase
those two minutes. That fight has made my life very difficult. I was
convicted of a felony for a two minute fight with a neighbor. Now, I
am having a very hard time finding a job. I was a LPN then, and i
still hold a license. However, I can not find a job. When the
employers see the felony for criminal trespass, I guess they think I'm
a criminal. I have made some bad choices. No one made me attack that
lady. What's sad is, most of the things I was accused of were lies.
I am not crying over the spilled milk. I'm just pleading for you help
any way you can.

I am currently taking classes so I can pursue my RN. I figured I had let that felony hinder me long enough. I am going after my dreams, BSN. Nevertheless, I sometimes fill a little discouraged. I have recently had to apply for welfare. I keep telling myself, " It's okay. Keep looking to the positive. Don't despair. Things will get better". But, the reality is some times I really want to cry. I am a nurse a heart. This is what I was meant to do. 16 years of providing care and I would love to continue. What's more, I like to earn my way. Welfare kicks rocks.

Please help. Do you have any advice?

P.S.

My recent struggle have made me take a very close look at myself. I
needed some time to analyze and reflect. Wow. I have a completely
different perspective life. I believe I have done a great deal of
growth. I have over 1 1/2 years to reflect. My humility has
increased, my insight has broadened, I feel a peace I haven't felt in
quite some time. Now, if only I could loop this circle with
employment, that would be great. So sorry for writing so much. Plz
forgive. : )



Hello Elsie,

Sorry for you trouble. The good thing is that you still have your license and you conviction has nothing to do with your profession. As with many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, you may have to approach the job search a little differently. First I suggest that you look into expungement or sealing of your record. That means that the conviction will only be visible to the court system, law enforcement and government agencies. To get more information about expungement in your state, you should contact your local legal aid office. You may qualify for free legal assistance.

Your difficulty may be a result of these tough economic time rather than your conviction. Employers tend to be more picky when jobs are less plentiful. I would apply for every position you feel qualified for. Even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks. The best place to find job leads is your local One-stop Career Center. Each state has a network of centers that have employment, education, and training services all in one place. There are counselors available that will assist in preparing your resume and provide employment leads for open jobs in your area. There are no fees or charges for these services. You can find the nearest location of the One Stop Career Center in your local Yellow Pages or on the web at

www.servicelocator.org

Lastly, I often suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to consider working as a temporary employee as a way of getting a permanent job. Temporary agencies are a great way to quickly get back into the working world. Many employers use agencies to try out new employees before hiring them. There are temp agencies that specialize in health care professionals. Good workers are hard to find. If an employer sees that you are hard working, punctual and fit in well, he may offer the job permanently.

The key to applying for temporary employment for ex-offenders and felons is to apply at smaller independent agencies rather than large national companies. Small independent agencies have fewer hiring restrictions than larger national companies and are free to hire anyone they feel that can help them. You can get a list of these agencies in your local phone directory.

Please Rate This Post at the Top!


 

Where can a felon find jobs

Female felon looking for job search helpD

Felon wants Job as Paramedic

Felon needs a Job

Hi my name is Kelley and I stumbled upon your address via the website How Felons Can Get Jobs.   I am writing because I am looking to better myself in life. When I was younger I mad a lot of poor choices and now I fear they will affect my future. I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict, and I have been sober for over 4 years. All of arrests in the past were alcohol and drug related. I have had unfortunately 4 DUI's. The last one being June 28th 2007. That was the night that my life changed for the better. I was arrested and charged with 3 felonies as well as 4 misdemeanors. Assault with a deadly weapon, evading, and possession of a controlled substance. The misdemeanors were DUI, driving on a suspended license and I can't remember the other 2. This was the most terrifying moment in my life and I made a commitment to change my life right then and there. I had bouts with sobriety in the past but this was my bottom. I knew I had to change and that is what I did. From that point on I have lived a clean and sober life, I attended a rehab voluntarily, I actively attend AA meetings as well. I also volunteer in my community. I strive to better myself in any way I can.

Now I am at a crossroads in my life. I am going to be 39 years old in October and I want to go back to school. I have a dream of becoming a paramedic and serving my community. This is a dream that I had when I was younger but I allowed addiction to steal it away from me. I don't want to live in fear of my past anymore. My wife and I are separating and I need to make a decision for myself. So my question is this: have you ever heard of anyone with a similar past like mine becoming a paramedic or even a firefighter. I am in California and I have looked into it. I was told that I could go to school, but I may not be able to get licensed. I also realize that with my age and my past, I may not be a good candidate. I am willing to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals. I am willing to do the work to show that I have changed my life. I honestly feel that if I do the work then I deserve a second chance. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Kelley



Hello Kelley,

That's quite a story. I know of ex-offenders becoming firefighters. Paramedics and firefighters in many communities are separate entities. My understanding is that in California, some firefighters are paramedics and have to be licensed by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. My suggestion is that you contact them to see if you are eligible to be licensed . You can find information as well as how to contact them here:

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/paramedic/files/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf

I hope this helps.

 Real Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs

Felon needs help finding a job

Felon needs job and career direction

Advice to help a felon get a job

Hello,

My name is Dominique. I'm 23 and am a convicted felon. I was charged in 07 out of prison in 08 and discharged from parole in 09... I have been clean on sober since been incarcerated. Although I don't have any drug charges that was the cause of my mishaps. I went to a regular college for a little bit but I felt things were going too slow and I needed something to show for my age and enrolled in a Tech school for an Administrative Office Professional degree.  It's a fancy way of saying secretary. I am graduating at the end of the month and just don't feel like that will be enough for me and my life. I want to continue in business but didn't really have a kind of business in mind. I have always been interested in helping people and was looking into a mortuary science degree.. It will be a few years before I can complete the prerequisites and then the program, but after that will any doors actually be open for me? I was doing some reading and it's going to be a very difficult road. I don't know what to do. I am from California and was wondering if you knew anyone out this way I could talk to. I also read that from my discharge date I had to wait 7 years to file for a certificate of rehabilitation and then from there I can see about getting my record expunged. 7 year!? I have to wait that long to start my life and there is no guarantee. I can't afford to do that and am desperately seeking help in this matter.  Is there ANYTHING I can do?



Hello Dominique,

Do not assume your record will hold you back. If you want to be a mortician, you should find out if you conviction will prohibit you being licensed. Don't assume it will.

You can more information here:

California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

Next I suggest speaking to a legal professional about the expungement process. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs seek legal assistance before starting an employment search. You can free or nearly free assistance at you local legal aid office. You can find you nearest legal aid office ion you local phone book.


I hope this helps.

Real Help for Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs

Felon looking for job search help

Wife in Georgia wants to help husband get a job

Can expungement help ex-offenders and felons get jobs?

Hello Mr Mayo,

I have been reading your blog and and suggestions in a desperate search to help my husband. He has felonies that are over ten years old and he still has a lot trouble finding a job. The last felony he got he was 19. He was a stupid teenager doing stupid things just like all of his other friends. His felonies are not violent or drug related, but that doesn't matter. I hate to say it but if you have any type of felony in the state of GA you are screwed. Your life might as well be over, unless of course you have loads of money at your disposal so that you can have them expunged, but that doesn't always work. Some employers still count them depending on what type of felony it is.

Felons are treated like garbage when comes to getting jobs. They want these people to pay for the crimes, but what lawmakers do not and will not accept is that they are perpetuating the crime problem in this country because there are not enough programs to help people that made a few mistakes in their lives and are trying to make right. It is so unfair. Their should be limitations on how far back employers can go on background checks. Also I think that if the felon was placed on parole or in a half way house for more than a year after their incarceration they should be evaluated and certified as to whether or not they are reformed. I think that it should be a program that the court system and the lawmakers work together on. There has to be some way to keep these people from having to resort back to crime. It is a burden that is placed on the family as well as the ex-offender. And someone needs to wake up and realize that people CAN change and that no one is perfect, and EVERYONE deserves a chance to have a good life and be able to provide and support for their family.

Frustrated Wife



Hello Wife,

I certainly can see that you are frustrated. You mentioned expungement and how it is an option only for those who can afford it. Expungement is a viable option for some ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. Fortunately you may be able to get help. You may want to try the Georgia Justice Project.

The Georgia Justice Project (GJP) combines legal and social services. Staff attorneys and social workers develop long-term relationships with clients who must make a commitment to rehabilitation before being accepted as clients. GJP helps clients during incarceration and helps to facilitate release on parole supervision. Individuals with criminal records receive assistance transitioning from prison to society and may be employed in the landscaping business owned and operated by GJP. Drug testing is a component of the GJP program and, if necessary, clients are assisted in obtaining drug treatment. 

Contact:

Georgia Justice Project
438 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-827-0027
www.gjp.org


If the GJP is not near you, perhaps they can provide information about free or nearly free legal services in your area. They may be also able to identify other resources and services near you that assist ex-offenders and felons in getting jobs.

I hope this helps.

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

Expungement help for ex-offenders and felons 

Felon can't get Around Background Check

A felon can get help finding jobs and careers

My name is Dennis and I am getting so frustrated and depressed on what I have been going thru for years. I have 2 felony convictions nearly 18 years ago and every time a background check is done it comes up. What they are seeing on paper is not the person I am today. I have a credit score over 726, I own my own home, and I have been living a law abiding life since getting out of prison where I did 2 years- that was back in 1997 when I got out.

I am 48 years old and it is getting very difficult getting past these background checks- no one wants to take a chance with someone with a record and every time I go on an interview I have the embarrassment of explaining what I did and the kind of person I am today- but it just doesn't matter.

My felonies came when I got involved in crack, the demon itself. My first felony came when I was in a cab and lottery scratch off tickets were taken and I got charged with robbery, I received 5 years probation. The second one came because I was still addicted to this evil drug when I took 47.00 out of a back room in a bar, it was my crack head girlfriends parents bar and her mother prosecuted. I received a sentence of 2 to 4 years. This actually saved my life and the transformation began in getting my reputation and life back in order. That crack tore thru my life like a tornado and it was a blessing that I was incarcerated for those 2 years. But try explaining this to a potential employer and the door closes.

I have so much going for me now but keep on falling on hard times when looking for work because of my past, I am not that person anymore, but no one will listen. Any help or any suggestions would be of great assistance. Thank You

Signed, So lost



Hello Dennis,

I'm sorry you have not had much success in your job search. Don't give up hope just yet. The fact is, ex-offenders and felons get jobs everyday. Your challenge is to find out which employers will give you an opportunity. Unfortunately this is easier said than done. My first suggestion is to employ the single greatest method of finding job leads... Networking.
 
Many people got their job leads from people they know. This is called networking. 

Networking is the most effective method of finding employment leads. Most jobs are never advertised because they are usually filled by personal contacts. In fact, employers would rather hire someone referred to them by people they know rather than to painfully sort through resumes and applications. How many people do you know? Each one of them is a potential lead for a job. 

• Friends
• Relatives
• Neighbors
• Parole/probation officers
• Members of your religious group (especially ministers, priests, imams, etc.)
• Former teachers
• Former co- workers
• Former employers
• Classmates
• Casual acquaintances
• People you do business with (Hairstylists, barbers, doctors) 

Look at the list above. In each group, list five people that you can contact. That is at least 55
people that could help you in your job search. Let each person know that you are looking for a job and that any information they have for you would be helpful. Have copies of your resume handy for your contacts to give to other people. Often when ex-offenders and felons are referred for jobs, the question about criminal records doesn't come up.
You just never know where your next opportunity will come from. Never ask for a job. Only ask for information about job leads or for advice. The more people you are able to contact, the more leads you will get. Remember, this is a numbers game.

Frequent readers of this blog are familiar with my next suggestion. I encourage every ex-offender and felon looking for a job to visit their local One-stop Career Center. One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to get jobs, but to get career counseling and training. In addition, these centers provide a long list of valuable services. 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

Each center has trained counselors that provide one-on-one assistance. Many of them have experience assisting ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

As stated in a previous post, you can find your nearest center here:

www.servicelocator.org

 

Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs

Felon Needs help Finding a Jobcious