Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Hello Eric,

I have an adjudication withheld/felony/battery from over ten years ago. I was never convicted and released from probation two years early for good behavior. I have payed my dues; court fees,anger management,community service and probation. Regardless if I admit to my background or not , I still can not find work, I have been turned down by big corporations like Walmart, and pending on my background from Home Depot. I can not work with children or elderly and had to drop out of nursing school. Now wanting to be a Vet Assistant because I love animals and a state license is not required; hoping this dream career is not crushed as well. Please help me get through this nightmare. It is my past not my present nor my future. I only defended my life, and could not afford a real attorney. Faced five years in prison if I was found guilty at my trial so I took a plea in my best interest not having a trial but now realizing it was in my worst interest. No matter how many years go by.

GT

Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Hello GT,

I believe you took the correct path with Withheld Adjudication.  There is absolutely no need for an expensive trial which you may have lost and got an awful conviction on your record and also be out of a lot of money.  This way you have no conviction on your record.

It seems that you are getting in your own way a bit.  Let's start with applications. Employers are rarely interested in charges, just convictions.  Typically, applications ask "Have you ever been convicted of a crime...."  Since you have not been convicted, you should NEVER list it on an application if the application asks for convictions.  The answer is "NO."

Let's get clear about Withheld Adjudication.  Withheld adjudication / deferred judgement/deferred adjudication generally relates to a determination by a judge to place a person on probation without a judgement of guilt. There will be terms set by the court, usually a fine and a period of probation. Once the conditions are fulfilled, the charges are normally dismissed.  Since your charges were dismissed you should NEVER list it.  Now, if an application asks for charges, you can list it and note that the charge has been dismissed.  Please, please. please don't take my word for this.  This is simply general information.  You should get clarification from the prosecutor associated with this case to be absolutely sure. As I tell every ex-offender and felon I work with, never offer information that is not asked for and it will make your job search a lot easier

I hope this helps you feel more confident when applying for jobs. 

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 Withheld Adjudication Keeping Ex-offender from Getting Jobs

Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I love reading your blog.  Thank you for this information.  I have been looking for a job but I have a very serious charge and it is making it very hard for me to get a job.  In 2002, I got into a fight with a guy.  I didn't start it but the guy got beat up pretty bad and later died.  I was charged with assault and involuntary manslaughter.  I have done my time but I feel that this black mark is keeping me from getting a job.

I am not a violent person but this thing makes me look like a monster.  What can I do?

Henry

 Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Hello Henry,

That is quite a story.  It's unfortunate that hings turned out the way they did.  It certainly could have been a lot worse.  You could have been the other guy.  Your charge is serious but it is not the end of the world.  I work with ex-offenders and felons everyday and I have had students with similar felonies and they are working to this day.  To employers, theft, robbery and other crimes involving integrity are looked down far more than offenses like yours.

When you apply for jobs you should respond to the "Have you been convicted of a crime..." question this way.  When answering this question you must list four things.  You must list the location of the conviction (County, State,) the conviction, the date of the conviction and the disposition ( final outcome.)  It should look

like this:

Cook County, Illinois,   Involuntary Manslaughter (Isolated Incident,) June 2005, Time served, 13 years.

Notice the notation after the conviction "Isolated Incident."  This tells the employer that this was something that was not planned, it was circumstantial. You will be surprised how well this works.  When you get an interview, the charge will probably come up.  You should begin your explanation of the incident with "I'm glad you asked that question because I want you to be comfortable hiring me......."  then, most humbly explain what happened.

I tell every felon I work with that finding a job is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the more interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get, the more opportunities you will get to get hired.  Apply for every job you feel you qualify for.  Never eliminate yourself by not applying.


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Are you a felon or ex-offender who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here.  Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.

If you are really serious about getting a job or you want to help someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

 

   

Felon has serious conviction and needs job search help

Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

Hello,

My name is Dylan and I am a two time felon. I have to 3rd degree burglary charges under my belt from 2004-2005 in New Jersey. I moved to North Carolina after Sandy hit the entire state of New Jersey. It is very hard to find work. I can not even get hired at the local McDonald's or other low entry level jobs. I feel like I am at the end of my rope. I have been out of trouble for so many years and still paying for my mistakes today. I feel hopeless. I can't provide for myself let alone for someone else.

I am 27 years old and I just want my life to start. I will take any kind of job but it seems that no one will take a chance on me. I currently live with a friend who has been taking care of me and supporting me. He is falling behind on his bills because of it. I am out of options. I am in a new state where I do not now anyone. No family or friends in the area and no one to help. I am desperately asking you for any help that you can give me.. I live in High Point, North Carolina. I have been rejected from everywhere over and over. Even from temp agencies. I do not know what else to do.

Please help!

 

Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

Hello Dylan,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I am in New Jersey, and yes Sandy did a lot of damage here.   The very first thing I suggest to every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is to go to your local One-stop Career Center.  There you will find a number of great resources that can help you find a job or even a

career.  If you need a resume, you can get help getting one.  If you need interview skills, you can get help.  There are also lists of open positions in your area.  In addition, you will find counselors that can give you employment assistance.  Often the counselors know of employers who have hired ex-offenders and felons in the past.

You can find the office in High Point below:

High Point JobLink Career Center
 607 Idol Street
High Point, NC 27262

You say you have applied for temporary employment.  There is a trick to apply for temporary jobs.   The trick is to apply at small independent agencies.  Smaller agencies are a better choice than larger, nationally known ones. Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they choose and are more likely to hire ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.  You may find some in your local telephone directory.  Apply to them as you would any other employer.

Take a look at the video below.

Jobs for felons: Working as a Temporary Employee

Jobs for Felons: How to Find Hidden Jobs

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Felon in North Carolina looking for Job

Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

My name is Millie. On 11/8/2010. I was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.  While driving my boyfriends car for him to have him drop me back off at home we were stopped by the police. I remained in the car while he jumped out and ran.

This was my first time ever getting in trouble with the law besides speeding tickets. I answered all the questions for them gave them his name address, where he lived, etc.. etc.. i was placed under arrest after they searched his vehicle. I was embarrassed didn't know who to call.  One of the ladies who was in booking with me told me to use my free call and call a bondsman. I had court the next morning was given a court appointed attorney an was out on bond...I had absolutely no money to pay this bondsman back, and then i began selling personal items on Ebay because I
was given 60 days to pay off the bondsman.

I lost my job working for one of the highest paying companies in Florence, SC and just completed my bachelors degree at the university here. About 2 months later they found my boyfriend and charged him with the same exact charged. He denied that it was his and instead of a free lawyer he actually hired a lawyer. After I investigated his lawyer that he hired found out that he was one of the best her in the town and was known to get drug offenders a must lighter sentence.


I just wanted it to be over so a couple months later I told my lawyer that I'm just ready to have the judge sentence me.  My lawyer never told me about PTI, explained to me about pardons, expungement, NOTHING.  I went to court and pleaded with the judge to lower my charge. I'm a good person and law abiding citizen. I'm working on my masters degree.  He showed NO mercy on my at all.  Told me I need to pick better boyfriends sentenced me to time served and suspended my sentence of 5 years 3 years probation. 3 years!

I met with my probation officer three times and was on probation for 3 months. She told me that she would recommend that I be released from being on probation because I'm not like the normal people she dealt with.  All I had to do was pay my fines and she would release me early.  I was broke.  I told her I didn't have the money to pay the supervising fees nor the court fees...... :-(  I started dancing for money at private parties and at local strip clubs. I never danced before.  It never crossed my mind, and the girls that danced with me all had a troubled backgrounds relating to abuse, low self-esteem, etc. I danced for a month and decided to quit.  I quit because I was raped at a bachelor party that me and another dancer did.  I never reported it or told anyone.  I just simply stopped dancing all together and the money I had saved was enough to pay my probation officer off and to apply for a pardon.

I have sought help from my local one stop. I have received the bonding paperwork from them. I have been offered several jobs but once my background check came back or they found out, the offers were taken

back!!! From high paying jobs to low paying jobs. From sales job to waitressing jobs.

I'm unable to receive any government assistance.  I go to food banks for food and groceries.

I need help finding employment.  I have always worked since I was 15 and now not working for nearly two years have completely change my entire outlook on life. I never thought in a million years I would be where I'm at today. I set a goal for myself daily to apply for 25 jobs a day!!! I have sought help for depression from my local vocational rehabilitation center and was denied because they advised me its not a disability. I know everyone says their story is different but I can promise you mine is.

Can you help me????

Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

Hello Millie,

I agree with the judge on the fact that you should pick better friends.  I have several suggestions for you.  I encourage every felon I meet to be absolutely honest when applying for jobs.  I know there is often a temptation to not be honest on applications, but what good is it to get a job, only to lose it when the background check comes back.  Honesty is always the best policy.

As for finding a job, don't give up on the One-stop Career Center just because there was no job for you then.  There are new jobs added to lists everyday.  Another suggestion is to contact the local United Way office.  The United Way supports many social services agencies that help you in many ways.  Many of these agencies are felon friendly.  They may also contacts to organizations that have hired a felon in the past.   Stay on good terms with your probation officer. She may have know of companies who have hired her clients in the past.

My final suggestion is to apply for every job you feel you are qualified for.  Don't believe that because you are a felon, you are automatically disqualified from being hired.  Be honest, put your best foot forward and be prepared to talk about your past in a positive way.

I hope this helps.

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Lady Felon needs Jobs Search Help

Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I have been reading your blog, but I see nothing about getting a job in Florida.  It is really tough on a convicted felon when comes to getting a job.  Do you know of any places here who will give a felon a shot at a job?  I live in Plantation, and I have been everywhere but all I see are doors slammed in my face.

I will take anything at this point.

Jamal

Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

Hello Jamal,

I agree it is really hard for a felon.  One thing I suggest is that take anything you can get so you can build a resume, a work history and a  reference for you to build on.  Apply for as many jobs as you can because find a job for a felon is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the greater number of interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get the greater your chances will be to get a job.  Take a look at this story which is an actual case of one of my students, Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Job.  It tells the story of one of my students who was having a tough time finding a job and some of the things he had to do to get hired.

From time to time, we all need a little help.  I know there was an organization in in Ft. Lauderdale that may help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  The Urban League of Broward County has a program that helps to prepare low income, unemployed and those with criminal backgrounds for jobs.  There are other resources that can help families and single people who are having a difficult time.  You can find out more about The Urban League of Broward County and what programs are available at their website.  Under that, is one of my videos that will give you other options that may lead to you getting a job.

The Urban League of Broward County
Urban League of Broward County
11 N.W. 36th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-584-0777 

"Programs designed to provide training and developmental skills necessary to enter or re-enter the workforce and become economically self-sufficient. Program benefits include educational services, job placement, GED preparation & testing, employability skills training and child care services. These programs offer participants career development opportunities through various life skills workshops, service-learning experiences, internships and apprenticeships."

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Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

   Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

 Hello Mr. Mayo,

I committed a crime over 10 years ago, I pleaded guilty and go two years probation.  My church gave me a job after my conviction. I didn’t have to worry about seeking employment elsewhere.  I no longer work at the church for personal reasons.  I am currently looking for a job and it’s hard for me.   I was wondering if you could give me some advice on where to start or if there are programs out there for women.  I live in Virginia Beach

Lisa

Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Unfortunately, I don't know of any programs in the Virginia Beach area for women.  The first place I suggest for every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is the nearest One-stop Career Center.  Your local One-stop can help you with some valuable services that help you get a job.  You can get help with your interviewing skills, a resume and there are computers and copiers you can use.  There are also state issued lists of open jobs in your area.  Each center has a staff of counselors that can help you in your job search.  Many counselor's regularly work with felons and ex-offenders and know of employers in the area that will give them a chance.  You can find the Center in your area here:

http://servicelocator.org

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Another suggestion is to find your local United Way office.  The United Way supports a large number of social service agencies that may be able to help you.  They can direct you to resources that may help a female felon or felons in general.  There may be other services that can help you get back on track.  The United Way in your area can be found here:

United Way of South Hampton Roads

United Way of South Hampton Roads
PO Box 41069
Norfolk, VA 23541-1069
(757) 853-8500
http://www.unitedwayshr.org/


Counties served by United Way of South Hampton Roads:

Chesapeake

Isle Of Wight

Norfolk


Portsmouth

Suffolk

I hope this info helps

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Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Felon In NY State seeks job

Hello sir, thank you for the service you provide with this information. I live in New York state and I am having a very hard time finding work. Do you know of anywhere that I can get some help. I really want to work.

Thank you in advance,

Dennis

Felon In NY State seeks job

Hello Dennis,

Each state has a network of centers that offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist a felon in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career or even start a business. The New York Dept. of Labor has a long list of services including counselors that have experience working with felons and ex-offenders. You can get more information as well as the office nearest to you here:


http://www.labor.ny.gov/careerservices/CareerServicesIndex.shtm

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Felon In NY State seeks job

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

I have an aggravated battery in DuPage county in Illinois. It happened in 1996 and have not been able to find a job in the past 6 months because of my background. I have been offered many positions and then after the criminal background check told they were looking for someone else. Is there anything you know of in Illinois that might help me?

Ryan,

 Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Hello Ryan,

First of all, like I tell all ex-offenders and felons applying for jobs - always be honest! If the the question is asked on the application, answer honestly.  If you are less than honest on the application and a background check is done, you have no chance at the job.  Even if you are hired in the interim, you will probably be fired for being dishonest, rather than having a record.

Many felons opt to apply for jobs at smaller companies. Smaller companies often don't do extensive background checks as a means to save money.

Secondly I would seek legal counsel to have this conviction downgraded possibly to a misdemeanor. This will make it easier to work with. Often felon job searches begin with legal assistance. Contact your local legal aid office. You may qualify for low cost or no cost assistance to get this done. You may find more information here:

http://www.lafchicago.org/content/view/17/45/

Thirdly, I would visit the local One-stop Career center. There are many services as well as counselors that can help felons get jobs. You can find the center near you here:

http://www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

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This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Felon Looking for Job in NC

I ran across your name on line. I was hoping you could help me. my son is 22. He did 2 years DOC time in Fl and is on Probation here in Raleigh, NC for three years now. He is on interstate compact probation. He has been home since May and has been perfect. As I know you hear so much he can not find a job anywhere. He is a hard worker and has worked as a commercial fisherman and my ex-husband had a tire and wheel shop that Josh, my son, worked at from 10-16.   He was employed with a hardscaping contractor for the last six months and they were paying him 7.50 dollars to dig trenches and build patios and pools and fire pits and sort. The hours were by the weather and sometimes he only got 8 hours a week. Jay would work 60 if he could get the hours. His boss laid everyone off and is going under due to economy and so now Jay is completely unemployed again. Can you help me by telling me anywhere that might hire him in Raleigh? He does have a reliable vehicle and a current drivers license.

He did try Walmart, Ross, kmart, hilton, Marriott, Lowes, Foodlion, merchants tire, jiffy lube, verizon and even burger King and ups and they were all a no go when it got to the background part. Several of these he had two or three interviews at and then was dropped due to background. Is there anywhere of that you know for sure will? he is getting so discouraged. He is very dependable and does not drink or do drugs and has a great family life and is a great people person and laborer.

He has been through job link and dresses professional..do u know anywhere?

Felon Looking for Job in NC

Hello,

I'm sorry your son is having so much trouble.  There is a concern I have.  You say he gets an interview but is turned away when the background issue comes up.  Is it possible he is not being totally honest when filling out the application.  If he answers the questions honestly, there are no surprises when background checks are done.  I encourage a every felon and ex-offender I work with to always be honest in all phases of the job search process.  Never volunteer information but if the question comes up on either on an application or interview, always answer honestly.  I know of too many people who have been less than honest when completing applications and gotten hired, only to be fired when background checks were done.  They were not fired for having criminal backgrounds, they were fired for falsifying the application.

Don't give up on the JobLink.  There are new employment listing added all the time.  Once he is registered as a JobLink client, he can check openings online.  If he hasn't already, he should speak to a counselor there so he can get one-on-one assistance. He should tell the counselor about his prior experience so he can browse available jobs by interest.  The JobLink in Raleigh is:

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC
3351 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, NC 27610

In the meantime, I suggest he contact Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina. Goodwill offers ex-offenders employment opportunities in their retail locations.  This may help until he able to a find more suitable job.

You can find more information here:

http://goodwillenc.org/

I hope this helps.

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Felon Looking for Job in NC

Felon needs help finding a job in Arkansas

I live in Rogers, Arkansas but would be willing to travel anywhere in the region for work. My conviction is for possession of a controlled substance (meth).

My "friend" wore a wire on me. This happened in 2003. I was never in trouble before that, nor have I been since. Please help me find an employer that believes ex cons have paid their debt to society. Or at least want to give a good person a chance.

Sincerely,

Maria

 Felon needs help finding a job in Arkansas

Hello Maria,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble finding jobs.  I don't know how far you are from Little Rock but, you may want to look up Ramoth Inc. 

Ramoth Inc. is a felon friendly staffing agency that helps felons coming out of the Arkansas state prison system to find employment.  You can get more information here:

http://www.ramothinc.com/

There is a nationwide network of services that helps ex-offenders and felons with a with a large number of services. You can get help with your resume, interviewing skills and other helpful resources.  They also will have listings of open jobs in your area.  You may also find counselors who provide one-on-one job search assistance.

You can get more information here:

www.servicelocator.org


Jobs for felons will require a lot of hard work and the right information.

I hope this helps

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Felon needs help finding a job in Arkansas