Felon in PA needs help finding jobs

Hello,

I am contacting you after perusing the Jail to Jobs website and the How Felons Can Get Jobs blog.  I am originally from Philadelphia and am planning on returning there after my time at college (out-of-state). I am a convicted felon (over seven years) and will actively be seeking employment in Philadelphia in the coming year. I would like to know if you have any recommendations for re-entry programs or job placement. While it has been eight years since my last arrest, I am sure that I will still find the same difficulty gaining employment as a recently released ex-offender.

Aside from the past two years (enrolled in college since ‘08), I have maintained full-time employment since 2003. Although I have previously worked with various ministries and organizations, because most of the establishments have primarily focused their programming on adjudicated youth and ex-offenders, my past criminal history has not been a concern. However, as a soon to be college graduate with a great deal of life experience, I am looking to possibly expand my horizons.

I thank you in advance for your time and support and await your posted reply.

Respectfully,

John

 Felon in PA needs help finding jobs

Hello John,

There are a number of sources in the Philadelphia area that help ex-offenders and felons find jobs. I have listed to below.

Best of luck to you.

Metropolitan Career Center/STRIVE Philadelphia
162 West Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-843-6615

Web Site: www.strivecentral.com/sites/national/mcc.htm


Please do not forget to go to your local One-stop Career Center.  You will find a ton of free services and resources that can help you get a job or start a new career.  You can get individual assistance with your job search from counselors.  These services can help get a felon jobs.  You will find your local One-stop Career Center here:


Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation

1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103–1813
215-557-2625

Web Site:

Philadelphia Works Inc.

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Felon in PA needs help finding jobs

 Jobs for Felons: Illinois Felon can't Find a Job

Me and my husband live in East Saint Louis, Ill. and we have a 2 two year old son.  I'm working but my husband isn't.  He can't find work anywhere.  His problem is he can't find anyplace the will hire him because he has a record.  He did something really stupid when he wad 18 years old.  He stole a lawn mower out of somebody's yard. Because of that stupid mistake he made as a kid, he now has a felony record and NOBODY will hire him. He is 27 now and this is still holding him back.  He has tried so many places and everyone keeps turning him down

Can you please help me? We're trying so hard to get on our feet and we can't because of this nine year old charge. I don't know what were going to do if he can't find a job.

Jessie

 Jobs for Felons: Illinois Felon can't Find a Job

 

Hello Jessie,

I'm not sure how much a nine year old conviction is holding your husband back.  In these economic times, finding a job for everyone is tough.  What I tell felons looking for jobs is it's going to take a lot of hard work.  I remind them that find a job is a numbers game.  Felons are hired everyday.  The hard part is finding employers that will give a felon a chance at a job.  

What I mean by finding a job is a numbers game is, the more jobs leads you get the more chances you have to get an interview.  The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired.  So, where is the best place to get job leads.  I encourage every felon to visit the local One-stop Career center.  The local One-stop is your state sponsored employment office.  There you will find a lot of services that can help your husband land a job.  Among those services are listings of open jobs in your area.  You can get one-on-one job search assistance from trained counselors.  There is resume assistance and referrals to job training that could lead to a career.  You can find your local One-stop Career center here:

Southwestern Illinois WorkNet Center-Belleville

 4519 West Main Street
Belleville, IL 62223

 Another option for felons looking for jobs is to apply for temporary employment.  Often temporary jobs turn into more permanent situations.  When applying for employment at temporary agencies, my students have more success with smaller independent agencies as opposed to national companies.  In many cases, the large companies have regulations from their corporate offices that prohibit the hiring of ex-offenders and felons.  Independent agencies are free to hire anyone they feel would be a good employee.

Your husband will have to put in hard work to get a job.  I don't just mean hard work finding employers, but getting a professional looking resume, brushing up on his interviewing skills and getting the proper clothing to make good impression on employers.

Take a look at the video below.  

I hope this helps.


Eric Mayo

 

 Get more info here

 

 

 Jobs for felons: Ten Simple Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

 

 

Jobs for Felons: Illinois Felon can't Find a Job

Felon in NC needs job to support family

My name is Cynthia.  I am still currently on probation with a felony. I will be on probation until 2015, I was told by a lawyer that my felony will stay on me until 2023.  The state I was convicted in had a first time offenders act where I didn’t show up in any system.

 I live in North Carolina where the first time offender act does not apply.  I have been jobless for over a year. I have applied at several restaurants, retail stores, and other various places. I have been called to several interviews but the outcome is when the employers ask me what my felon is for they tell me they can’t hire me. It is for theft. So, I am back at square one with endless job applications, and no success.  McDonald's even said they would not hire me. I have three kids, two which are special needs, and a husband who is also disabled.  My husband is receiving disability and that alone doesn’t pay all the bills. We get food stamps, and medicaid. I am wanting to get off the public assistance and support my family. Is there anything else that I can do to help with my employment seeking?

Felon in NC needs job to support family

Hello Cynthia,

Frequent readers of my blog know that I strongly suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to use the local one-stop career centers

JobLink Career Centers are the one-stop career centers in North Carolina. These centers provide a long list of services that can help prepare you for a job or even training for a new career.  Each center has counselors that provide individual assistance.  Often these counselors have experience working with people with criminal backgrounds and know of employers who have hired ex-offenders and felons.  Among the services offered you will find lists of open jobs in your area.  You may also get referrals to other agencies that provide services that can help your family.  You can find the center closest to you here:

 http://www.ncesc1.com/locator/locatormain.asp
 
Because you have a theft conviction, you may not be considered for retail, cash handling or other positions where valuables are at risk.  That must be taken into consideration when applying for jobs.

I hope this helps.

  

Felon in NC needs job to support family

Felon wants job as a nurse

I'm a convicted felon who is trying to become a Registered Nurse. I have a 1st degree felony drug charge for Possession of Controlled Substance from May 2000 - ten years ago! I finally got accepted into a nursing program after being rejected from another and thought I have over come all the hurdles. Now the school has just informed me that I may not be able to get into their school after all because the hospitals where I have to do clinicals may not allow felons.... Do you have any advice? Would some kind of bond maybe help my situation as far as the hospitals go?

Thanks for your help,

Melody

 Felon wants job as a nurse

Hello Melody,

Jobs for felons in the medical field depends on the conviction. Drug charges almost always prohibits one from working in hospitals. Your only hope may be to have your conviction sealed. The only problem with that is, even with an expungement or sealing, your conviction will always be visible to law enforcement, the court system and government agencies which will present a problem being licensed.

Often ex-offender and felon job searches begin with legal assistance. I suggest contacting your local legal aid office to see if sealing of your record or expungement is an option for you.  Expungement/Sealing of records are legal processes tha one should never attempt without legal guidance.  The legal aid office may offer low cost or even free assistance with these processes.

Best of luck to you.

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 wants job as a nurse

Felon wants job as Drug Counselor

 

Hi I am a recovering meth addict who was arrested in 2006 on federal charges for conspiracy to distribute meth. I live in California. I have done time in rehabs, halfway houses, and prison. Being 26 years old now I'm would like to go back to school and better myself. I am currently working at a family owned business but want something more for myself. I was thinking something in medical office or drug counseling. What would you recommend someone who has a criminal background go to school for? I do not want to waste my time going to school for something and not being able to get a job in that field. I am still on federal probation and will be for at least another 3 years. I know that this will prevent me from obtaining a license through the state. Any ideas??

Thanks so much!

 Felon wants job as Drug Counselor

I know many ex-offenders and felons who have become drug/alcohol counselors. If you check the link below you will find everything you need to know about what it takes to become a counselor in the state of California including a link to email the Certification Administrator. That person should be able to advise you of your prospective eligibility.


http://www.caadac.org/

The very best of luck to you.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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 wants job as Drug Counselor

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

Hello Eric,

First and foremost, I want to thank you for taking your time to both run your very informational blog as well as to view my e-mail. Secondly, I apologize in advance for the multiple questions that I am asking. Now, for some insight...I met my boyfriend two years ago, just before he was going to jail in MD for a violation of probation. He also confided in me from the start that he was facing seven felony charges in PA. Caring deeply for him, I agreed that so long as he was a changed man and did not participate in the activity that landed him in trouble in the first place from there on out, that I would stay with him. I waited for him while he served his violation of probation sentence, and ever since a little over a year ago, we have been in a serious, committed relationship. He has been sober ever since we met...and you can ask anyone, his friends, family, teachers, old co-workers...he has certainly changed, for the better.

Of course, our lives together have been a roller coaster. His charges from PA loomed for the first nine or so months of our relationship. Every court date, I did not know if he was returning to jail, and if I would be left waiting again. In the meantime, he did everything that he needed to. He voluntarily participated in rehab, did volunteer work at a local non-profit organization, and stayed sober. When his sentencing date came around, the judge recognized all of his hard work and let him off with six years of probation instead of the two years in jail that he had agreed to in the plea agreement. Even his lawyer was shocked, and shook his head when my boyfriend thanked him, before saying, "I did nothing. You did all of the work." The downside was that he officially became a convicted felon, instead of having pending felonies. Thankfully, they were dropped from seven to three.

This was very exciting news, of course. Even more so exciting was that a couple of hours after we got home, he received a phone call for an interview. By the next week, he already had a part-time job. He held the job for a month without any problems until recently. Despite being a very hard worker and increasing sales by $5,000 single-handedly in the short amount of time that he worked there, corporate obtained his background check and the store let him go. This was very frustrating, especially seeing as when he was hired, his managers knew every single little thing on his record. He was never dishonest about anything. The local store wanted him, but corporate did not.

This leaves us in a pickle. We have bills to pay, bills that I cannot afford on my own. We realize how much of a struggle it was for the first nine months for him to even get an interview, and here he is, back at square one. Everything feels like it happened so quickly - he was given a second chance, and it was ripped away from him just as fast. He has a strong resume that we have sent to numerous employers, but he obviously cannot pass a background check. Even local laboring agencies will not accept people with so much as a misdemeanor, since they are specifically for "individuals with clean records who just cannot find jobs," as he was told on the phone. He is getting pretty discouraged...I can provide emotional support, no problem, but financially, I cannot hold us both up for too long. What would your best suggestion be? Should he even mention this latest job on his resume? He was a great worker - they just did not want him after the background check. How is he supposed to explain working for simply a month to the next person who offers him an interview?

To add to his woes and dreams getting crushed, he wants so desperately to join the Army...unfortunately, every recruiter that we have talked to laughs in his face and turns him away. One of our best friends is a Sgt. MP and he keeps giving my boyfriend hope, though that goes away when the actual recruiters say there is no chance. Considering that my boyfriend was represented by a public defender in his court case involving the felony charges, what course of action can we take? I have seen on your blog the mentioning of sending letters to lessen felonies to misdemeanors, etc to help with this problem. It is just very confusing when his public defender says that he has to wait seven years to have his felonies expunged before he can join the Army, the judge says he only needs to finish probation to join the Army, and the recruiters say no matter how old a charge is, he can never join the Army.

Being with this man whom I care so deeply for and yet feel like I can't help is a very overwhelming feeling. I have such a strong passion now to organize and rally, to contact my local government to encourage them to encourage employers to hold ex-offender friendly job fairs, etc. not just for my boyfriend, but for all reformed convicts who truly do want to change their lives. How would I go about doing that? Would a letter suffice? Who would I even write to in our local government? I want to advocate to help others get the second chances that they deserve, I just feel as though I need a bit of direction or encouragement to get me going.

Thank you so much for reading, and God bless your work and all that you do.

-Hoping to Help

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

Your boyfriend is lucky to have someone like you in his corner. Many ex-offenders and felons usually don't have as much support. As for listing such a short term job, I would not. It would simply raise more questions. I would apply at smaller companies that can hire at their own discretion. Your boyfriend may also consider temporary employment. Once again he may have success applying at small independent employment agencies who are free to hire anyone they please rather than national companies that have stiffer corporate hiring guidelines. Another option is contact your local United Way. The United Way financially supports social service agencies including some which help ex-offenders or may even employ them. Goodwill Industries also have programs which help and employ ex-offenders and felons.

Expungement is not an option when seeking to join the military. Expungement does not erase convictions. It makes them unavailable for view from the public. They will always be visible to law enforcement, the court system and government agencies. The Army will grant waivers for those convicted of certain felonies allowing them to join. If the recruiter tell you that you are ineligible, then you are.

In these tough economic times, there are so many unemployed people who do not have criminal backgrounds making jobs for ex-offenders and felons even more difficult. An out-of-the-box approach may be to contact elected officials in your area and ask for help. He can express his desire to be employed and once again become a productive member of society. Elected officials have staff members that answer letters and respond to inquiries from citizens. Officials that could offer assistance are: Mayors, Council Members, Commissioners, Aldermen, Board Members, Assemblymen, and Judges. Never ask for jobs, only suggestions. He may be surprised how well this works.

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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!

Hoping to help boyfriend and other felons get jobs

Felon in Colorado seeks Expungement

Hello,

I found your site looking for help with expungment. I received a first time felony, due to the fact that I was using meth. I was lost and did things that I really had desperate means to find more. I caught a charge in Colorado and did time for felony burglary 2 of building. I picked up my number and finished my time, but am finding it hard to get a job. I changed my life have a house a wonderful wife and child. I would like to know how to, if I am able to, expunge my record out of Colorado. Can it be done and if so how? I managed a tire shop out of Colorado with my felony, and now live in MN. I'm trying to obtain a job with another tire company that has a background check and would like to know how I should approach this matter could you help with this? Please let me know what steps I should take if there are any?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Anthony

Felon in Colorado seeks Expungement

Hello Anthony,

I am not a legal professional and therefore not prepared to give legal advice but my understanding is that expungement is only available in Colorado for cases that have been dismissed.

If your conviction is more than ten years old, you may apply for a pardon. Unfortunately, pardons are rare.

Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs often require legal assistance. You may find low-cost legal help at your local legal aid office. You can find the office nearest you in you local phone directory.


I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

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 Colorado seeks Expungement

Felon seeks job as a Nurse

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. : )

Felon seeks job as a Nurse

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.

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  Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

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 seeks job as a Nurse

Felon wants Job as Paramedic

 

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

Felon wants Job as Paramedic

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 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.
and have to be licensed by the California

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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 wants Job as Paramedic

Felon with federal conviction needs employment

I was sent the following link http://www.howfelonscangetjobs.com/, so this is how I got your email address. I have a federal felony for marijuana from 2001. I am finding it really hard to get a job. I have had a few since I was convicted and served my time ten years ago. With the economy being what it is I was laid off from a steel company 12/08. I have had once job since and that didn't work out. So here I am once again looking for a job. My unemployment is almost expired and I'm finding it very difficult to find companies who don't do background checks. I don't think I can have this taken off my record due to it being federal. If you have any suggestions or help to offer please do so. I love office work and it's what I'm good at. I recently went to dental assisting school and graduated only to find out it isn't for me, so now the $10,000.00 I borrowed for school will be coming due soon.

I'm really frustrated...I understand I made a mistake back in 1998 and did my time and probation and I still have a black cloud over my head.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Thank you


~Kat~

Felon with federal conviction needs employment

Hello Kat,

You are correct you have little or no chance of having this conviction removed. Expungement is not an option for federal convictions. As I mentioned in a previous post, often I suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for employment is to apply at smaller independent temporary employment agencies. Often companies end up hiring their temporary help. Independent agencies don't have to deal with restrictions larger agencies may have placed on them by their parent companies as they relate to hiring ex-offenders and felons. They are free to hire anyone they choose. You can find listing in your local telephone directory and apply as you would any other job.

I also suggest that you apply for jobs using your resume and a well written cover letter. Often when you apply for jobs this way, your record may never come up.

I hope this helps

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

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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 with federal conviction needs employment

Felons, jobs and Deferred Adjudication

 

  Please help! I found your blog online.

I'm currently serving 5yrs of probation for deferred adjudication (for felony case). I feel that I should contact the attorney that handled my case - because I recall my attorney saying that I either pay off my debt and be done with everything or pay while serving the whole 5 yrs of probation. I am still having a hard time finding a job. The majority of my work experience is in an office environment, with that in mind - no one will hire me! I have had tons of interviews, and I've been let down. I have some production/warehouse experience, but that's still not helping. I was told by my PO that I have the right to choose "No" when it comes to the question on any application asking "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" And, I choose "Yes" when it asks me "Have you ever been convicted and/or deferred adjudication." My background check comes up showing my felony. I'm still serving this probation until 2014, and my PO told me I have to wait until 2014 to try to remove this thing off my record. Now there was an increase in my probation fees from the original judgement. I could barely afford it much less paying more. I'm still not working. I moved back to Texas recently and started working for a small business (attorney's office) that didn't do background checks. So, I was with that office shortly while looking for another job, and then I had an excellent opportunity through an agency that paid more money, and I was guaranteed the pay rate increase and filled out the paperwork and I went through the interview. Everything went through and I was chosen for the position. And, the day I was going to start was the same day I received a call that my background disqualifies me from the job offer. I have not been convicted of any offense. I have already been to the Texas Workforce Center, and applied through them. Had more interviews, and continued to be rejected for numerous positions that I would qualify for - but it's the background check that hurts my job search. Please advise!

Thank you,

Bess

Felons, jobs and Deferred Adjudication

Hello Bess,

For those unfamiliar with Deferred Adjudication, in most cases, adjudication is withheld pending some other action, usually successful completion of the terms ( usually a fine and probation,) dismisses the case. If you successfully complete the terms, in most cases the charges are dismissed. When you complete the terms you will be given a document declaring the charges dismissed. In your case, the probation period is five years and that may present a problem until probation is complete. This will appear on background checks as a pending charge that sometimes will turn an employer off.

As 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. 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 jobs 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.

Once your probation is finished I suggest that you apply for expungement. This may help when it comes to background checks. Since expungement is a legal process, I strongly urge you to get professional assistance.

I hope this helps.


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Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: The Truth About Background Checks

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

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!

 Felons, jobs and Deferred Adjudication

Felon Mom in MD Needs 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
 

Felon mom in MD needs a job

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.

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Felon mom in MD needs a job

Felons join the Military

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.

Felons join the Military

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.




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Felons join the Military