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.


Please Rate This Post at the Top!

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.

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 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.




Please Rate This Post at the Top!

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 join the Military

Ex offender seeks professional job

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

Ex offender seeks professional job

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.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Sending Resumes and Cover letters

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!

Ex offender seeks professional job