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

Ex Offender in NC needs a Job

Hello Eric,

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

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

Thanx,

Debra

 Ex Offender in NC needs a Job

Hello Debra,

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

The bonds are free of charge to both the applicant and the employer and can be issued for any job at any employer in any state.. Any full or part-time employee paid wages (with Federal taxes automatically withheld) can be bonded, including persons hired by temporary employment agencies.  An applicant can be bonded the same day the job offer is made. You can find more information about the program by contacting the addresses below:

Federal Bonding Program, ETA/DOL

1725 De Sales Street, NW Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

1 (800) 233-2258


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

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC

3351 Carl Sandburg Court
Raleigh, NC 27610

Capital Area JobLink at Raleigh ESC

I hope this helps.

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Ex Offender in NC needs a Job

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Besides Jobs, What Do Ex-offenders and Felons Need?

I use this blog to answer questions from ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs. From time to time, I come across some things from others that I feel should be shared. This comes from a human services student, Roger P., who would like to know directly from those in need what is needed.

 "I am not a convicted felon or an ex-offender, however, I know many people who are and see the struggle they have in that life situation. Today something tugged at my heartstrings. I am human services student, currently working on certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. I have been doing research for a class on the topic of criminality. My first instinct was to explain what criminal thinking is and how it is changed. However, my research has led me in a different direction. I have decided to concentrate on the lack of resources, myths rubber-stamped by society, and postulating an awareness of these struggles that continue the cycle to recidivism.

I'm asking you, to help me understand, how I can help you and others, who wear that rubber-stamp (CONVICTED FELON), to live productive, meaningful, and happy lives. The only person who truly understands what it is to be oppressed is the oppressed person. As the societal oppressor, I can stand on your shoulders all day long and never know what it feels like for you to have me standing on your shoulders." 

All comments are welcome

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- Eric

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Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

Hello Mr. Mayo,

Last year I was arrested and and charged with a crime.  I was given deferred conviction.  I just applied to work in the kitchen of a hospital.  It is a really good job and I want to know if that deferred conviction will keep me from getting it.

Kelly

 Can I work in a hospital with Deferred Conviction?

Hello Kelly,

Deferred Conviction / Deferred Judgement / Deferred Adjudication is sometimes offered to first time offenders who commit lesser crimes.  It allows the offender to keep a clean record.  In most cases the offender enters a guilty plea and is sentenced to probation and and a fine.  One the probation is finished and fine is paid, the original charges are dropped allowing the offender to keep a clean record.  Since the charges are dropped, there is no conviction.  The arrest will be there but no conviction.  This process allows the court system to process more cases without clogging up courtrooms.

When it comes to applying for jobs, most employers are only concerned with convictions rather than arrests.  When filling out the application, pay careful attention to the wording.  If the application asks "Have you ever been arrested......" You must list the arrest.  If it asks "Have you ever been convicted......"  you can answer "No" because there was no conviction.

I hope my explanation makes sense.  If it does not, I suggest you contact either the prosecutor of the case or your probation officer to give you a better explanation.  The point I am making is, do not list your arrest if you do not have to.  I encourage everyone with a criminal background who is looking for a job to never offer information that isn't asked for.  Never tell anyone anything they don't have to know especially if could harm your chances of getting hired.


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