Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Hello Eric,

My name is Steve.  I am 24 years old.  In 2009 I committed a crime consisting of Vandalism, Burglary, and Arson. I had never been in trouble my entire life and grew up in a strict household.  I was with five other guys and I was the oldest.  I was the only one to turn myself in and give a full statement on the matter. It landed me on a four year probation term and after that, it will be expunged from my record. (THAT WAS THE PLEA AGREEMENT). It happened in Tennessee and now I am currently living in Fort Wayne, IN.

There are a lot more jobs up here than down there but the problem I am facing is that when I go to a temp agency that IS SUPPOSED TO HELP FELONS FIND WORK they tell me that my current felonies together seen on paper would make it really hard for a potential client to take interest in my employment. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I have not been in trouble since my sentencing. I am a proud step father now of three and I have already completed two full years on my probation.

Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Hello Steve,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  I meet people everyday that have done some really stupid things when they were younger and are still paying the price as they get older.  My advice to them is to apply, apply apply for as many jobs as they feel they are qualified for.  I tell felons looking for jobs 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 greater the chance you will find an employer who will give you a shot a job.  Felons get hired everyday.  It's all about finding job leads and applying.

You can find open jobs in your area: Click Here!

When you get an interview and the question about your record comes up, acknowledge that you made some mistakes when you were younger.  Don't spend a lot of time talking about the mistakes, but focus on the things you have done to improve yourself and your attitude since.  You may say something like this:

I was into some things when I was younger that landed me in jail.  Jail is a tough place to be but I made the best of a bad situation.  I had a job which taught me respect for authority and patience through hard work.  I can honestly say, today I am a different person than I was going in.  If you give me this opportunity I’ll make the most of it.

As far as applying to temporary agencies, you may have more success applying to small privately owned agencies rather than large national companies.  Smaller businesses in general are more flexible when it comes to hiring felons.  Use the state sponsored employment service.  Each state has a network of offices that assists individuals in finding jobs.  They also provide a long list of services that help you get a job or find a career.  Some services are, resume preparation, and interviewing skills.  There lists of open jobs in your area. Each offices has trained counselors that can provide individualized assistance.  Many of the counselors have experience helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  You can find the nearest office in any community at:

www.servicelocator.org

WorkOne Northeast Indiana- Allen County
201 East Rudisill Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46806-1756 

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Felon can't get by Past Criminal Record

Felons must properly prepare for the job search to be successful

Felons must properly prepare for the job search to be successful

Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs often have a very hard time.  Their criminal backgrounds often make it a little more difficult to get hired than the average  job seeker. Jobs for felons will be a lot easier to obtain with hard work and proper preparation.

A successful job search will require the right tools. The first step will be assessing your tools which are your set of skills.  Are you able to tell a prospective employer what you can do in ten minutes or less.  If not, I suggest you make a list of your skills and be prepared to talk about them in a way that the employer will see the benefit.

Do you have a list of your previous employers handy for when it is time to complete an application?  Don't wait until you have fill out one to look for this information.  If your past jobs were on record and you had taxes taken out, you can get a list from the Social Security Administration.  Check the blue pages of your local telephone book for the nearest office nearest to you.

Next, you will need proper documentation.  Do you three forms of identification?  You will need ID to get a job.  You can get a copy of your Social Security card at your local office.  Below is a link to the application for a replacement cards along with instructions.  It will give you a head start.

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

Birth Certificate

To obtain a copy of your birth certificate, contact the office of vital statistics in the city where you were born.

Valid Driver’s License

To obtain a copy of your driver’s license, contact your local motor vehicle agency.  It is listed in your local telephone directory.  Your local motor vehicle agency may even offer “Identification Only” cards if you do not have a driver’s license.

Photo Identification

Many county agencies provide photo identification cards. 

Green Card or Visa (if applicable)

To obtain copies of your visa or alien registration card contact the office of Immigration and Naturalization.  You can get the process of renewing or replacing your green card here:

Green Card Replacement or Renewal Application

Everyone looking for employment should have a resume.  A resume will help you  to present your best qualities in one neat package.  It is a summary of your background, experience, training and skills.  If you have a resume, have someone look at it to judge it's quality.  If you do not have a well written resume, I suggest you get some help putting one together.  You should leave a copy of your resume with everyone you speak to about a job

Next,  do you have the right interview clothing?  A well fitting suit with a nice shirt and tie would be perfect thing to wear.  A new suit may not be possible for someone just getting back to the real world but I suggest that men at least have dress slacks, a light colored shirt and a matching tie.  You should also have a pair of shoes that you can shine.  Not boots, not sneakers…shoes!  Many ex-offenders and felons get their interview clothing at thrift stores.  They find quality clothes at very low prices, clean and press them and they are ready to do their best to get a job.  No matter how you get them, the right clothes makes all the difference.

Lastly, you have to find really good job leads, a great place to start finding job leads is your local One-stop Career Center.  You will not only find job leads in your area but you can get help with your resume and and other resources that can help in your job search.  You can find the nearest One Stop Career Center Here:  http://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/service-locator.aspx

Here you will find open jobs in your area as well as a long list of Companies that Hire Ex-offenders and Felons:  Click Here

This is a great start to a successful job search.  Brush up on your interviewing skills and you will be ready to compete for a job.

Good Luck!

 Felons must properly prepare for the job search to be successful

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Felons must properly prepare for the job search to be successful

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Felon needs a job for a new start

Dear Mr. Mayo,

I read your book and its a really good book.   I was wondering if in any way you can help me.  At the age of 17 (in 2002), I was accused and convicted of possession of a controlled substance.  Under the felony conviction, I received two years of intense probation which required me to be tested for drugs once a month, see my probation officer once a month and pay a $10.00 per month restitution charge.

 

In 2003 after being on probation for six months, I incurred a new felony charge, which violated the terms of my probation.  At the age of 18, they found cocaine on me I was charged with possession, intent to deliver and manufacturing of drugs. Both of my court cases were ran concurrently.  I received a four year sentence and served 18 mos in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

 

While being incarcerated, I took responsibility for my actions, paid the penalty for the crime and have been rehabilitated.  At the age of 17 and 18, I was young, immature and a victim of my circumstances.  I lived in a poverty-stricken neighborhood infested with drugs and economic injustice.  This is not an excuse for the crime I committed.  However, I became of product of my environment.  When I was exposed to better opportunities, I wanted to change my life and make a difference in my life and community.  I made immature mistakes and have since changed my life for the better.

 

 

Since being released from the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2007, I completed various training programs:  a Medical Assistant Program at Everest College in Merrionette Park IL and a Cosmetology Program at Canella Beauty School in Blue Island, Illinois.  I am trying to educate myself and make a positive contribution to society.

 

Eight years later at the age of 27, I pose no threat to society and would like to use my compassion and skills to help others in the healthcare industry.  In addition, I currently take care of my elderly uncle (age 70) who has multiple health issues. I currently have me CNA certificate I have been looking for a job for a while now and nobody doesn't want to give me a chance. I was wondering if you can help me.  I have been given a waiver for my convictions through Illinois Department of Public Health and every place I apply to tell me they doesn't accept waivers.  I've tried everything I really need your Sir. 

Angela

Felon needs a job for a new start

 

Hello Angela,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  It seems that you are really trying to get together.  Unfortunately there are some obstacles.  You have a Cosmetology certificate.  If that is what you want to do, you should apply to small, independent hair salons.  You may have to start at the bottom by washing hair etc., but often if you want more, you have to pay your dues.

If you want a career in the medical field, as I often suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for employment is to apply for temporary employment. There are temporary agencies that service the field of medicine.  Often companies end up hiring their temporary help. There is a twist for ex-offenders and felons when it comes to applying for temporary assignments. They should apply at smaller independent temporary employment agencies. 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.  There are also home health aide and visiting nurse services that you also should apply to.

I also strongly recommend to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to go to the nearest One-stop Career Center.  There you will find a list of services that can help you find a job.  There are also trained counselors to assist you.  Many of these counselors have experience working with those who have criminal backgrounds and may know which employers have a history of hiring ex-offenders and felons.  You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center here:

One-Career Centers Nation-wide

Whenever you get an interview, remember to tell the interviewer that you can be bonded.  The Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to individuals with criminal histories and other high-risk job applicants who are qualified, but fail to get jobs because regular commercial bonding is denied due to their backgrounds.

Applications for federal bonding can be obtained through any Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) office or Illinois Employment Training Center (IETC)

    Contact:
    Re-entry Employment Service Program
    33 South State Street
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312-793-1107    

Web Site: www.ides.state.il.us/exoffenders

If you ever have an interview with a private employer, mention that they may be eligible for a federal tax credit just by giving you a chance.  The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit to reduce the federal tax liability of private for profit employers to be used as an incentive for employers to hire individuals from eight different targeted groups: TANF recipients, veterans, ex-felons, high risk youth, summer youth, Food Stamp recipients, SSI recipients, and vocational rehabilitation referrals.

 
Contact:
 
State wide Program Manager WOTC
33 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60612

312-793-1597
 
Web Site: www.ides.illinois.gov/page.aspx?item=80


I hope this helps.

Ex-offenders and convicted felons can get jobs with Federal Bonding Program

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Felon needs a job for a new start

Felon with college education needs a job

My husband has a felony, the charge is lewd and lascivious. It was an incident that happened about 6 years ago before we met. He had a drinking problem at the time and has not drank any alcohol in the past 5 years. After serving 7 months in prison for this crime he got out and went back to school.

He started at a community college and went on to be accepted to the Kansas University school of business and graduated with a degree in accounting with distinction which is no small feat! He graduated in December of '16 and has since been unable to find a job in his field.

He has had one offer that was later taken back after seeing his charge on paper and several interviews for jobs where I know he would have got them if it weren't for this charge. We tried to get it expunged but were unsuccessful. The judge did say we should try again later as he wasn't saying no forever. My husband is becoming increasingly disappointed and losing hope. He is a great, intelligent and changed man.

What more can we do?

Felon with college education needs a job

My suggestion is to apply for jobs by letter of application. By applying for jobs this way often allows ex-offenders and felons to get around the application process and never have to mention that he has a criminal record.  Many professional job seekers never fill out applications.  They send application letters to employers.  Take a look at the sample letter below.  It will give you an idea of how to put an application letter together.

Perhaps the best advice I can give anyone looking for a job, is to apply for all jobs you are qualified for.  Often felons will not apply for jobs because they feel that they will be rejected.  That is not a good practice.  Never eliminate yourself from jobs by not applying.  The more jobs you apply for, the better your opportunity to get interviews.

As far as applying for expungement,  this a legal process that I advise that you don't try without assistance.  I suggest contacting your local legal aid office.  you will find attorneys that can offer low cost and often even no cost assistance with getting this process done in an effective way.

I hope this helps.

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Felon with college education needs a job

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Trucking companies look to felons to fill thousands of driver openings

By KEVIN SMITH | kvsmith@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley Tribune

John Lauria spends his working hours driving a truck loaded with cases of juice, tea and energy drinks.

It’s quite an about-face for the 49-year-old Rosemead man who spent 30 years in and out of prison for drug and burglary offenses.

Since his last release three years ago, Lauria struggled to find a solid job. But that changed in February when, seemingly against all odds, he was hired as a truck driver for Haralambos Beverage Co. in City of Industry.

“When I applied for the job I was honest with them,” Lauria said. He got the job and now earns $17 an hour.

Lauria owes his turnaround in part to a growing U.S. labor shortage. As the long-haul trucking industry scrambles to fill openings for drivers, more than 40 large operators have tapped an unlikely labor source — felons.

The American Trucking Associations says the industry needs another 51,000 drivers to keep pace with increased shipping demands from Amazon, Walmart and other mega-retailers. The demand has prompted an increasing number of trucking companies to give non-violent, ex-offenders a second look.

Steps to a new life

Making the leap from inmate to employee doesn’t happen overnight. Training, either in prison or soon after release, is a key part of the transition.

El Monte Truck Driving school in Irwindale is among those helping get felons to work. Louie Pena, who handles recruiting and placement there, said the school skips background checks as it’s well known the trucking industry is often a lifeline for people with criminal histories.

“When someone pays $4,000 to $8,000 for training … they wouldn’t put up that kind of money if they weren’t serious,” he said.  John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems, said hiring felons makes sense, as these job candidates are especially eager to find work. Kearney’s Florida-based company makes virtual simulators used to train truck drivers.

“The concern is where you draw the line in terms of their record,” he said.

Case-by-case basis

Knight Transportation, a Phoenix-based trucking company with local facilities in Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga, hires felons. But they are heavily vetted, according to Vice President T.J. Presley.

Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, he said, which includes checking their recent and past history while also looking at where they are in life now. 

“There are a lot of great people out there who just came upon bad times,” Presley said.

Knight doesn’t hire felons whose convictions were as recent as five years ago. But those who are hired make good money.

“Entry-level drivers earn somewhere in the mid-$40,000-to-$50,000 range, and seasoned drivers can earn six figures,” Presley said. “We see a lot of turnover in the trucking industry because people with good, clean driving records are in high demand.”

R&R Transportation in Greensboro, N.C., also hires felons — providing that their crimes were nonviolent.

“If someone has a criminal record because they were arrested for drugs, whether it was 25 years ago or five years ago, that doesn’t matter,” company President Karl Robinson said. “But I wouldn’t hire anyone who was convicted of murder or did sex crimes.”

Help For Felons, a website that provides support and resources for felons, lists more than 40 trucking firms that hire drivers with criminal backgrounds. They include Swift Transportation, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Knight Transportation, Barr-Nunn Transportation and Western Express, among others.

Nine of the companies hire people with convictions that are 10 years old or more while others will consider applicants whose convictions occurred as recently as five years ago. Still, others hire on a case-by-case basis.

A good time to be looking

The current climate is good for felons in search of work, according to economist Chris Thornberg, a founding partner with Beacon Economics.

“The shortage of truck drivers is just one reflection of the broader economic situation,” he said. “There are more job openings right now across the economy than there are people who want to work. So people who didn’t have that chance three, four or five years ago now have a chance.”

But they have some catching up to do. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent in January, its lowest level in a decade, yet the jobless rate among the formerly incarcerated stood at 27 percent.

“Right now, if you have a record no one will hire you unless the company has a policy of accepting ex-offenders,” Kearney said. “There are plenty of people out there who have made mistakes in their lives but would have a tendency to go in the right direction if they had a job.”

Employment drives recidivism rates down

Landing a job also could keep felons from a return trip to prison.

More than half a million people are released from federal and state jails and prisons in the U.S. each year and about two-thirds will be rearrested within three years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice.

But a study by America Works and the Manhattan Institute shows recidivism rates dropped significantly for nonviolent offenders who found work shortly after leaving prison.

In prison-to-work programs in six cities across the country, states with overall recidivism rates of about 31 percent to 70 percent saw those rates plummet to as low as 3.3 percent for felons placed in jobs shortly after their release.

Ban the Box

California is among more than 30 states that have adopted a “ban the box” law. That prohibits private businesses with five or more workers from making pre-offer inquiries regarding a job applicant’s criminal history. Inquiries are allowed only after a conditional offer of employment is made.

Despite that law and a willingness on the part of many trucking companies to hire felons, driver shortages are still common. While R&R Transportation has 14 drivers and 13 trucks, Robinson said he’s always in the hole.

“You never have enough,” he said. “Once they get two years under their belt, other companies will hire them. You’re always going to have some attrition. But if you get the right person and they meld with the culture of the business, they will stay. It takes time to get good people.”

Lauria plans to become one of those “good” people. He hopes to gain a strong foothold in the trucking industry — and stay here.

“Getting this job is the best thing I ever did” he said. “Definitely.”

Trucking Jobs for Felons

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