Felon wants to expunge federal and state convictions

The price of a second chance; expungement explained

The Job Market is Cold Blooded out here. I need help I have lost my Job, my Apartment. When people know that you have a record they will not respect you as a working class person. I was fired so a Chef could get my job. I had been there almost one month. I told the Chef about my record he was like can you pass a Drug test I was sure. I passed. I told him my charge was over 20 years old he was like don't worry about that. The Sous Chef wanted my job for his friend so he had the Chef's boss do a background check and the fired me saying I was not doing my job. Two months later I run into a old co - worker they said I was fired because of my record. It's hard out here.

Felon wants to expunge federal and state convictions

I have good news and bad news. You may have a possibility of having your state record expunged. Often ex-offender and felon job searches begin with some legal assistance. Check with your local legal aid office to see if you are eligible in your state. There you can get the best information on the expungement process as it relates to your state. If possible, you may also get help getting that done there. As far as your federal charges, there is no such thing as the expungement of federal records. You may apply for a federal pardon, but they are rarely given.

Be tough in your job search. Apply to every restaurant you can think of. Even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks.

Take a look at the video below.  You will find some possible places that ex-offenders and felons can get some job leads.

 I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

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

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Felon wants to expunge federal and state convictions

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This company is hiring without asking about candidates’ backgrounds — here’s why

Originally published on CNBC - Karina Hernandez
Wed, Feb 26 2020

Inquiries into your criminal background are standard when filling out a job application. But for folks who have experienced life behind bars, their prospects of getting hired are cut in half, hindering their ability to settle back into society.


The Body Shop, the cosmetics brand from the United Kingdom, wants to lend a helping hand for marginalized people struggling to get a job. This summer, the company will implement “open hiring” — a hiring process that employs anyone on a first-come first-serve basis without asking about criminal and educational backgrounds — in all of its North American stores. The Body Shop claims it is the first retailer to do so in the United States.

“For us it’s not about filling roles and hiring more people,” said Andrea Blieden, the U.S. general manager for The Body Shop. “This is about setting an example as a brand about how this can be a force for good and fight injustices in society that exist, like unequal access to employment.”


How ‘open hiring’ began

The concept of open hiring is often credited to Greyston Bakery, which was established in 1982 in Yonkers, New York. People can sign up for a job at the factory and are immediately hired once a position becomes available.

New hires go through an apprenticeship program to learn the job’s duties and basic life skills. Completion of the apprenticeship leads to an entry-level position with Greyston Bakery, which supplies Ben & Jerry’s with brownies and sells its own brownies at Whole Foods.

Lucas Tanner, chief operating officer of Greyston Bakery, considers the hiring practice to be revolutionary. “We profoundly believe that open hiring, even though it’s a simple idea and it’s an extraordinary idea, can change the world,” said Tanner.

Open hiring can also change lives. Arthur, 50, had been in and out of prison since he was 16 years old, and his criminal record affected his chances of obtaining a steady job. “So many people judge you by your background and mistakes you did in your past,” he said. “They will slam the door on you right away.”

But 19 months ago, Greyston Bakery took a chance on Arthur. He was immediately hired after patiently waiting eight months to land an interview with the company. “I wasn’t judged,” said Arthur. “Right off the bat I was given an opportunity.”

Oftentimes, companies ask Tanner whether the new hires are ever violent. He said that is a misconception of open hiring. “We’ve never witnessed that,” said Tanner.

Starting ‘open hiring’ with larger employers

In 2018, the company launched the Center for Open Hiring to aid other businesses in adopting similar practices. One of their clients is The Body Shop.

In September 2019, Greyston helped the company transform its North Carolina distribution center into a pilot program. Background checks and educational requirements were removed for the 208 seasonal workers hired at the distribution center. Only three questions were asked during the application process: “Are you authorized to work in the United States?,” “Can you stand for up to eight hours?” and “Can you lift over 50 pounds?”

Since the start of the program, the company saw a 60% decline in employee turnover in 2019 compared to 2018. These results convinced The Body Shop to take this initiative to its stores, in hopes of giving a second chance to marginalized communities, like formerly incarcerated people.

A 2018 report by the Prison Policy Initiative found that 27% of ex-offenders are unemployed, compared to just 5.2% of the general population. Those who have earnings when released from prison earn less than a full-time worker earning minimum wage.

“All of these barriers that come into people’s way can be lessened when someone has some independence,” said Han Lu, a policy analyst at National Employment Law Project, “which is usually found in a salary or a wage.”

In a time when employers are voicing concerns over a labor shortage, Lu believes it’s an opportunity for employers to take the lead and abandon criminal background checks. “Workers with records tend to be more reliable and can have less turnover,” explained Lu. “It’s a place where employers can have a big impact in the communities that they exist in.”

The Body Shop sees the potential in this untapped population. “You are expanding your employment opportunities and you are giving people a chance they might have not had,” said Blieden, “and the goal would be that you have less employees turn.”

Formerly incarcerated employees perform as well or better, studies show

Prior studies explain the benefits for an employer when hiring people with a criminal background. In a study of military members, experts found that among 1.3 million ex-felons in the military, those with a criminal record performed as well or better than those with no record.Often times, ex-felons were promoted faster to higher ranks.

In 2016, John Hopkins Hospital shared results of a five-year study on 500 ex-offenders it hired. There was a lower turnover rate in the first 40 months, compared to non-offenders.

But not everyone is on board with these types of hiring practices. Opponents say ex-offender friendly initiatives, like “ban the box” or “fair chance hiring,” come along with unintended consequences. Initiatives like “ban the box” or “fair chance hiring” differ slightly from “open hiring” because applicants still deal with the typical job application process, but any questions regarding criminal history are removed. In contrast, people are automatically hired through open hiring without a formal job application or interview.

A study claims that when criminal history information is removed during the hiring process, it can actually lead to an “increase of statistical discrimination against demographic groups that include more ex-offenders,” like black and Latino men, because of the assumption that they are more likely to possess a criminal record. These findings have been disputed by economists.

The movement for inclusive hiring gained some momentum in December 2019 when President Donald Trump signed the Fair Chance Act as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. Federal agencies and contractors will be barred from inquiring about criminal records before a job offer. It will take effect at the end of 2021.

Just like the federal government, Andrea Blieden hopes other companies join The Body Shop to take a chance on those who have been locked out of the labor market. “We take chances every single day at work, in life,” said Blieden, “and this is probably one of the best chances that we have taken, and we’re really excited about it.”

Jobs for Felons: Companies Pledge Second Chance Opportunities

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This company is hiring without asking about candidates’ backgrounds — here’s why

Eric Mayo

Relocating Felon needs a Job

I have a brother that has relocated to MD from NY. He has felonies in NY that are not felonies in this location. Do you have any tips or organizations that he may be able to try?


Thanks in advance.

 

Relocating Felon needs a Job

 

Just a little insight, a felony in one state does not downgrade in another state.  I'm not sure where your brother lives in Maryland, but the Maryland Dept. of Labor provides many services for the unemployed. Ex-offenders and felons can get info on available jobs and other valuable services. You can get more information here:

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uihelp.shtml

You can get information on available jobs, writing a resume or connections to training that could lead to a new career.

Also take a look at this page.  You will find a huge list of employers who will offer ex-offenders and felons a fair chance at job opportunities.  You can also search for open jobs in your local area and even sign up to have job openings sent to you:  Jobs for Felons

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

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Fair Chance Jobs | Second Chance Jobs for Felons    

Relocating Felon needs a Job

Felon with deferred conviction wants job advice

Felon with deferred conviction wants job advice

Hello,

I found your web page to be informational and also motivational. I was charged with theft and it is deferred I have not completed my probation, but my question is when I complete the probation and finish paying all my fines. I am wondering if it make sense at all to go back to school to become an ADN, LVN or counselor. I am wonder if these jobs will hire me with this charge. Or would you send me some information about expungement. Would that apply for me and how should I go about it.

Thank you for your help in advance. I have applied for so many jobs. I can't count and I get turned down time and time again.

Sincerely

Melinda

Felon with deferred conviction wants job advice

Hello Melinda,

Generally speaking, when the terms of deferred sentences are met (in most cases, a fine and probation,) charges are formally dropped. If you are unsure of the terms, you should contact the prosecutor assigned to your case.

Once the terms are met, there will be no conviction simply a dropped charge. In most cases, employers are only interested in convictions. If there are provisions in your state for expungement or sealing, it won't hurt to apply for it. Many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs need legal help. Contact your local legal aid office to find out if this is an option for you.


I hope this helps.

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

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

 

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Fair Chance Jobs | Second Chance Jobs for Felons | deferred conviction

Felon with deferred conviction wants job advice

Felon wants job in Information Technology

Felon wants job in Information Technology

I am currently in the process of getting my degree in Information Technology. I am concerned that when I receive my degree, I will not be able to land a job because of my background. I was convicted of Possession With The Intent to Distribute, 8 years ago. I have spoken to a lawyer and he said that in Virginia, if you plead guilty there is no way to expunge the conviction from my record.

Now, I have stayed out of trouble since then and that is my only felony. When I see a job on-line, I notice that they say "must be able to pass a background check". What exactly does this mean. I seen on-line comments that it depends on the charge and the how long it has been. I would one day like to be able to receive a security clearance. Do you think I will ever be able to get past this blemish on my record or will I always be doom because of my past?

Thank you,

Daniel

Felon wants job in Information Technology

Hello Daniel,

Unfortunately your conviction isn't going anywhere. You have nothing to lose by applying for every job you believe you are qualified for. One suggestion I have for ex-offenders and felons looking for professional jobs is to always apply by mail using your resume and a well written letter of introduction that explains exactly what you are trying to accomplish.  Never mention that you have a criminal record until the employer does.  Hopefully using this method, your criminal record will not even come up.  If it does come up, briefly explain what the problem was and focus on your accomplishments and why you are the person for the job. 

Take a look at the video below.  It will give you some insight on this method.

Also, in 2015 President Barack Obama started what is known as the Fair Chance Initiative.   The Fair Chance Initiative encourages employers to offer qualified ex-offenders and felons equal opportunities when being considered for jobs.  You can find more information here.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: sending Resumes and Cover Letters

Don't make the mistake that many ex-offenders and felons make looking for jobs. Do not assume that because you have a criminal record you will not be hired. You must go after every job you feel you are qualified for. Don't give up. Remember, even a blind man will hit something if he throws enough rocks.

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

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Fair Chance Jobs for Felons

Felon wants job in Information Technology