Where can felons find jobs?

where can felons find jobs?

Guys, if it's been more than seven years since your last brush with the lawand you live in any of these states (http://www.cir-nc.com/documents/StateLawsregardingpublicrecords_000.pdf) just start answering 'no' on the criminal history question. The states (in the link) won't allow criminal reports to go beyond seven years so just put no and you'll increase your chance of getting the job by about ten thousand percent because laws in those states say they can't check past seven years. Sometimes it can hurt to be too honest. They're depending on you to be intimidated into checking 'yes' because they think you don't know about the seven year rule. Now, you do know. So if they run a background check beyond seven years in these states, ask them where you should send your lawsuit paperwork because you're about to be one very rich felon.

I'd highly recommend talking to your local employement office, run by the relevant state or local goverment. In Oregon years ago, I worked with a number of social services agencies helping people to find employment, and I'm sure that you local employement office can help you out.

Also, there are lots of seasonal / temporary jobs this time of year that might be worth looking into while you get back on your feet.

Good luck!

Start with asking your probation or parole officer. Sometimes they can be helpful, but it is not often. My suggestion is to try: Walmart, temporary agencies, Minyard, UPS, newspaper delivery, sell products at the flea market, get your barber, cosmotology or nail license, purchase property at tax sales and resale or do mystery shopping. Mystery Shopping is very easy, I have received payment of $9.00 up to $50.00 an hour and was reimbursed for the items that I purchased. As a Mystery Shopper remember to always keep your assignments. You can get more assignments by getting certified for about $10.00. Also try truck driving, it is possible to do local runs and not go out of state because of your probation. Some truck driving companies will sponsor you and pay for your classes. You are even guaranteed a job (in most cases) after completion of your truck driving classes. I have noticed that some truck driving classes will even pay you while training. I really do realize how hard it is to get a job. Keep trying and don't get discouraged. The legal system is not always right. If Jesus was alive he would have been charged with a felony just like you and have difficulties finding a job just like you. Keep your head up.

Where can felons find jobs in Georgia?

I am a convicted fellon, drugs and iuntent to sell, with a bachlors degree in network managment, have about 3 interviews a week with all the knowlage and the best resume my mind could think of. it is not the second year I have not been employed. I tried wallmart, yeh they employed me on the spot untill they found out my background. the best thing to do is think of something people need, even if it is as small as a postit idea, they guy is a milionare now, and make it a reality. every night before I go to sleep I spend about 2 hours thinking about my future, I have yet to think up something that is worth while. so remember if you get a felony, DONT WASTE YOUR TIME ON ANY UNIVERSITY. you'll just end up in debt. the best advice I can give you is keep trying, and I am near giving up on that advice myself. (start your own business) with minimal cost and high output (not possible anymore) and even if it was, you cant get a loan from any bank. soo. whats left but to sell newspaper and penuts on the streets of chicago? you tell me... (employment agencies will not halp if they find out your a convicted fellon) dont even go there. in some cases you can wipe the fellony clean, in others you can hide it from non-government employers, in my case non applies. hmmm cant think of nothinhg else, how about going to europe, starting fresh. yeh... that crossed my mind too :P JUST FACE IT your a 2nd class citizen now, and if your not a citizen, BYE BYE, cause deportation isnt far behind. (thats what I'm facing) heheh. and here I am trying to give advice.

JUST KEEP TRYING IS ALL I CAN SAY.

Hi thesystemwithin

I also have a non violent felony from 9 years ago an can not find work due to the background check. I am always up front and honest but that does not seem to work, I am willing to do any kind of work. I will send you my resume

Don't really have an answer, I'm sure those who were convicted don't need pitty , but I really think its ashame that even though you paid your debt to society, they still treat you as if you don't deserve a second chance. Instead of releasing ex-prisoners back into the 'wilderness', the 'correctional' facility should make it mandatory that they find themselves an Agency that assist them in finding gainful employment. Here in Illinois, we have the 'Safer Foundation'as well as others. Im sure other states have similiar organizations that can help. After seven years, the conviction should be wiped clean from your record. So, when they ask the question have you been convicted of felony in the past seven years; respond no. thats of course if you kept yourself clean and after your probation date. Your community Unemployment Office (Department of Employment Security) should have information on Employers who hire ex-felons; they receive tax credits.. So those who are out there feeling there is no where to go..Please don't give up, its not going to be easy, you'll just have to find the links..

Well I am in Texas, DFW, and I have gone to the Texas rentry service that helps felons find jobs and that in itself is a joke. I am going everywhere I can and doing everything I am told to do and still nothing.If there is anyone in the Arlington,Texas area that hires felons please let me know. I am at the end of my rope and falling fast. You say not to give up, how do you not when you get told no everyday, day after day? Fun mail me

I ahve been trying for 2 months now to find a job. I moved to Columbus, Ohio 2/2005 when I got married and I came back to GA in June of this year my mom was dying from gall bladder cancer. She died 2 days after me and my family came home. Since then I have been trying to stay here in Rome Ga but nobody will give me the chance like Ohio did. Sometimes you have to relocate and believe you me I miss driving the bus. I am a Class B driver with PS endorsements with no job. But I keep pushing and praying and eventually something will come thro'.
wileen2008

a friend of mind in michigan is having a hard time finding a job in michigan because hes a convicted felon 3times and trying so hard to find a job what can I do for him to help

wait tables folks!!! working for kids half my age as my boss is all I have been able to do. if you can fake a good attitude and play politics an average of 10-20 bucks an hour can be had.yeah it's utter b.s. but it pays my bills so far. PAYLESS suppossidly doesn't do background checks as well. just a small glimpse of hope from a two time loser in dallas tx . still hate it though!!!

I cant tell you where to look for a job, BUT, you can go to http://www.removeit.org. It's a company called Expungement Assistance Services, and they can help you take care of your record so that you CAN find any job you want.

you could try fielddale chicken processing plant in murrayville, ga.

I have no idea. I have a degree in accounting. I was at the top of my class. Since I was so good with numbers, I decided to keep selling drugs. I making about $5000 a day. Now after dealing with the legal system and being charged with a felony, I can't find a job. I've looked all over Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX. Everybody does background checks and will not make any exceptions. I was convicted over 7 years ago and still no luck. I've had job offers in other states but TEXAS will not let me leave because I'm still on probation.

hey ... I live in Rhode ISland...I got in trouble cause I wrote bad checks but im in court and im getting it off my record..in the meantime NOONE WILL GIVE ME A CHANCE!!
I am honest cause I know they are going to look up my BCI..and im getting nowhere. I've told my po but noone can give me advice...I gotta pay my rent ..HELP HELP HELP..anyone ???

Take your yourself and your degree and move to a country like Canada or UK where you can start afresh, this country is rascist and God forbid you ever do something wrong here you'll pay for it for the rest of your natural life even 5 minutes after you die. Its a shame, If God can forgive us for what ever we have done in our past then who gives the right to these biggots over here the right to hold us over burning hell. That is my advise to you, americans who leave the US are doing well over there in UK and canada do your research that is w here I'm headed after I finnish my degree

Thank you everyone...I do go to church every Sunday I light candles when I can...
Bottom line I am a licensed CNA and I am in school on my way to being a nurse..
I must say it is true that people are SOOO racist.
EXAMPLE:

I went to a job interview. I told the potential 'lady' (she was a jerk and im being nice calling her a lady hence the quotes around lady)
that I had a record. SHe went on and on about how me and her daughter went to an expensive all girls catholic school and we were cheerleaders together and I would be excellent for the company. BLAH BLAH BLAH...
She called me the next day and I was offered the job...I told EVERYONE!!!
One day later she called me again and told me NOT to show up for orientation.
When she pulled my damn record she saw WHAT I TOLD HER WOULD BE THERE!!! She took the job back ...and I looked like a fool to everyone. I told the judge (im in drug court getting this record of mine expunged hopefully) he said: 'to bad keep trying I dont see why its so hard to find work with your great personality' HELLO HELLO!!!\
FELONY RECORD???
What can I say ...im sad frustrated
This is all my fault I take full and total responsibilty but do I deserve all this???
DO I ???

Since I was convicted in 1985 of delivery of marijuana I have not only never got a job but never even got a single interview after truthfully answering the 'ever been convicted' question.
I have a BBA in Finance from UT in 1982, honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1976, and previously worked for five federal agencies before my conviction.
It has been discouraging trying to fight a system that almost forces felons to continue a life of crime because of the severe discrimination in the job market.
However, like many of life's challenges, they can be turned around to become blessings. For instance, sales is the highest paid occupation in the world and it is a career field that relies far more on your abilities than your resume. Also self-employment makes it easy to begin lawn cutting, house cleaning, painting, etc.
Finally, it never hurts to say your prayers. The Good Book says that 'all things are possible with God.' He has sustained me through this humbling experience even though it seemed like the whole world was against me, at times. 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' Don't let anyone steal your joy and you will be a success!

Start your own buisness. there are many great opportunities out here in the lines of small buisness that cost next to nothing to start and run. That would be the best thing you can do. All Business requires hard consistant and persistant work, but you can not be discriminated against by hiring staff. And like many others stated 'sales' is one of the highest paying jobs in the world, products or services your choice dont you be discriminative against sales posistions and learning to be a great sales man. It worked for me and a handfull of my close friends that didnt let their felonious past hold them back. Keep in touch by e mail if you find something or email me if maybe I can help someone find something I would be please to serve in that manner. Hope it helped God bless

I myself have been convicted of a felon at the age of 35, I had an outstanding job before this. But there is good news out there for convicted felons, UPS definately hires convicted felons, I know this for a fact, and also try bail bonds companies, I recently was hired by a bail bond company who knows my who situation and wants to train me, you can be a bail agent with a felony. Good luck, and keep turning to God for all the answers and help will come...

I don't encourge lying, to a just society!!

Being creative is helpful at times. A great man once said...

'Necissity is above all law'
Thomas Jefferson

I also have a felony conviction (12 years ago), so I know that there are many times where we don't get the job based on that (on paper, sometimes I can't blame them). I want you to remeber something though, you are what you believe yourself to be, I am not A FELON, I have a felony, but I am not a criminal. Who am I? I'll tell you who I am, I stand up to bullies, I have traveled the country and left the country at times. I have started and sold businesses. I have fought injustices. I have made mistakes. I have morals, principlas, dreams, goals, and dam it PEOPLE LIKE ME. I have something to offer! FUCT keeping your head up -- keep your feet moving if you want to get somewhere!

As for the job search, wow, I KNOW!!!...one area that we may be over looking is CREDIT RATING...especially when combine with the conviction history. Now this is a bit of a catch 22, I know - it's hard to maintain good credit without a decent paying job, but life is just that way and we have to coupe with it, the people who care, rarely can help, so it's on you to find a way & make it happen. I can tell you first hand, when your credit score is sub 500, you're in TROUBLE with or w/o a felony even. I reached a 680 at one point and even with felony conviction and a scattered job history, I was able to find good jobs. I'm sub 400 now and the world is very different for me. I won't say lie about you record to get job (I do). It's better to have a chance, than no chance. Since everyone is focused on the felon aspect, I'll spice it up and focus on credit. Here is my sage advice...

1. Get your free annual reports I believe it's annualcreditreport.com - you'll know it's the wrong site if they ask for credit card info. However, to get the actual SCORE there is a small fee, pay it if you can, if not, do what you can with what you have. Once you have you report you'll know where you are at & what others see.
(sub 400 is DEATH ; sub 500 is trouble ; 580 you MIGHT get a home loan through a motgage broke, you MIGHT get a decent car loan through a credit union ; 620 a mortgage broker will get you a home loan, you can get a car ; 650 and you'll get store credit cards ; 680 and you MIGHT get a signiture loans for under $10K ; 700 and you are looking good ; 720 the world is almost yours : 760 the bank offers you back massages LOL)

2.You're online, you may be able to dispute your credit report online depending on what state you're in. If not, look up credit dispute/verification letters and do it by mail. You will send these to TransUnion, Experian & Equfax. Follow the instruction, give a reason why you dispute the credit report accuracy (ie.this account was never late, ect.) This will usally result in several items being removed = score goes up.

3. Dispute inquries if/as unathorized. This will often get those removed = score may go up. Very seldom will any creditor bother to verifiy a credit inquire especially one that was declined.

4. You are allowed to explain poor credit so after everything is removed that can be, get creative (honestly LOL) and explain why you kept those 2 movies, why you hid that car for 2 years and had to use the note money to do it LOL. I'm kidding, don't get that detailed, but if you were divorced, explain it. You are sharing a 'hardship letter' and it may help, and it seldom hurts.

5. Buy some credit, I mean a secured credit card.Expect to spend about $100 up front and be billedd $275 for a $300 card. This only helps if you are willing to be worthy of good credit, use it wisely. Don't expect it to be a great deal either, you will be charged high interest and a 'through the roof' annual fee. Also increases to your credit line will cost as much or more $$ then you'll get. You are in fact PAYING for a chance to prove your worthy. It takes 2 years to really show, but 6 months of good history will help and there are other factors as well, that make this important. Keep +65% of your credit line limti, availible, for the best results.

6. Ok, so you've removed what you can and started building some good credit, now it's time to pay wha's left. After 7 years whether you pay or not, items should be removed, so start with the newest/cheapest. I mean, if you have a 1 year old debt for $200 and a 6.5 year old debt for $50, pay the $200, the $50 is going to be removed before you pay off everything anyhow - I'd guess - . Now, if you have a 1y $200 and a 3y $50 pay the $50 first, it's not going anywhere & most times it seems that it doesn't matter the amount of the debt, just time, so if you have a 1y $20 and a 1y $400, paying the $20 will do as much good as the $400. Ok, with me so far? Next in this step is that when you are paying off things, contact the creditor and negotiate, offer to pay less, say principal. They will often refuse. Be willing to pay the entire debt ONLY IF THEY REMOVE THIS ITEM FROM YOU CREDIT REPORT...get it in writing!! Don't except 'paid in full' or 'discharged', unless you have no choice, it's almost as bad as just being unpaid. Be polite, even though they're not, be stern, but don't start a war. Have a hardship reason and show that you are willing to 'make it right'. Don't be heistant of wishy washy. You have to be realistic so you don't start giving inchs right away, giv'em before you ever call. You first few calls are practice. Be prepared to give up all your contact info before they even talk to you. In your favor...with all the defualts happening, it's our market, they are scrathing for pennies and you have an upper hand, even though they won't say so.

Lastly on this note...do you like it when someone owes you money and doesn't pay? Me neither...you owe, pay up if you can and don't borrow what you can't pay back if possible.

A few more words...
+3 applications a day (leave by 10am or sooner and never stop before 2pm)
+2 phone calls a day (open the phonebook & start calling & asking if their hiring)
+1 Walk-In (if you see a sign in the window, you have a good shot at a job, they are in need. Also, if it's mom and pops and they like you, they see no need to run a check with a cost of $20-$100+)
+1 read a self improvement book a month
()() Never except that 'it's god's will' your gift is FREE WILL, use it or you deserv e nothing!!

HEY ...I READ ALL THE WONDERFUL INSPIRING ANSWERS THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN... I WAS HIRED TO CLEAN HOUSES 2 WEEKS AGO AND I've BEEN WORKING VERY HARD EVER SINCE..

IM SO HAPPY I CAN PAY MY RENT. AND I AM NEVER GOING TO TURN FROM GOD. HE MADE THIS POSSIBLE.
I KNOW NOW IF YOU KEEP STRUGGLING YOU CAN OVERCOME.SORRY TO SOUND SOOOO OUT THERE BUT I AM REALLY HAPPY I GOT A CHANCE....
GOD BLESS US ALL!!

Move to New Orleans and get a job. There are plenty of jobs here(I live here) and have never had a problem getting a job in New Orleans even with tons of legal trouble(5 arrests including 16 felonies and 15 misdemeanors,from distribution of drugs to burglar, but only 1 conviction for misdemeanor attempted theft of goods under 300 dollars, but I will plead guilty to 10 yers for heroin and defer it to drug court) New Orleans is the place to go, trust me, it is the most corrupt city in the United States by far and there are plenty of opportunities for employment (especially in construction and labor), especially underground employment, since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Housing is affordable and most of the time you can find a job that pays cash daily, or at worse, weekly. I have been through a lot but have never had a problem getting a job in New Orleans. Also if you have experience as a waiter, New Orleans is a great place to work (plenty of restaurants) and they don't do background checks. If you are willing to succeed anything is possible. For people who don't think you deserve a chance, prove them wrong. Show them that they made a mistake by not hiring you by succeeding on your own, then go back and rub it in their face (most people would say thats wrong but since I am a 'criminal' I don't really care) It doesn't hurt to be educated, well spoken, outgoing and willing to work hard, even if your job does not require all of the above.
My advice, move to New Orleans, opportunity awaits, there is a whole city that must be rebuilt.

I am having a hard time understanding why people are having such a hard time finding jobs. In 2001, I have indicted by the Grand Jury (Arizona) from Fraudulant Schemes and Practices in excess of a million dollars(organized crime). In 2002, I was handed down my conviction. Since it was my first conviction, the judge allowed me 4 months in county jail and 5 years of probation. I was off probation in 3 years. Since I walked out of jail, I searched night and day for a job. I took jobs that I knew I was over qualified for. I did fudge my resume and made my prior careers less 'sparkly'. I worked for Uhaul as a CSR for 4 months, then a vitamin company earning $30,000 a year, then my daughter became ill and I had to stop working for 2 years. Then when I was able to return to work, I waited tables at Applebee's making nearly 200 a night. Due to the hours, I had to leave the position because of my daughter. Then, I am currently working for a doctor making $16 an hour. I do live in low income housing (they only check 2 years). My biggest advice, stay away from large corporations and look for small businesses. Benefits are not the best, but a job is a job. Also, state governments are a great place for a felon to gte a job. Start out in the clerical pool and eventually move up. My sister works for the board of nursing and told me that they will license nurses 5 years after absolute discharge, pending no consistent criminal activity, and they get jobs working for small offices instead of hospitals. Don't let all this negativity get to you. Most of these people set their sites too high and didn't look at reality! Best of luck to you and think positive!

Different Strokes For Different Folks!!! Some people get lucky,some are dealt a good hand and some just know the right cards to play this is advice is great but lets address the real issue everything about our system is just f'd up I am 25 years old and am still on probation for a robbery that I was (in their words ) an acsessory to for riding with a dude that actually did commit the crime and I was 18 so my only crime was bad choice of rolling buddy not to say that my crime is any less than any ones but mannn... how fustrated do you think I am?Well I cant give any advice, luckily I was able to maintain a CS job due to knowing somebody that knew somebody that knew somebody now that buisness is closed down and im married so my husband has to provide for us and im a mellineum woman I need my own.I've posted resumes everywhere Ican only say keep trying' they've' got it monopolized but we've got to find the loopholes.Futhermore,I wish I did have the means to start a buisness.Where can I get a loan???Borrow from who???Don't nobody care about grown folk.IThey say its hard but its fair hummm sounds like the words of an unfair society. Well any body got a job,any job in Dallas Please inform me.I need help!!!

we as people with the felony we need to help one another it's like we all we got we and the same bt

If I could find my husband a decent job to keep him from going back out there, to keep him off those streets...

He tries so and gets discouraged, it hurts my heart. He is a loving father to our daughter, a good and a smart man. He has only his high school education. Its hard to keep telling him, we'll get it together, or I'll take care of it. He is the type of guy who you wouldnt know only has .30 in his pocket!! He is used to being able to take care of everything.

I myself work in sales for a wireless company. It pays well sometimes, but it gets hard. Im tired!! I would like to go to work part time and finish school. But that isnt going to happen anytime soon, without his support.

We reside in Austin, Tx and if we need to make a move, I am willing and ready. I only want the best for my family.
Please someone give me a WORD!!

Milli~~

Fun mail me

wow...seven years in thoses states...that should be a national requirement.

wow...seven years in thoses states...that should be a national requirement.

Wait a minute...I see some states on that list that have further explaination requirements...

Are you sure about that 7 yr rule for all those states listed?

Just LIE that is what I am going to do! I only have 8 more months and I am going to LIEEE. I worked for a huge corportation for 5 years right out of jail, because I had a hookup. Unfortunately I didnt know how hard it would be when I got a better education and went to switch careers. NOW I AM SCREWED. I had a lot of money saved up and stuff now I am in debt. SO SAD. BUT I SUGGEST TO EVERYONE TO LIE. YOU dont stand a chance if you dont!!! I think it should be illegal to hold us down (btw I was convicted of 2 drug felony posessions) for mistakes made in the past. I just might take someones advice and move out of the US, but is that possible? Will they take you? AND you wonder why we have homeless people??? Cause people like us give up! Go back to selling drugs. But that is what they want you to do. So they can put you back in the system and make more money off of you. It is called 'Job Security' I had that at one point in time matter of fact I was a supervisor for the last 2 years I was there. Well I am actually through a process now and lied and will hope to get the job soon. I will let you guys know. They will probably fire me for lying on the application, but if I didnt lie I wouldnt of even gotten this far!!!
Keep the faith,
Drew

Hello fellow felons

I'm a felon also. Not sure about the term 'ex-felon', maybe ex-convict or ex-inmate, but still a convicted felon. My felonies stem from over 10 years ago but I'm turned down for most every job I try to get once (and if) they run a criminal background check. I've got 3 felonies involving burglary and grand theft. I was charged with 4 prior but all dropped and reduced to a misdemeanor for lack of evidence and plea. Don't think those show up though and also a different state. But I live in Virginia and they allow criminal checks past 7 years and pretty much any charges you've ever had. I hear some people say lie on your application and I believe it depends on the job. For example, I was a truck driver for a few companies and I know they will check it, so lying will only make you look bad. The more they stress criminal check the more they probably mean it, and you can take an educated guess that if you are trying to work at a bank or dealing with company funds, they are going to check. I'm pretty sure that being honest for a job I just recently tried to get, turned me down because I admitted it, and looking back on it, I would have at least had a damn chance if I didn't tell them. Trucking companies don't care much about having felonies as long as they aren't recent. It's one avenue that most felons could do. Swift Trans will train anyone but be honest, they will check. Can't have numerous recent reckless or speeding tickets either. One post mentioned sales. That's not a bad occupation, and I've done it before. Most don't even run background checks or even check previous employers. Which leads me to my 2nd to last idea for others. Many of us have trouble getting decent jobs, fact, and because of this we tend to change jobs because under paid or completely unhappy. I make up a resume, depending on certain categories of jobs I'm tying to get. Like one for sales, one for warehousing, dispatching, technician, etc. Each sounding good for that job and employer. Some info is true but I alter to make sound better. One trick that I have actually used is, for whatever reason or time-frame, I use my own cell phone number as one of the jobs. Best for last job because you can make up your own company sounding answering voice mail and either you call back to verify that work history or have someone else read the dates and title and answer basic questions. A good thing is that because of privacy laws you don't have to reveal much or anything past dates of employment, although some co's will press knowing that. End call and you just verified work history for years with whatever job title you think you can pass for. Hint: don't get far fetched, you may have to walk into that expects you to pass that off. My last thought.. (drum roll) is you can't just walk on into Canada and start over. I keep reading that bs on this site. Hot Tip: if you walk into Canada and don't already have permission from Canada from the office in DC, because of your felonies, you can be re-charged with your American felonies and put into jail in Canada and do more time. AND if you do get permission from Canada and pay the few hundred bucks for permission and move there, you are still a damn felon. Your record doesn't just disappear. Most, if not all saying that have never tried it. Good luck to all out there and don't let this world decide your happiness.

Seems like a convicted felon can not find a job in the US

I have a felony conviction that has prevented me from even looking for jobs in my field. From this page I've been linked to http://www.cir-nc.com/documents/StateLawsregardingpublicrecords_000.pdf
I live in Texas and wanted to make sure this was valid and current info. So I checked here http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/bc.toc.htm
and it told me the same info. I was released 7 years ago this past summer. I didnt even know about this law. So thanks to others sharing their knowledge I feel like I can go out and apply for ANY job that Im suited for. Not the under the table jobs I had been doing. So thanks! Now I get to put my degree to use!

I commend all of you for keeping your heads up and continuing to try vs the latter. I am a former Court Clerk. I worked for a very known Judge in my state and a prosecuting attorney. I have no criminal background, but I found a man who was so beautiful inside that I let him into my life despite the fact that he had a prior record. This man is very very smart, intelligent, and a christian. He's had such a hard time finding employment that it broke my heart. Prior to marrying him, I would listen to him talk and we would conversate about anything and it amazed me at how smart he was. He didn't grow up from a loving family. Neither did I, but I had a mother who loved me and my sister unconditionally and she made sure we stayed out of trouble. My sister was married to a millionaire and now an attorney, my other sister has has her own salon, and I'm a licensed realtor who use to only date men with an income of 60k or more (engineers and doctors) mostly. I say all of this to say that just because a piece of paper states you are a felon, means NOTHING. You are still a human being and society needs to realize that. My husband gets very depressed at times because he can't provide for me the kind of life style that I have always wanted. I have a decent job and I'm finishing college in a few months, but more important than it all is the man who is loving and caring (my husband). You all have to keep your heads up and stay focused. I find myself on the computer all day helping him find work. I started my own cleaning service (residential) which for me was easy since I use to be an Operation's Manager for a nation wide cleaning company. I would market and bid on cleaning jobs and my husband would help me. Sometimes we would make $200 on the weekend just cleaning partime (weekends only). That's one idea for some of you who can't find anything. Yard work, lawn service, cleaning is a good way to go. My husband went to school and is now a licensed insurance agent. Yes, he is an agent now and has recently finshed school and obtained his broker's license in insurance. He did have to explain; however, that he has a felony record and why (a victim of a friends wrong doing). I hope that you all can find what you are seeking and you should not have to live your country to do it. Focus on working for yourself. It works!

WELL ...I WENT TO COURT THURSDAY THINKING AFTER 10 MONTHS OF PROVIDING CLEAN URINES AND BENDING OVER BACKWARDS TO PROVE I AM A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY STRUGGLING TO PAY MY RENT TO GO TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A NURSE THAT I WOU,D FINALLY GET MY REVORD EXPUNGED. I AM IN DRUG COURT AND IN THE END I WONT BE A FELON TECHNIALLY ANYMORE..LOLOLO
WELL MY PO MY LAWYER AND A DRUG COUNSLER STOOD UP FOR ME AND TOLD THE JUDGE THAT IM READY TO GRADUATE AND GET BACK TO BEIN A CNA...I CLEAN HOUSES FOR PEANUTS NOW AND I AM THANKFUL BUT NOT ENOUGH
$$$..
ANYWAYS I GOT SHOT DOWN BY THE JUDGE...AFTER THINKIN THIS WAS IT ID HAVE MY LIFE BACK./..NOPE!!!
OK, I GOT UPSET...HE WASNTS ME IN DRUG COURT FOR 6 MORE MONTHS...I CANT PAY MY RENT!!! I CANT GET A JOB THANKS TO MY BCI...
WHAT CAN I DO..
I GET I SCREWED UP!!!
I DONT NEED IT POUNDED IN MY HEAD!!!
WELL LIKE I've SAID ...KEEPYA HEAD UP..
I WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS CLEANING JOB UNTIL I GOT MY FIRST CHECK..I WORK HARD FOR ??? NOT MUCH...
TAKE CARE EVERYONE ...IM going to KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!!!

My husband and I were having this same conversation this morning. I was looking thru the job papers trying to find something, anything for me to do to help support my family. 11 years ago I was convicted of a felony. I was 20 years old never been in trouble before and have never been in trouble since then. I did not spend time in prison but I did do 5 years of probation and was released satisfactory. And now here I am 31 years old no job, no future and a family that is struggling because I can not help. I can’t even get hired at McDonalds. I had a great job working for the State it was thru a temp service but I loved it. I was just getting ready to get hired in and they did a background check on me. The temp service knew about my felony and still hired me, but after my background came back I was fired on the spot. Forget that I had been there for 2 years everyday and worked very hard for them. Companies have the chance to hire loyal employees but they pass us by everyday. Every one makes mistakes one time in their life and for the ones that want to work, that want to support their families we can not get a break anywhere. My husband goes to work every day and he works very hard to take care of us, I am very proud to have him by my side, but he will never understand the feelings I have inside. I have been with out work for over a year now and the depression is unreal. I have goals for myself and my family but to achieve them I need something! In order for my family and me to survive I have to lie to get assistance with anything. And yes that may be the wrong thing to do but if I don’t then my family starves because food cost money and for us it is either buy food or pay a light bill! I know my husband makes money but he does not make enough to even pay our bills. Here it is Christmas and again we have to see the disappointing look on our son’s face because we can’t even afford to have a Christmas for him. My son needs shoes and clothes and we can not even get them for him because if we do there goes gas money for the week then my husband will lose his job. I have never asked for a hand out, all I want is a little break so my family can finally be stable. The stress alone is killing my marriage! My husband and son do not deserve to live like this all because of my past, my family deserves better and if that means me leaving them both ( it’s easier to take care of 2 people) then that is what I plan to do. I am not the one to sit at home and let him take care of me, I am just taking up his space and killing him financially. Our credit is a joke because of this situation that were in and it all falls back on me, if I was able to help out we would be much better off. 2 incomes are always better then 1 if you want to get any where in this world.

Society looks at us like once a criminal always a criminal and that is not always the case. It makes me so mad when I see people living off the government; you got women that keep having babies just to collect more welfare and section 8,I have been on the section 8 waiting list for 10 years and still waiting! We have illegal immigrants coming over here opening restaurants, hotels, little corner stores and then you got the ones that come over here and collect welfare and section 8for years. Where is the justice for us? Me and my family are forced to live in sorry apartments in bad neighborhoods because we can not afford anything better. Were forced to deal with sorry landlords that don’t want to fix problems but still collect their rent and either it’s paid or were out just like that. We learned the hard way our landlord let us live in our apartment for 3 months with a huge hole in our ceiling, mold growing all over the place and we stopped paying our rent until it was fixed, it got fixed 2 months ago and we started paying rent again but for the months we didn’t pay she evicted us. We go to court this week and the judge is going to put us on the streets in the cold at Christmas time with out even listening to why we stopped paying.

I got something in the mail from the government that said I am at 185% poverty level. No one can possible know how that makes me feel as a human being. My dreams of opening my own business are slowly starting to fade, my husband tries to encourage me to never give up but after the year we have had I know it will never happen for me and I promise if it does I will not turn anyone away that needs a job for something that happened in their past. People can change and I am living proof of that! I don’t want to think that this is the life God has in store for me but I am starting to wonder, am I going to live the rest of my life like this?

columbus steel and castings on Parsons hires convicted felons.check them out and good luck.

I am a Business Services Specialist for the County of Los Angeles with some good information. Blue collar, union apprenticeships accept felons and no experience is necessary. Get paid training as a union apprentice. These jobs require various degrees of physical ability but they are steady and always in demand.

California, union apprenticeships are from one to five years in duration and you get paid half the union rate(around $15/hour)to learn one of the following trades: Asbestos Workers, Barber, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpentry, Carpet Linoleum, Cement Masons, Cosmetology, Drywall/Lathers, Electrical & Electric, Elevator Mechanic, Operating Engineer, Glazier & Glass Workers, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Iron & Steel Workers, Laborers, Linemen, Machinist, Millwright, Painting & Decoration, Plasterer, Plumbing & Pipefitting, Roofer, Sheet Metal, Surveyor or Tile Layer/Setter.

Each year your pay goes up about $5 until you end up a union Journeyman earning the full rate depending on the trade(around $30/hour). Most do not even require a high school diploma or GED. None require a college education but to be an electrician, for example, you will need to have passed Algebra I in high school. One requirement is that you must have a valid, CA driver's license. I was told that another requirement is the use of any vehicle, whether owned or borrowed, with liability insurance under your name but it turns out that all you have to do is show up for a job and work it out with the crew about carpooling, if necessary.

Good tip:

We had a Participant(felon) come in to the office a few days ago who told us about how he followed our advice and applied to be an apprentice for the Pipefitting union. He started as #33 on the list and was told how it works. The union calls in chronological order the apprentices on the list many times daily depending upon how many Journeymen/employers call their office looking for apprentices. If no one responds then they keep going down the list until they find someone who is available. He said that he went to the union office every day for two weeks until one day they called on him because supposedly all the other 32 apprentices in the list above him never called back.

The tip is to do what Woody Allen states, “90% of success is just showing up.” As a felon, you should know that you will never be treated fairly in any society. That is another form of prejudice that you cannot escape from. What you can do is be the one who is always there with a smile on his face, ready to take the job and do that job well. Once you prove that you are willing to do what it takes to do a better job than the other guy and you do it, people will respect you.

The website for union apprenticeships in California is: http://www.ca.gov

Any feedback and/or further tips on finding felons jobs would be appreciated.

Go to Dodge City Kansas and work in the slaughter houses.. they pay 12-15 an hour to start and cost of living is super cheap! The state of Kansas is very forgiving to felons!!!

I live in snellville Ga I have a felony I was drunk and fought the police wher can I find a job.

I can't find a job! I have been on probation for almost a year, I have had to jobs and when they found out my background I was let go for other reasons. My probation is over in about 4 weeks, if I don't find a job in 2 I go back to jail.
I am living with my mom and I am 3 months pregnant, I haven't done anything wrong except not find work and they want to send me back and extend my probation.
I have lots of experience in sales and office but no one will hire me because I made one mistake.
What can I do?!
I live in Oregon.

madagascar.

Hello. First off I was convicted of both state and federal counterfeit and fraud charges at the age of 19. I served two years in federal camp and at this time am almost complete with my supervised release. I figured when I was done with prison that I could re-enter society and start fresh. Unfortunatley approaching potential employers with the thought that my honesty would pay off turned out to be horrible. When telling the truth didn't work and having a minimum wage job wasn't going to cut it...I tried it. That's right I lied on my applications and just put school/personal time on the two year gap in my job resume. I didn't want to do this because I really did want to do things correctly; however, I chose what was best for my situation. From my experience, this is how it works. When I said I had never been convicted of a felony...it worked. Once, twice, and three times without fail. Here's why. First of all some employers state that they will run a background check on you and they may only use the credit reporting agencies which are able to provide some type of shallow report. Hence NEVER report your felony to your employer if you don't plan on claiming it for the rest of your life. Secondly, since I have federal and state records I've noticed something. IF your employer does run a background check they're only running THAT STATE background check. I was convicted in SC and GA but have passed state background checks in TX and LA (military spouse). I don't think my federal record has ever come up. Also, my probation officer here has mentioned another female who abused this fact: that is if you're married after your offense, the name will through off the background checks even w/ ssn. Unless you're applying for a federal agency job or a high tech contractor, they are not going to pay the amount of money needed to run EXTENSIVE background checks. If you move out of your conviction state you should be in the clear according to my experiences. (This is true in my case even using my maiden name). Even my federal probation officer couldn't understand how I obtained a management job at a retail store. I put no convictions and was hired. After being hired I was in CHARGE of recruiting and the computer stated for each applicant their results for background. I checked mine and it said NEG THEFT INQUIRY/NO CRIMINAL HISTORY.
Bottom line...you HAVE to have a job when you get out of jail...you should get a job..if you don't you could go BACK. What do you do? Some of us (felons) want to change and some don't..but if you do...you aren't left with many options. I took matters into my own hands which provided me with a job and excellent income. I felt a little guilty for telling a fib...but I think I would have felt far worse going BACK to federal prison. Life isn't over...

this is a serious question that I have been in the process of coming up with some good answers for quite some time , we really must change the laws on how long you are to be considered a felon after your conviction

I had a bench warrant for my arrest last june and havent been able to work ever since. Life is hard on everyone out there just like me. Try finding a job?? Thats great, but are you going anywhere in the business? Probably not. Its like the whole world telling you to kill yourself without them pulling the trigger for you. and for the person who said thank god??? ya ok. he loves us sooo much he helped us become criminals. sorry there is no god. I stopped believing after I was punished for the thousands of things I have done or been blamed for. as for a job. constuction or temp agency these = Getting no where in life. Where I am in life... lets just say my life sucks and I feel hopeless in every way

Find Jesus and He'll find you a job! I know this sounds like a cliche', but I promise you, there is life abundantly in serving a true and living God! I am in the process of trying to find some help for a brother in Christ at my church and I see that you all have struggled very hard to try to get it right, but a lot of you have already said it..you have to Keep trying! First, if you haven't already, I urge you to get Jesus! He has made my life so much easier and so much better. My mind is right, my heart is right and my life is right, so guess what..all I have left to receive from Jesus is..you got it RIGHT!!! You can do it. You are strong men with great potential! Just look at how good you were in the world!!! You did amazing things for Satan...and look what he did...Stabbed you right in the back!!! But with Jesus, He will protect you! He won't leave you nor forsake you, but He will always be there for you, if you just believe in Him and trust in Him today. I promise, your life will never be the same if you except His love today, Believe that He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for YOU and that He rose again on the 3rd day! Just say, Jesus I believe in You, You are the Son of God, You died for me to save me from my sins and You rose again and are seated at the right hand of God waiting to receive me into Your Kingdom...if you said that, YOU are A SON of the most High God and He will do what you ask in Jesus' Name if you believe it! I Love You All and I pray your strength in the Lord!

I don’t have the answer. Wish I did. I pray every day that things will improve. I was convicted of felony assault in 2005. Why?...
Someone called 911 to report a disturbance during a verbal argument. Then they told the 911 operator to ‘never mind.’ NEVER MIND, mind you! I KNEW this wouldn’t work as the 911 operators know the address even if the caller doesn’t tell them who or where. This seemed so stupid to me that I did a stupid thing myself. I attempted to leave in my car before anyone could arrive. Well, they got there and before I knew what was happening an officer (rodeo clown/stunt man?) jumped on my car. They assumed that I was the cause of the disturbance because I was obviously in the process leaving the address. Of course, I was arrested and charged with felony fleeing and assault. The report read more like I purposefully ran over the bozo. Amazing how incredibly fast you can bungle up the remainder of your life in this so called society. This all occurred in a matter of a few minutes. Cops couldn’t have arrived any quicker if they had a Star Trek transporter.
I used a ‘public defender’ and he recommended I plead guilty and apologize before the judge. I did. I was given no time but I have a 5 year probation with an expungement at the end . The probation officer tells me that even with an expungement a prior record can show up. As a former programmer working for a major demographic information keeping corporation, I understand how this happens: In this day and age of computerized record keeping, even though expunge, according to the dictionary, means ‘to strike or blot out; erase; obliterate’ this isn’t entirely what happens. Even though your record may be officially erased by law enforcement and governmental record keepers, your record can live on in lists owned by the private sector. In other words, chronologically, (1) you are convicted=official record, (2) abc criminal records company, xyz personal information company, and any other record keeping entity who wants to, copies your official record information, (3) government expunges it’s copy of the official record, (4) abc co., xyz co., etc., don’t delete old information but just update their files with any additional data, (5) you’re screwed for life. Might as well go ahead and order your tombstone inscribed ‘Here lies no good, neer-do-well, S.O.B.’ (if you can afford it).
I don’t know what to do. Back when I had a life, I was a computer programmer. I have a BBA degree and almost twenty years of experience as a good, solid programmer. I am in the central Arkansas area and would be willing to go anywhere in this ‘great’ country of ours to find meaningful employment.
I have never lied on an application. I don’t think it would work and it certainly wouldn’t be the right thing to do. I have never tried to add an extra sheet to an application to explain my ‘crime.’ I don’t know what to say to make an employer understand that I don’t have a criminal mind and I wouldn’t be a risk to them or their business/company.
I’ll just keep looking for answers.

Hi,, I am afraid that Just like The Adam Walsh Act is Making the Sex offender Registry National,, there well be something similar in future for felons Period!!... I think most places avoid felons for Liability Reasons.. Everybody is SUE happy nowadays,,,if Something DID happen,, people want to sue because that Company Hired a KNOWN felon.. just like with Meaghans law,, when a KNOWN Sex offender kiddnapped and Killed that lil girl. I always wondered,, what would have happend if the guy who kiddnapped and killed the girl, wasnt a Convicted Sex offender.. would they have made all MEN register???

Just think about it,, that kid that shot of V tech wasnt a Convicted Felon,, Eric and Dylan at Columbine wasnt Convicted Felons. That Riems dude that sexually abused 100 plus Patients wasnt a Convicted Sex offender.

Thinking back,,, None of the Work place and School Shootings were committed by CONVICTED FELONS!!!

PLUS,, Convicted Felons and Sex offenders wasnt such the first time they commited their crimes..

The Devil works on the minds of all of kinds,, not just the CONVICTED..

I think in the society of sue happy people,,,Not hiring felons may be in some cases,, a liability issue. Like you hire a felon, and somethin happens,, someone will want to sue you cause you hired a KNOWN felon. Something like with the MEaghans law ,,,the parents of the girl petitioned because a KNOWN convicted Sex offender had moved in the neighborhood and they wasnt notified. which is Bs Cause Criminal records are PUBLIC RECORDS,, so thatd mean that low teir non notification sex offenders wouldnt mean squat to protecting public safety.

But, what if the guy that kidnnapped the girl wasnt a Convicted Sex offender?? would they have made all MEN Register??

The Kid that Shot up V tech wasnt a Convicted felon
Eric and Dylan werent Convicted Felons
Mr Reims,, the nurse that assaulted a hundred plus patients wasnt a Convicted sex offender.

I just think this fear and insanity with labels should stop. !!!

you never know who your hiring ,, felony or no felony,, and I think people should be judged on idividual merit.

but yes, its said, just because you made a mistake once,, your labeled for life!!!

I don't know. My boyfriend has tried and tried and tried to find a job. I'm working three and going to school and it makes him feel bad that he can't take care of me. He does odd jobs, but its so sporadic that when he gets money it doesn't go far. He is trying to start his own company and with any luck that should take off after a while. But, I've been self-employed before so I know a while could be years. We want to get married, but he insists on being the breadwinner before we go down the aisle. It's a difficult situation, but self-employment seems to be the only solution.

I just moved from Cleveland, OH to Daytona Beach, FL. I'm having a very difficult time finding a job. At least in Cleveland, you can always go to Minute man if you don't mind getting there by 5:00am.There's also a temp agency called Alliance that will send you out to factory jobs. I agree with several entries that state the best thing to do is try to start your own business. Honesty about convictions doesn't seem to be working for me either. You would think that honesty shows integrity but apparently it doesn't. I'm going to start lying myself. I do trust the Lord and I know he will bless me in His time. Meanwhile, I must try to keep a roof over my head. I think if enough of us come together and start writing congressmen and women Write the president as well. Write everyone we can think of. Just keep bombarding them with letters and e-mails. Prayerfully, they'll get tired and start trying to do something for us. If they spent half the money on employing us that they do on incarcerating us, the country would be a lot less violent. Good luck to all.

I found my job on careerbuilder.com. Its not much pay but it pays the bills. I know how hard it is to get a job being an ex-felon. You have to keep plugging at them and fill out a reaume and put down everything you have done,but leave out prison. I sent my resume to everbody and had a company hire me. I have 2 years to go on parole and this job helps with bills and keeping the p.o. off me. Once you get a job you have to prove to them they made the right choice. Its hard for us and we have to prove ourselves all the time. Good Luck and give that site a chance and see what happens.

have any of you guys considered the military? Afer you get out the military, you can find a job anywhere. or you can make a career in it and retire with awesome pay and benefits after 20 years. They dont discriminate.

Everyone who wants to make a difference by changing law to allow Felons right to work please contact us now:

http://www.kineticimagefilmgroup.com

I personally think that everyone who had been convicted of a felony and is really trying to do their level best to seek and gain employment in a field of their experience should be allow to collect disability from the government! I serious! I feel like the government is the one who makes us have to wear this lable for the rest of our lives, and won't allow us to try to redeem ourselves after making a mistake why not support us? We have the right to make a living and try to regain what is left of our lives! What else are we supposed to do?