Hiring Felons What is so wrong with it?

[iGuest 3]

Hi my name is bridget, and I think this lwa sould be left out of are state laws , it make it so hard for me and my husband to moved around and find a safe location that are houses wouldn't even up spray paint or car tire cut or loss of jobs . I would like to see people think about this one what if you had a murder living next door or a drug person that gave drugs to your kids . So if you stop to ask your self why is there only a law for sex offenders then everyone so have to register and have lots of laws for they self they wouldn't make it in a day in my husbands and my shoe , my husband is a register sex offender and I think this laws is ****.

-reply by bridget

[iGuest 3]

Hiring felonsHiring Felons

Is 26 years long enough? As a 19 year old youth who was one year removed  from a orphange after spending his whole childhood there I went and got in myself in a street fight and was convicted of aggravted assault. And spent 7 months in jail. After my release I went to college got a degree and spent a majority of my life as a food service manager . After 9/11 happened things even in the food service changed applications went from have you been convicted of a felony in the last seven years to have you ever been convicted of a felony. I tried to get my record expudged 5 years ago today and after going through the court system the prosecutor was willing to through it out until the judge called him to the bench and explained that this was no longer a expudgable offense. My family was heart broken. I have been a active member of my church for 17 years , married for 16 , have two wonderful honor roll children who are 15 and 13. I have spent my whole life since this problem helping others coaching LL and youth basketball and I'm also a avid blood donor. I haven't worked in two years and it hasn't been for the lack of effort of looking I often get to the second and third interviews before I get the dreaded we can't hire you because you have a felony on your record speech. So tell me did I pay my debt to society? And once again is 26 years ago long enough?

God Bless

-reply by Darryl

[iGuest 3]

those who live in glass houses cast the first stoneHiring Felons

society is so messed up but the sad thing about it is, they don't know it. You have people who has committed some crimes that who be hard for God to for give but man never caught them so they are doctors, police officers, judges and etc,,,  so I guess we are being punish for the crimes we committed and get caught,  then it is those who has committed crimes and got caught but because they are from the right side of the tracks it was swepted under the  rug,  is this fair, is this just?  this nation locks up more of its citizen than any other nation in the world,  this nation is sick but they want to incorparate their ways on other nations!  that is sick and sad!  this so called christian nation is so forgiven, lol!

-reply by tracy

[iGuest 3]

18 Years felonyHiring Felons

I am a convicted Felon,Age 39,I was convicted when I was 20 years old.My felony was a corruption of a minor.In plain english,I was a 20 year old guy who had sex with my 16 year old girlfriend.The parents didn't like me,so she ran away from them to me.That was 20 years ago,and there ain't a day goes by,that I don't pay for it.My felony is always coming up even though I have a clean record except for that.I can't get it expurged due to the nature of it.Only good thing is that I don't have to register due to the year it happened,or I would really be marked for life.I can't find a job because of it,and I have 2 little girls of my own to take of.If you are going to stay marked for life,why stay clean?the risk of getting caught is the same as if you are going to after a job,you are screwed!

-reply by Panther 38

 

[iGuest 3]

Responding to 6:04amHiring Felons

I too am a 28 yrs old female and have also made il-advised decisions. I have multiple charges but all but one was dismissed. Assault with bodily inj., assault with deadly weapon, assault, not to mention the DWI last year. As far as the assaults go I had my wild streak of men who thought that my strong mindedness and sharp tongue was an invitation to break me down to almost nothing and for the life of me just kept running into that wall! The DWI was unfortunate but a valuable and yet costly lesson. This being the first of my traffic offfenses it has recieved more attention from travis county than my good record. And there's the theft by check. A grand "thanks for marrying me" token of affection from my ex-husband. He decided to write hot checks through our joint bank account. Needless to say I was stuck with the bill and the charge. I paid it in full.Keep on trucking cause the only failure is in not trying.

-reply by Shawntte Bruno

 

[princeofvegas 0]

I do not see a problem with hiring Felons. People are people and we all make mistakes. Those that have paid their debt to society I feel deserve a fair shot at life again. I have been doing a lot or research for an upcoming documentary I am filming about the homeless and have found that almost half of our homeless population are felons. The number one reason for this incredible homeless rate among felons is because most of them are unable to secure a job when they are released from incarceration.Some are bringing up the fact that people who committed crimes as a juvenile are unable to find jobs as adults. This should definitely not be the case. I got into my fair share of problems as a juvenile but as soon as I turned 18 I was able to seal my records and on a job application I was legally able to put that I had never been convicted of a crime.Now if you are going for a sensitive job, such as the money counting room in a major casino in Las Vegas, the employer deserves the right to know if they are hiring someone who has been convicted of armed robbery or another crime relating to money. At the same time though, that shouldn't stop someone who was convicted of robbery getting a job in the customer service center for a utility company or something that is unrelated to their area of crime. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance because I am living proof of this.I went to a group home when I was 14 years old and that was my second chance. I turned my life around and when I turned 18 I was able to step out into society on my own with no record of my past(and yes I committed some very bad crimes). I am now a successful business owner and producer and I probably would not have been able to get that way if it were not for the second chance that the system had given me.

[iGuest 3]

Zach, your a moronHiring Felons

Apparently you don't know that there is a vast majority of the population with some sort of criminal background.  In my state if you provide information that leads to the commission of the crime, you are just as factually guilty as those who committed the crime.  As is my case.  I was 20, worked at a fast food restaraunt as a shift manager, and some "friends" of mine, started asking me questions about the deposit. Low and behold, after the place was robbed dropping the deposit off, and they were caught, guess who's name came up in the investigation... Mine!  I did not have the money for a proper attorney, and my public defender was a joke.  Facing 20 years in prison if I were to go to trial, I took the plea bargain. My conviction was six years ago.  I lost my job 18 months ago, and while I am more than well qualified for jobs that I apply to, when the question comes up about felonies (even after getting the interview), I am turned down.   Is this right?  No it's not.  I have had no run-ins with the police in six years, do not even have a ticket for a traffic violation.  First time offenders, people who make a mistake and want to change their lives, are never given the opportunity to do so.  Most of us, who had to work for a wage of 90 cents a day, are more than happy to take a minimum wage job, just to be working, and will work circles around those without a record.  Why?  Because we appreciate the job more, and are more willing to go the extra mile than snobby little stuck up, chip on their shoulder type people like you.  If you encountered me on the street, you would'nt know I'm an ex-offender.  You'd be surprised at the number of people you encounter on a daily basis, who do have a criminal record of some sort, but you don't know it.  I invite you, seek out one of us.  Spend the day with us, you'll learn we are no different than you.  All we want is a chance to work, and provide for ourselves and our families. 

-reply by Mike

[iGuest 3]

Hiring ex-felons city counsel meeting, Houston, TxHiring Felons

Hello, My name is Jose A. Garcia. I am scheduled to appear before Houston's City Counsel this Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. Floor topic I'm presenting is the disability's induced on society when allowing background checks on applicants to extend beyond 7 yrs.. Specifically, a skilled worker whom has a felony in record over 7 yrs. Ago and has paid his/her dues, shouldn't receive an inherent double jeopardy, or loss of freedom to be employed indefinitely based upon an incident that occured but once and a very long time ago (for which that person has already carried out a sentence for). Its crazy we could happily buy products today made in country's that utilize sweat shops, and work their children. However, in our own country men of sound mind, skill, and ability are precluded from working in their own acquired profession because of employers whose hiring practices excludes them preducially for a mistake they made post 7yrs. I am challenging the indefinite background check as unconstitutional. A chrisitian nation, or even an atheist nation, whether in forgiveness or retribution, believes in a limitations on punishment, right? LET MEN SUPPORT THEIR FAMILYS. WE BELIEVE IN LETTING MEN WORK FOR A LIVING. SO LETS DO THAT. I can  be contacted at 281-220-9298. Or houstongarciaj@yahoo.Com

-feedback by Jose Anselmo Garcia

[iGuest 3]

I know some of you will say bull**** to this story but it is as true as the sun rise. I was an Army Officer, I flew ch47 helicopters and prior to that was an atomic demolistion specialist with a top secret clearence. I was busted for "steroids" and convicted of a felony in 1996. The funny part of the story is that the military inspected, shipped, and delivered to my door and then unpacked it an put it on a shelf. Since I thought everything was cool I didn't think much more about it. Then 6 months later I handed a bottle to a friend at a local gym and an off duty cop asked to see it and if he could have some. I gave it to him and then he arrested me for distrubution of a controlled substence. What I had was a mixture of gensing, herbs, vitamins, and 10 mg of testosterone. (This was available over the counter in the country where I purchesed it!) But, the testosterone is only available in the US with a US perscription.)  The bottom line is that I was the least likely person to intenntionally break any laws, hell I even participated in many drug interdiction missions. I was a true boy scout and was prepared to die for our country and our government. I don't lie, cheat, steal, or cheat even on my taxes or my wife. Regardless, to the world I am now a scumbag felon and NO ONE will give me a real job. Since my conviction, no jail time but I plead guilty, I can not find a descent job to save my life. I could be pulling down $225 k a year like all my old buddies. Instead, I'm lucky to be flipping your burgers. Do I want a bloody revolution? You are God damed right I do. Without justice we have no country worth saving. Mark my words, one day it will happen, but too bad I won't be the one that gets to vaporize washington!~What a pleasure that would be. Hum...Want to see a real criminal act? OBL, 50 million will get you a well trained expert.

-reply by David

 

[iGuest 3]

With a non-violent felony.....Would you be committed to this???Hiring Felons

I am an ordained minister, single mother and convicted felon. I also am one of few who can say God has blessed me well past my mistakes. Although it's sad but very true, beauty sells especially in America. With that realization, an exceptional resume, college education and the look & talk that say's I am qualified, my last corporate employer created a position for me paying over $40,000 annually with no mention of a background for the 5 years there. After all was said and done, I began to realize I am one of very few ever afforded this opportunity. This isn't bragging or boasting, it's mere honesty and God's true example of being greater than man. I suffered an automobile accident that has since left me disabled. However, I never stop considering those who weren't as fortunate but walk my path alone. For several years I wondered what God's calling was on my life. In 2007 it became clear. I attempted start-up of a nonprofit organization assisting families in tragedy. Today, I have a honest yearning to include some changes that will employ non-violent convicted felons. My honest concern is who would be dedicated to working hard to prove to America that a second chance is all MOST CONVICTED FELONS need, desire and are truly seeking??? My idea is incorporating a non-profit program that will provide bonding, training, insurance and employment in commercial janitorial cleaning across 5 different states to all non-violent felons ONLY. Please send me your thoughts, ideas, comments and prayers via my email tlp_kids@yahoo.Com. Thanks and may God bless those who are struggling on your journey to redemption of your past mistakes. The future is still yours so name it, claim it and be blessed as you enter it!

-reply by Godfearing Mother

[iGuest 3]

Felons as screwedHiring Felons

I came across this thread from a google search. Let me say now, that us felons, are 2nd class citizens--period. If you are over 40, then that makes you a second class citizen and the felony makes you 3rd class. If you have spotty work resume in the last decade and over 40 and felon, you are like me, a 4th class citizen.I have deemed this country left me the day I got arrested 18 years ago---but I only realized this a month ago. This economy, there are millions of non-felons under 40 looking for work. My solution is to emigrate. I am practicing three different instruments eight hours per day so I can pass an audition to get on a cruise ship and sail away.If not for a family member, I too would be homeless. I have not paid rent in seven years. I have been able to scrape my own clothing food gas car expenses. But when I see those who cannot even speak the English Language driving late model Escalades while I am driving a 20 year old beater...If any of you wish to emigrate with me and perhaps start up a biz overseas, let me know.Here is what you will not be able to do with a felon record:- Any Job in the Medical Field (1/6th of the economy)- Any Job in the Financial Sector (1/5th of the economy)- Most National Chains will not hire felons (1/4th of the economy)- Education at the High School Level and lower (1/7th of the economy)- The Military if you are over 35 (1/3rd of the economy)The only way I have been able to make money the past decade is as a laborer paid in cash (which is also below market rate) or as a taxi driver or a messenger driver. The last two are really not jobs---it is contracted and there are times I do not even make half of minimum wage. With the economy in the tank, no laborer jobs are available. This economy is so bad I cannot even get a gig as a messenger.I am leaving this ****hole place (it is no longer my country?I left this place in my mind a couple years ago, and I aim to have my body follow. Who wishes to go with me?Freedom? Bhah! We lost are freedom the day we were convicted. When one is broke, with little hope of making more than $7k per annum, then this is not the American Dream---it is the American Nightmare.

-reply by Depressed

[iGuest 3]

Call it crazy but how may time have you talked to someone without knowing who it was? How well do you ever really know a person? You may think you know them, I think people with a past have a reason to be better than the guy who hasn"t got caught. If you read some of these post the reason thay don"t get hired is obvious, cause just like any other discrimitation its easier to say they are all bad, and error on caution. Its just like America, everything we use to do it too much liabilty, ship it overseas its easier. Buck up and shut up do it cause it is helping Americans. I'm not tell you to hire backrobbers to be tellers, Mr.Obvious. 

[iGuest 3]

I'm a 35 year old convicted felon twice over. I was convicted in 1993 and received 10 years deferred probation but I picked up another case during that time in another state. I was sentenced to 3 yrs in Texas and 5 years in the other state. I was released in 1996 and lived in that state until 9/11 happened.Since my release in 1996 I've worked 9 different jobs and never looked back. I've been blessed to be able to be choicey about the jobs I accept and resign from. It has always been a struggle for me when searching for a job but I commited myself to never giving up. I was on 1 job for 5 years until I was laid off but thankfully I held 2 jobs at one time so losing 1 wasn't a huge impact on me. Please don't get me wrong I've struggled and lived in many states based on who would most likely give an ex con a break. Its all the same no matter where you go. Today I am the Director of Operations for a telecommunications company and have been for 4 years. My background has not been an issue and I was honestly able to answer no to that wonderful question all ex cons are challenged with "HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY IN THE LAST 7 YEARS". I also found that this is a great industry to get into. The one thing I will say is the world will always need Customer Service agents and Cabling people to help with wiring buildings and homes. You can always go into cosmetology and barbering because you make your check and that don't do back ground checks. Overall don't give up. Stay true to yourself and know that looking for a job is a full time job in itself. I was up at 8am and finished by 5pm Monday thru Friday until I found a job. I practicly lived at the Work Source because I didn't have a computer at home. I always watched the bulletin board for updates and anything that would fit me. Its a process we all have to go thru and it has to be done.I'm really thinking of starting an organization to help ex felons rebuild their lives and provide skills and training to encorage them to be a productive working class contributor to society. I really want to help others because I know first hand what our struggles are. Stay encouraged and don't let society defeat you. Networking is very important and appearances are just as important because you never know who will be in a position to take you places and or help bring about change in your life. I'll be checking in more often in the event I can provide any of you with a hiring opportunity or guidance.

[iGuest 3]

what if you are not convicted just charged!Hiring Felons

I am a 23 year old single mother that has had past drug and alcohol problems. The moment I found out I was pregnant I quit using/drinking had my child when I was 21 the father wanted nothing to do with her (likewise I wanted him to have nothing to do with her and good call because he is now in federal prison for selling drugs) shortly after having my daughter I relapsed due to post pardum depression and decided to go to rehab.  I had eight months clean and sober and abruptly I was laid off from a three year position at an auto finance company that had supported a very comfortable life style for my daughter and I.  I was devistated and one night drank entirely too much, blacked out, and left my child asleep in her bed at 2:30 in the morning to go to Taco Bell.  I got pulled over for drunk driving and taken to jail I was also charged with abandoning a child with intent to return.  I have absolutely no memory of any of this until coming to in jail on Monday morning.  By no means am I saying that bars me from the crime.  I was irresponsible in my actions of thinking I could drink two bottoles of wine and not do something stupid. 

Saying this, I have one year, one month and thirteen days sober and I am currently leading worship for a small church as well as for a christian 12 step program called celebrate recovery through a mega church in Dallas.  I grew up a minister's daughter and always with very classy parents and a wonderful family.  I am by no means the average stereo typical description of a felon yet I am living my life paying for a mistake that has been comepletly healed and restored (spritiually speaking).  I have had three HR signings with GEICO, Apple Inc., and T-Moblie and each one of them have been thouroughly exctied about bringing me on until HR finds my record (which I have not been dishonest about) and denys me the positions.  My deal is that I am not even convicted just charged.  I served 40 days in jail for my DWI and I am on deffered probation for 4 years on the felony (only have 3 left). Upon successful completion it will be off my record. Almost every application I have filled out has asked 'have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony'.  I always check no (because I am just charged) but I always make sure to tell them the whole story and do not omit that I was arrested.  I just think that this country only has half of thier freedom, liberty and welfare right.  I mean you have to take drug tests to GET jobs but I garauntee that if you drug tested every person sitting at home with 6 kids on welfare without jobs that 80 percent would not pass the drug test...

-reply by Morgan

[iGuest 3]

 

(Important note: Federal courts have ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from imposing blanket bars to employment of people with conviction histories. Coming soon, you will find more information in the Legal Action Center?s toolkit Enforce Anti-Discrimination Laws.)

Time for a forgotten generation to get productive, drop your stereotypes,and play fair.

-reply by None