I have a felony from 16 yrs. ago and it is so hard for me to find another job. Can anyone help me?
Asked by queen latifa
I have worked with chemical dependency clients for 10 yrs. That is my current employment now. The facility will be closing in 30 days. I have a Phlebotomy certificate and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certificate. I even have a certificate for nurses aid. No one is forgiving of my felonies. Can someone give me any suggestions.

Best Answer:
From my recollection of job applications, they never ask about felonies within the last 7-10 years. Also, talk to an attorney about getting it expunged from your record - given the steps you've taken in the past years, a reasonable judge would be willing to wipe it out if you plead your case and explain the challenge your facing. You'll pay a few bucks for the consultation with the attorney, and as well to retain them to ATTEMPT to get it expunged (of course no way they can promise it will work), but it's something. As a chemical dependency counselor, you probably speak with people from all walks of life and income levels - you may already have contact with an attorney that will help you at a discount (or at least with a free consultation) as thanks for the help you've given them.

work at a wendys
Answered by Valentine

maybe you should pay the fee to get a felony removed from your record. I'm not sure howmuch it is but i heard that you can do it if it's been over 15yrs or something like that.
Answered by Brit M

contact a lawyer and apply for a pardon abnd i would just l;ike to say we have to save our jobs and stop sending themn over to china
Answered by mkimkilop

well what felony did you commit
Answered by youngbutsmart

with your experience I dont think it will be too hard find a job in the same field. Just start applying asap!
Answered by Kristi

monster.com i wish you the best & pray for you. <3
Answered by brittanysfamous

Many places only check for the past 7-10 years for convictions...keep trying!
Answered by nickelrustler

Well as long as your felony is not against children you can work for the VA. You can even work for the state of California or the a county or city agency. Just be trutful, as I'm sure you have been. It's gonna be difficult but start searching right now because you don't have much time.
Answered by David H

I hate society.
Answered by mysticalkfae037

Hey, it sounds like you have a great work history and education. Now it's all about presentation and convincing an employer to hire you. Do a lot of practice interviewing. Believe or not, there are a lot of people that will hire you, it's just going to take some work! Good luck.
Answered by jeffx82

I can guarantee one thing The CNA license you should burn it cause I know for a fact that no nursing home, assisted living home ect will hire someone with a felony conviction 16 years ago or 6 days ago. They can't take the risk. You will more than likely never find a job in health care. so I'd look else where.
Answered by Anna22183

I think it really depends on the crime, and if you can explain your way out of it. I know that smaller/private companies are much more forgiving than lager ones, for that sort of a thing. When I hire people where I work, the ability to explain prior issues accounts for a lot. I would say too, that you should try and find a job that accepts resumes instead of applications that you have to fill out. You do not include criminal records on a resume, and it seems like those are the types of jobs you may be applying for? Or, before you even apply for a job, call and see what their hiring policy is, so you will not waste your time applying places that will not cut you some slack. Get your resume looked at and updated, and be confident in your skills... other than that there is really not much you can to unfortunately. Good Luck!
Answered by starbux_adct

These people saying work at "Wendy's" are pathetic losers I have sympathy for you it was 16 YEARS ago!!! You've got your act together and have changed for the better and just trying to be a good hard working citizen probably providing for a family. Good job! My suggestion is go to a lawyer or talk to your next employer and say it was 16 years ago and I've been employed for 10 years and let him to talk to your ex-boss to see how good you are. We all make mistakes, but you shaped up good luck and I wish the best for you!
Answered by amon

Depending on your felonies and the type of job you are trying to get can make it harder. When you turn 18 your records should be sealed in most states. I have more then a few first class mis. only because I played hard ball with the detectives and I have just always kept them quiet. it's not the most honest way to go about things and if they find out then you wont get the job but if you do not disclose them and they don't check then you will have a job. Other then that, you may have to work in the system but I don't know the age limit for that but my PO had a felony. I don't know if I have helped but i tried.
Answered by Lisa c's

I guess it depends on what sort of crime we are talking about and if you served any time, etc.. How did you get the jobs you have had recently? I would address the issue once it becomes one and plead your case that you are reformed and looking to become a productive member of society. Point out the fact that other employers took a chance on you and you were successful. Offer references. If you have a blood work cert. You may be able to get a job in a small medical clinic, or what about any police stations that may require someone on staff to draw blood for people refusing breathalyzers? I know recently that is a motion many states have implemented. What about hospitals in low economic growth areas? Red Cross? Good Luck!
Answered by harveybsharvey

that sucks :-( maybe you need to be more assertive. call these places. ask to speak to the hiring manager. tell them all of these great things that you have done and the certifications you have. tell them you can give great references. on an application, if it says you committed a felony, i'm sure your application goes straight to the bottom of the pile, if not in the trash. even though it was 16 years ago, that's how people are. you have to really set yourself apart from the rest and make them notice you and like you.
Answered by eamor

this is where you will have to have friends who know and trust you get you jobs. Tell everyone you know you need work.
Answered by Robert C

Regardless of your qualifications, it could be the nature of the crime. Some people are more sesitive when it comes to crimes involving "physical force" or abuse of those not yet at the age of "reason". I for one(35+ yrs) in Corrections/Enforcement have seen that mentality even amongst offenders. Its' The "ol chicken coop" pecking order as it were.
Answered by feldwebel

Sorry to hear. You did your time. Sounds like you have proved you changed. 10 years working with the addicted population is no easy task. Since you are in the health care industry, try to locate another job in that area. Be sure to ask your employers and network of past employers to vouch for you in writing or phone calls. Avoid applying to job that involve anything associated w/ banking or money industry. Perhaps built on your own reputation by widening your circle of future reference sources through volunteering in the community. Luck to you.
Answered by TJ2day

What you are saying just doesn't make any sense. First, unless the felony is directly related to the type of work you are seeking it CAN'T be held against you. Second, a felony from 16 years ago WOULDN'T:T be held against you. It shouldn't even be showing up on most standard background checks. Have you checked your criminal background report? Is there something else showing up? It would be worth the time and money (not much $$) to get to the bottom of this.
Answered by Donna K

YOU CAN TRY AND GET YOUR FELONY EXPUNGED, AS LONG AS THERE WAS NO WEAPONS INVOLVED. IT WILL COST A BIT. BUT WELL WORTH IT. AND IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO DO THIS. WHAT EVER YOU DO JUST BE HONEST WHEN APPLYING FOR WORK. REMEMBER THAT IF THEY FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR FELONY AND YOU DIDN'T TELL THEN THEY HAVE REASON TO FIRE YOU.
Answered by B I