Should Convicted Felons Be Given a Second Chance?
Should convicted felons be given a second chance? Barack Obama thinks so, and he thinks the tax payers should have to foot the bill. He made his view on this issue more than evident during a town hall meeting in Elyria, Ohio on January 22nd. Here is a excerpt from this Ohio town hall meeting, where a 29 year old felon who has never had a job in his life asks Obama if he will help felons get a job:
Jerome the felon asks Obama: “I’m 29 years old, and I’ve never had a job in my life. I went to jail when I was younger. It’s like hard to get a job as a felon. Is this — any programs that hire people with felonies like something that — because it’s sad, it’s like — 29 years old, I’m 29.”
Obama Answers Jerome: “Look, I’m proud of the fact that you’re bringing this up because there are people who’ve made mistakes, particularly when they’re young, and it is in all of our interests to help them redeem themselves and then get on a straight path. Now, I don’t blame employers obviously for being nervous about hiring somebody who has a record. It’s natural if they’ve got a lot of applicants for every single job that that’s a question that they’d have in their minds. On the other hand, I think one of the great things about America is we give people second chances. And so what we’ve tried to do — and I want to say, this has been a bipartisan effort — when I was in the Senate, working with Sam Brownback; my Vice President, Joe Biden — passing a Second Chance Act that helps to fund programs that help the reintegration of ex-felons. It’s smart for us to do. You know, sometimes people say, well, that’s just coddling people. No; you reduce the recidivism rate, they pay taxes, it ends up being smart for taxpayers to do.”
Shame on Jerome, if he really wanted a job he could get one. He is playing the victim card. In reality he is only a victim of his own bad decisions. Taxpayers already pay for convicts to be in prison, now Obama wants us to pay to get them a job? Don’t get me wrong, I believe everyone(well, almost everyone) deserves a second chance, but it is not the responsibility of everyone else to provide that second chance.
Now before you start sending me nasty emails saying “you are stupid, and you just don’t understand how hard it is for felons to get a job.” Please allow me to stray from the beaten path for a moment and tell you a bit about my own experience.
I am a convicted felon. Five felonies to be exact. I spent the later part of my teenage years (15-19 years old) as a drug addict. Between ages 18 – 19, I lived out of the back of an Oldsmobile, and skipped around from job to job (i kept getting fired for some odd reason, hmm) to raise money for my heroin habit. I continued this pattern of living until I was finally arrested, charged with 9 felonies, convicted of 5 felonies, and sentenced to 1 year and 2 months in prison. One day, as I was sitting in my cell, I thought to myself, “this isn’t the life I want. I want something better, and I’m going to get it.” So I made a plan for what I was going to do when I got out, and I decided to use my time in there wisely by educating myself. I started studying college algebra, then moved on to calculus and finally computer science. I also applied for college while I was in prison, so I could attend as soon as I got out. My release day came, and guess what, I went out and got a job flipping burgers the next day.
I worked the early shift at my new job . Public buses didn’t run that early in the morning(in VA, if you receive a felony conviction you lose your license), so I walked to work, 5 miles, every morning. When my shift was over, I hoped on a bus, and went to the local community college to take a couple of classes. When I got out of class the buses weren’t running so I walked home, 4 miles, every night. This process repeated everyday for 9 months until I finally saved up enough money to pay off all of my court costs, and go through all of the red tape required to get my license back. When I finally got my license and my car back, I went out searching for a new, better job. I found 2 jobs. Who would have thought that a convict could get 2 jobs (Jerome couldn’t seem to find 1 in 29 years). I met a wonderful girl at one of these jobs, and we eventually got hitched! Fast forward 4 years and I am happily married, the proud owner of a brand new home, 6.5 years sober, have a good job, and I am almost done with a bachelors degree in computer science (I pay my own way through school, so I only take as many classes as I can afford).
I told you this story to tell you this. I know it is hard to get a job if you are a felon. I do understand. However, if you are a felon, you are not a victim of society, you are a victim of your actions. It is not the responsibility of tax payers to provide you with a second chance, it is your responsibility. In the United States there are infinite possibilities for a second chance, but you have to go out and get it. It will not come to you. Don’t let your criminal record hold you back, use it a lesson in life. If you work hard, pursue your dreams, and strive to be a good citizen, good things will happen. That is the beauty of liberty and freedom, you have every opportunity to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get on the right track in life. How could you not love a country that has allowed a drug addicted, homeless convict to become a sober, homeowner, with a beautiful wife, and lives the American dream everyday. God Bless America!
Do Felons Deserve a Second Chance, Obama Thinks So [Reader Post]
A very touching story, thanks for sharing with all of us. I’d like to cross post at Before It’s News. Best to you.
Do Convicted Felons Deserve a Second Chance? Obama Thinks So. « ~ THE GUNNY "G" BLOGS ONLINE ~ NEWS, VIEWS, BS, and…The BIZARRE!
No problem. You can cross post any of my posts, just let me know before you do.
can you tell me who hire with felons
@Renata, well that depends on where you live. Pretty much any fast food establishment, convenience store, or retail business will hire convicted felons. There are plenty of construction companies that hire felons. Also, there are plenty of high paying jobs that hire felons. I won’t name any names but I know for a fact that some of the big name tax preparer services hire felons (actually they don’t even ask, or do a background check). You just have to look around, if you can’t find a business that hires felons, you’re not looking hard enough. You may not find exactly what you are looking for, but sometimes you just have to settle with what you can find until you discover something better.
I agree he’s not looking, I got out of prison within a month i was working delivering food not the best but a start. Now 4 years later Im a manager @ the same company All i did was prove my work ethic and that i was trustworthy. The past is the past, you cant change it all you can do is make the best of the future.
IM A CONVICTED FELON BY THE CHANCE OF JUST DOING HER JOB BUT IN THEIR EYES I BROKE THE LAW. WELL HERE I AM STUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET, MANY EMPLOYERS HAVE DENIED MY APPLICATION BECAUSE OF THE BIG F ON MY REPORT. IM WORKING AT A TEMP AGENCY BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH. I NEED STABLE EMPLOYMENT SOME ONE PLESE HELP ME.
i myself am a convicted felon. i have felony drug convictions lost my children my home my entire life. i am statrting over now. it isnt easy but i was lucky enough to go to prison ina state where i was offered help support and guidance. this state would be maine in case ur wondering. i have been clean almost 5 yrs and life is wonderful noone handed me 2nd chances those were opportunities i had to seize myself. i was guided dow n the right path but i had to take action. doors were opened i chose not to close them. by the way the government already gives employers incentives to hire felons they often get tax breaks for doing it. no not all of them are going to take a chance but if you are honest and sincere a chance will present itself. dont give up everyone makes mistakes but dont expect opportunity to knock on ur door u must take initiative and knock on its door.
my name is gia and im not a convicted felon my charges were drug feleony charges that are now misdermenors and its still hard for me to get a job i was at the wrong place @ the wrong time and now im paying for it it has been three years i have graduated 5 times i have 2 degrees and 2 dipomas and im a certifed medical assistant plez someone help me get a job.
well said.
I HAVE A 21 YEAR OLD SON THAT, I AM JUST AT THE END OF MY ROPE WITH, HE NOW HAS A FELONY, HE IS A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, BUT CLAIMS HE IS CHECKING UP ON APPLICATIONS HE HAS PUT IN, AND STATES NO BODY WILL HIRE HIM, AT THIS POINT I WANT TO PUT HIM OUT OF MY HOUSE, I SAW THIS WEB SITE, AND WAS WONDERING CAN ANYONE SUGGEST ANY ADVICE, THIS IS A LAST RESORT BEFORE I LET GO.
@ Ms. Williams, That’s a tough call. I find it hard to believe that absolutely no one will hire him, but then again it could be true. What state are you in? What is the unemployment rate like in your area? If you have a high unemployment rate in your area it is highly possible that he truly is finding it difficult to find employment. The type of job he is looking for could also be a huge factor. Often times, when you have a felony record you have to just take whatever job you can get (including fast food) at least for a while. I don’t want to be the one to encourage you to let go of your son, but only you will know what you need to do. I would just try to determine whether or not he is truly trying to find employment. Ask him for some sort of proof that he is actually searching….better yet go with him on his job search. If he really is trying his best, then the best thing you can do is give him moral support. It is easy to feel hopeless in these situations. If he is just goofing off and not trying, then maybe the best thing for him is to give him the boot….but again that is up to you to determine.
It can be difficult to find a job as a felon, but if he stays determined he will find one eventually.
Good luck!
P.S. if you can provide more info about your area, I might be able to help you out a bit more.
THANK YOU SO MUCH DEAR FOR YOUR RESPONSE, THIS MEANS ALOT TO ME TO GIVE HIM ANOTHER SHOT, I LIVE IN MAYWOOD IL, IM A HOSPICE NURSE SO IM IN THE FIELD ALOT, AND BASED OFF WHAT I SEE, DERRICK IS NOT LOOKING 4 A JOB HE IS WALKING THE STREETS HANGING OUT, SO THIS IS HIS LAST CHANCE MY MIND IS MADE UP, IM JUST TRYING TO STEER HIM IN THE AREA OF EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE EVICTION DATE THAT I HAVE SET FOR HIM, GOD BLESS YOU, AND THANKS AGAIN.
You really have no idea just how very hard it is to find a job, home or even a date when you are labeled as a felon, unless you are one. And if you are unfortunate enough to also be labeled as a sex offender, well! a second chance is not exactly what the government or any other member of society wants to give you. Even if the crime you have been convicted of or shall I dare to say pleaded out to, didn’t even involve another person, people just don’t want to be bothered with you but, they are the first ones to complain about having to pay anything that might be of a benifit to the less fortunate ones. If a person who has never, ever hurt anyone or been involved in an act of violence against another person, and has served time in prison for their crime or offense, shouldn’t that be good enough punishment? Why should they go through everything that is involved with doing their time in prison, and still be labeled as a felon when they are returned to society? If they are going to be placed in a type of prison of their own when they are released, why did they ever go to prison in the first place. Mr. President, If you truely believe in a second chance, then give them a real second chance when they are released, wipe their slate clean. I believe that unless they commit other crimes, they should not be labeled as felons or have to enclude any information about their past when applying for a job. They should have paid their price to society, to be able to start all over again, which along with being able to vote, would really be a second chance. Thank You! V.C.V.C
I want to thank you so much for sharing your story. I myself was convicted of a felony at the young age of 19. I have am 24 years old now and about to be finished with college. I refuse to let my felony hold me back forever. I have started a blog http://www.exfelongirl.com over a year ago and it had helped me so to be able to talk to others that are struggling daily with the same issues that I do. I am also glad to see there are people like you that are willing to share their stories.
I am a convicted felon. I went to prison in 2005, served my time was released in 2008, obtained my GED, took collage courses and I am STILL in collage studying psychology. I have been sober for 7 years and I have applied for many jobs and I am being turned down because I am a felon. It is not because I haven’t tried or am not trying but because NOONE wants to give felons a second chance. So, good for you that it was so easy but there are people out there that are trying and being shot down because of their past record. Mine was a non-violent crime but that does not seem to matter. I am not nor will I ever give up but it is not as easy as you make it seem.
From the way you began your article, sounds like you do not believe in second chances for felons (which is what Obama is trying to do), but yet you were definitely given a second chance as you managed to get on with your life (That burger joint you supposedly worked at could have rejected you).
I find it hard to understand why an ex-felon would be so against the federal government trying to make it easier for felons to obtain employment…..unless you are not one in the first place?
Oh by the way, good luck finding a suitable job after graduating with your computer science degree…you gonna need it!
@Me, First off, as a matter of brevity, I didn’t mention all of the issues I had with finding a job. I was turned away from several burger joints before I found one that would take me.
Now, I have a hard time seeing why taxpayers should have to shell out even more of their hard-earned dollars to pay for our mistakes. The law is the law, and an individual should be well aware of the hardships he will face for breaking the law. We can’t break the law and then expect taxpayers to come to our rescue (before you make any TARP or Bailout references, I am against that too). No matter how harsh and unreasonable those laws might be.
That being said, I am certainly not against second chances for felons. I think everyone deserves a second chance, just as I was given. However, what I am against is the federal government using taxpayer dollars to create a bureaucracy that will help felons jump over the hurdles put in their way by the federal government. This is akin to masking the symptoms rather than curing the disease. The real issue here is poor legislation that allows criminal records to be easily accessed. We don’t need to waste taxpayer dollars on a government program to help people avoid this. We need to change the laws. Perhaps, something along the lines of allowing those with non-violent crimes to have their records permanently sealed after completing certain terms.
I am of the mind that the government is the problem not the solution.
I actually 100% agree with you on that point- we need better legislation on how background checks are used. On paper, a conviction is not supposed to hurt an applicant unless it is directly related to the job he/she is applying to, but in reality, a felony simply means you won’t even be considered.
So the programs that Obama is talking about are basically like applying tape to fix a leaking pipe. As an example- the ~$2500 that the federal gvt offers as an incentive for an employer to hire freshly released convicts is simply not enough for an employer to ignore the potential liability for huge monetary loss in a nation with a craze for lawsuits, and most importantly, simple prejudice.
I have an engineering degree and have been turned down for possibly every job on earth, my felony was a result of a drunk driving accident, first time contact with the law but somehow employers view me as a potential threat. I am employed, and I appreciate that at least I can pay my bills but the knowledge at the back of your mind that you have to face that discrimination for the rest of your life is enough to drive any one insane.
So my question to you is…what do you propose to fix the solution? Although l too disagree with the taxpayer paid programs proposed by Obama( Because they simply won’t work)- but I for one give a one up to the current administration for their effort (mediocre as it is) to try to fix a problem that everyone else seems happy to ignore.
Maybe you could somehow convince your fellow conservatives to support bills that would help really help felons instead of shooting them down like they always do…..I am referring as an example to H.R.5492, the “Fresh Start Act” (on which no taxpayer money would be spent ). I bet you no single Republican in congress will support it.
I actually 100% agree with you on that point- we need better legislation on how background checks are used. On paper, a conviction is not supposed to hurt an applicant unless it is directly related to the job he/she is applying to, but in reality, a felony simply means you won’t even be considered.
So the programs that Obama is talking about are basically like applying tape to fix a leaking pipe. As an example- the ~$2500 that the federal gvt offers as an incentive for an employer to hire freshly released convicts is simply not enough for an employer to ignore the potential liability for huge monetary loss in a nation with a craze for lawsuits, and most importantly, simple prejudice.
I have an engineering degree and have been turned down for possibly every job on earth, my felony was a result of a drunk driving accident, first time contact with the law but somehow employers view me as a potential threat. I am employed, and I appreciate that at least I can pay my bills but the knowledge at the back of your mind that you have to face that discrimination for the rest of your life is enough to drive any one insane.
So my question to you is…what do you propose to fix the solution? Although l too disagree with the taxpayer paid programs proposed by Obama( Because they simply won’t work)- but I for one give a one up to the current administration for their effort (mediocre as it is) to try to fix a problem that everyone else seems happy to ignore.
Maybe you could somehow convince your fellow conservatives to support bills that would help really help felons instead of shooting them down like they always do…..I am referring as an example to H.R.5492, the “Fresh Start Act” (on which no taxpayer money would be spent ). I bet you no single Republican in congress will support it.
My close family member is 17 & now has 2 serious felonies & it is killing my husband & I. He was an A student in school had plans to specialize in nursing. He can not have this taken off his record, the courts told him.He made wrong choices & the whole sad thing he knew what he was taught, He now says he has no life regrets what he did, & is talking suicide. He is now in a juvenile boot camp. He said he cannot even believe what he did, he never thought of the consequences. He said no one would ever hire him except in menial jobs. He did talk about the military,but the people that are in charge of the boot camp are ex military, & they said they do not know if he could even get in the military.
Hi. My name is Amber Waller. I am 18 years old in my second semester of college, attending a small baptist school in a tiny town called Graceville in Florida. I just wanted to thank you for your post. In all humility I admit that I have never even gotten a lunch detention let alone been convicted of a felony but my father is in prison and my little sister has been in trouble with the law more times than I can count. I have had a tough life but even though most of the hard times were caused by my father’s actions, I have forgiven him. I believe that everyone who is in a right state of mind and who truly desires to change, deserves a second chance at living free, but I agree that they should work for it. We all have done things we regret but we need to see people with compassion and forgiveness and not hinder them from growing. I am writing a paper for my english class and I doing it on second chances. At first I couldn’t really say if I believed that someone who has does something as terrible as hurting or killing someone (especially a child) or ruined the lives of innocent people deserved a second chance at anything. Your testimony has helped me realize that people who want change in their life truly do exist and I am so glad it’s true.I know that the same God who has saved me from my sins has forgiven and saved those who have committed crimes as well. I hope the Lord blesses you in your life and family and uses you to help people always!
Love in the Lord,
Amber Lynn Waller
Not every felony conviction in Virginia will cause you to lose your license, this is simply a falsehood that you put out there. I have 7 felony convictions and my license has not be suspended nor taken from me.
hi people my name is tony. Now you make alote of good points, you make it sound easy but its not. I am 44 years old and my mistake was in 1985 for a falony first and last. yes i have live the dream i have work many jobs over the years,mostly in security able to carry a gun, buy guns, and have the proper papers to prove it. but in this day and time there are not many burger joints hireing at my age. I have never been to prison, and the mistake was over 27 years ago. and i cant get a job now becouse of what happen over 27 years ago this is crazy.
That’s true, but many felony drug convictions result in the loss of your license. However, that may be dependent on the city in which you were convicted. There’s no need to act like I was trying to pull one over on you. Why would I lie about that? Obviously this was a mistake on my part.
I just got convicted of accessory to aggravated assault because I lied to the police about a fight my boyfriend (and father of my son) got into. Now, I am a felon. Ironically, I will have my degree in legal studies in November. I don’t think I’ll have any problems getting a job as a paralegal fpor a criminal defense attorney LOL. I do have to start serving my time the day after I graduate though. I live in Idaho and it’s the sort of place where you get a gun stuck in your face even if you’re the passenger of a car accident and are lying on the side of the road. Yes, that happened to me and no, the driver was not eluding. Someone called the accident in. Instead of taking me to the hospital, they took me to jail for resisting and obstructing?! I think they pulled my name, saw my pending charges and decided to haul my ass in. They justified it saying that because they couldn’t immediately see me from the road I was “hiding”. FROM WHAT? It’s pretty fucked up here.
get real, I was arrested in jan 1980 and released in oct 1987 18 felonies for b/e of business and this took place after 2yrs in air force. Supporting a drug habbit is expensive. Well now I am still trying to get my civil rights back.(in florida) I have a degree in John deere engineering and another in business Mgt/business law, with a boatload of trade skill courses done.My wife and I own a small farm(20ac owned 30 leased) and I still have been UNEMPLOYED for the last year.1830 resumes sent out to date. Should I still pay property taxes you tell me.I gain nothing from the county–state–or fed we PAY for EVERYTHING we have.But I am just about to run out of options.We’ve raised 3 kids–14grandchildren, and no job my business partner is in the same boat; hell we’ve talked about robbing drug dealers, thats a service society can use.Now tell me I been straight for over 30yrs — CLEAN— so sell that fairy tale of hard work to someone else. I’ve been told 2 dozen times in the last month that there are people who have applied for the same position who don’t carry bagage of felony convictions. If I am wrong do inform me.liftstation@aol.com
It is definitely harder for a convicted felon to find a job once he or she is released from prison. I recently was released from prison after serving a year for petty larceny. Yes in VA after 2 misdemeanor theft charges the third one is a felony-well anyway it has been an uphill battle. Yes you can find a job at a fast food restaurant. There are small businesses that will hire you but then again they pick and choose. I have been trying and I have outstanding office skills but at this point I am trying for anything. I live in a transitional home and you may not want to hear it but race is still a big factor. Each women in the home has recently been released from prison the white girls have been very successful finding jobs in dr’s offices and places you would not think a convicted felon would work. The black girls are working at subway and burger joints. Society doesnt look at white women as felons when they take off the prison uniforms they are simply Mrs. or Ms so and so. We take off are prison uniform we still have an albatross around are neck. Thats not an excuse to give up I am still trying hard although I realize I may not be able to work in the office again any time soon I may have to just go to the burger joint you were at but believe me when you take off that burger uniform and apply for jobs with mandatory background checks then maybe you will show a little more empathy for those who are actually trying and not getting anywhere.
What some of you fail to realize is that between drugs, theft and prostitution those are usually felonies that people tend to look at and say “Hmmm… I understand you may have been trying to support your family or you were ill I can respect that brother/sister…”. But what about people who have my story???….. When I was 18, I was pregnant. I lived with my child’s father , and he was abusive. He would lock me in the house, see me out in public on a bus or at work pull me and drag me and choke me out for no reason. He knew where all of my family and friends lived so there was nowhere for me to go and stay to get myself together. One day we gotten into a huge fight surprisingly unrelated to these issues and I knew I had to leave but he had the key. So now I’m in a position to fight back and leave or fight to go no where… Well from there you kinda know where this is going… in the end a knife was involved and I was arrested… He knew he was wrong so he dropped the charges and it had just so happened that I had met a lady from an organization who had said she would help me and she did. She picked me after I was released and
What some of you fail to realize is that between drugs, theft and prostitution those are usually felonies that people tend to look at and say “Hmmm… I understand you may have been trying to support your family or you were ill I can respect that brother/sister…”. But what about people who have my story???….. When I was 18, I was pregnant. I lived with my child’s father , and he was abusive. He would lock me in the house, see me out in public on a bus or at work pull me and drag me and choke me out for no reason. He knew where all of my family and friends lived so there was nowhere for me to go and stay to get myself together. One day we gotten into a huge fight surprisingly unrelated to these issues and I knew I had to leave but he had the key. So now I’m in a position to fight back and leave or fight to go no where… Well from there you kinda know where this is going… in the end a knife was involved and I was arrested… He knew he was wrong so he dropped the charges and it had just so happened that I had met a lady from an organization who had said she would help me and she did. She picked me up after I was released and took me to our place and helped me get my things. She let me stay with her and that was the end… so I thought… 3 months before I had my first child the state picked up the charges and reopened the case. I went to court and was arrested and bond was set at $25,000. I sat in jail for 30 days until the bond came down… when it did my family got enough together and bailed me out. 35 days later they offered me a plea and I took it because there was no one in my family who was capable of helping to take care my child in the event that they decided to charge me and sentence me. So I decided to take the charge with a lighter sentence so I could take care of my child. So now here we are almost 5 years later and still no quite being able to take care of my child(Ren). Don’t get me wrong I’ve had jobs here and there but they don’t last long because even the original hiring manager is willing to give me a chance once corporate finds out they claim they’ve made changes to the system and now they can no longer let me work or the schedule has no more room for me… ???… huh???… I don’t pay taxes at this time (because I can’t) but I also don’t use the system… I make it on my own the best way I can. And on another side note there are tons of other single parents who do the same thing, but you don’t here about that because the government is using the extra money to increase the pay of the county workers and increase funds made available to those already on “Welfare”… just thought you should know that… * But with this new plan Obama is having looked into, would definitely give me a better chance at giving my children a better life. So if you think the government is using you, they are… and if you think funds are being misused, they are… and if you think that those people you spend your tax dollars on to keep half those people in jail is of a great necessity, then your mind is about half as corrupt as our system…
Okay this has to be the most closed minded thing I’ve ever read in all of my years of living. Do you really understand how quickly people go back to prison. Just because you have gotten a lucky break in life doesn’t mean it happens to everyone. You are the exception not the rule. I can’t even get into a college because of my criminal background. No flipping burgers or anything. Yes, many people make mistakes in life and should they get a second chance? I believe it’s in America’s best interest to give them a chance. You talked about how much it would cost taxpayers to help transition these guys back into society. Obviously don’t know anything about recidivism. One thing that keeps ex-cons from acting out again is by having a fulfilling job. With that said, in order to house a prisoner it’ll cost about $40,000 a year. So you can house them for a while in hopes that they don’t act out again or you can house them behind bars for a lifetime. Everyone deserves a second chance. The sad part is half of the people that don’t want to give people second chances call themselves followers of Christ.
I can say that Jerome is not lying and I’m a woman. I’m 29 year old mother of 6. I’ve been a convicted felon since 2005. I can only speak myself. I have a family to provide for as do most people. I’ve applied to company’s that most women and men my age wouldn’t dare step foot in, I’ve interviewed with different employer’s and they all tell me the same thing “if I already had a paying job….. blah blah blah. People talk about a convicted felon this a convicted felon that, what were we before we made that choice? A human being ok. But I paid society back so why am I still punished? So yes its possible that jerome couldn’t obtain work I’ve been trying for the past five.
And fast food joints? Ha! No luck there… and race has a who
le lot do with it whether they want to realize it or not. Most of the time the court system has a lot to do with this too. Everybody talks about taxpayers money, well if u put as much effort into making a way for convicted felons woman especially to finding a way to employ some of us who want to work then maybe u wont have to pay as much…
Ok so the law should read if you commit a crime you can never work again… wtf? Anybody is capable of committing a crime. Its stupid that’s y its not written that way. It cost money to live
How am I suppose to support my family? If I had to worry about every convicted felon I would drive myself crazy, u should be happy that u know because its the ones u don’t know about that should have you worried. If I didn’t open my mouth to these employers I would have a job. Its discrimination
im 28 a black woman,and 3 year ago i was convicted of a felon. i’ve always believed that the real punishment would start upon release from jail, when you’re ready to start being a productive citizen and pay taxes. Being a felon taints you. Why should i have to settle for a burger job when i have the background to do much more and make more money. why do i have to work in factories physical labor when i have the education to do much more and make real money. its very discouraging. trying to stay focused. i seriously want a second chance at a real career not just a j.o.b. so this is my life forever? im a Christain i believe in second chances. give me a chance to prove myself is all i ask.
Good evening Conservative American. You’ve hit the nail on the head in so many areas and some of them, well I don’t really agree. One that sticks is simply taking responsibility for your actions and not expecting people to come to your aid or rescue. While embarrassing, I am somewhat transparent about my past. I was convicted of a sexual offense with another adult who chose not to tell the truth to save their own hide while in the military. I wouldn’t dare argue guilt or innocence (been there and done that) but I do believe in pulling your own weight. I am so behind you on that. Since release, I have completed my BS in EDU and Human Services. Currently, I am working on my Master’s in Human Service Admin. I will help myself! I have been HIRED and then FIRED or told the position is too high of visibility and even escorted out of work places once the background check came back (even though I disclosed the information in my hiring process). It’s been like that since 2007 and you know what, they are going to have to keep telling me NO until someone see what a great contribution I have to ANY organization. To the others who have served time, stop answering to what they say you are and start making a name for your self. We keep living by these titles and even think we have to live under this new rule of conducting our selves like we dont have ideas; like we can start companies; like we cant raise our children with AS great as morals and values as parents without backgrounds like ours. Like Black people who where ostricized, we have to use every available resource to over come these barriers. IT IS NOT EASY! It will get harder and harder before you see ANY light but if any of your dare to change what society has labeled you as, you contribute to the countless men and women who say I am NOT what you say I am.
Start your business. Education is the ONLY real freedom from any title, label or bondage that you may THINK you are subjected to live under. It’s not about religion (but man does it help) or your walk with any deity; rather it’s about the drive to succeed; standing up and SHOWING the rest of the world that the title is not who you are.
@ Conservative American: your attitude is a part of the problem. Get off your high horse and have a heart, for God’s sake!
How do you think life is being convicted of, and doing time for a felony I didn’t even commit, having been tricked into confessing, due to my severe naivete concerning the legal system? I’m going, and have been so far, to have a horrible time finding a job!
As far as I’m concerned, I paid my debt to society by the loss of my freedom and the emptying my my wallet via court fines. How does shouldering me with a stigma that hinders my employment help me, you, other taxpayers, or the economy at large? All this does is make me a pissed off young person, with no job, no motivation, possibly no stable home, and having to rely on government handouts, forever. I can’t even back into college, in order to finish and use knowledge gained there to better myself!
Glad you had such an easy time (sarcasm) recovering from your unfortunate days as a felon, but my circumstances are different than yours, while those of some other criminal are also different than yours. The fact that you walked five miles in the snow, uphill both ways to work each day…I really don’t give a sh*t. The fact that you have done it is irrelevant, the fact that I am indeed physically capable of walking miles to work is also irrelevant; your reasoning seems to be “misery loves company” – so because you suffered long hard hours looking for work/trudging to work/struggling through dead-end jobs, that means I have to as well?
Be a human being, have a heart! Drop the whole “it builds character” b**lsh* (or whatever your reasoning is) and either propose a solution, or shut the heck up.
Well, once released from prison u must, find a job, pay court costs, pay ur probation office, find a home and transportation. Can u find a job? Yes. Can u find a good paying job to keep you from the temptation of going back to crime????
Yeah, convenient stores and fast food hire felons…yay! $7 an hour doesn’t pay for a home, a car and a family! And one writer said he is now a manager, after 4 years. Yay! Well, with a college degree I’m earning $7 an hour and paying court costs and my probation office.
I have a felony and got it in 2007.. my first charge of my life first time iwas in jail.. Finally got off papers in 2010 and now looking for a job.. I have plenty of years in customer service and retail.. graduated from everest for medical insurance billing and coding went back to school for medical assistant and graduate from thete and havent had a job in 3 years.. Can anybody help… I am a dallas, texas girl and willin g to do what i need to for my kids, also willing to walk my way up the ladder if need b.. I JUST NEED A LIL PUSH OPF HELP OR ADVICE…
I am even worse off than most here, as I am a recidivist sex offender. I went to prison once in the army, and then once when I got out. The charges were the same, but because of my status employment has been nearly impossible to find. The one good thing to come out of this is that I am fully qualified for Pell grants and Stafford loans, so I am going to go to school, either for Culinary Arts or an Associates in Science.
I do not think society will ever relax the rules, and maybe they should not. If I am being honest, and I owned my own buisness, and a 2 time convicted sex offender came in wanting a job I would probably flat-out refuse him. All I can say is good luck to all in my shoes. At least if I graduate I can say that I did not let my mistakes and my past keep me from trying.
I like this story, im in the same boat as this guy however im probably 100 times smarter. My story is similar to this guy i commited a few WHITE COLLAR crimes when i was young under 17 years old and was charged as an adult. Did a lot time let me tell you. Anyways i got had a low paying job trying to work my way up. I understand what i did was wrong but bc i had gone to prison before so stupid white guy accused me of assulting him and his wife and because i was on parole they automatically found me guilty and i went back in. NO evidence just his accusations. I had several creditable witnesses such as my teachers since i went back to high school as soon as i got out of prison. The courts did not let my teachers testify. I got out 8 months laters and i was out for about 2 years and again a cop accuses me of robbing at an Academy store. i fought the case for months pleading innocent but i was already in there for about 6 months. DA told me if i pleaded guilty right now i will give you time serve and if you dont i will post pone your trial date so that you can do at least another 8 months. I had to plead guilty i wanted to go back to school and finish. So i did. i went back to high school finish high school, btw i have my ged from prison but i wanted high school diploma, went to college majored in Computer Science and Mathematics minor in Economics. Graduated from an ivy league school im talking the best university in TEXAS. Now 2 years later i cant a job all bc of my background. So my 100k degree is worth crap. And yes it wasnt paid by taxpayers money. What do i do.
I was labeled a convicted felon in 2004 for trying to discipline my child. Before this terrible time in my life I was a Certified Nurse Assistant. I was dedicated to raising and providing for my children. I am a single mother of three children and I have no family support and no support from my children father. After being labeled with this horrible tag, my life has been very unbareable and often times I feel like giving up, but that’s even hard to do when all my children have is me. So I keep hoping and praying that some how and some way some one will give me a chance to provide for my family. I truly believe there is hope for us all if we ban together and start a petition in the states we live in to try and get a new law passed for individuals like ourselves. I’m sure there are enough felons nation wide that we can at least get some one to listen and consider our concerns and possibly at the very least either minimize our convictions or grant us a pardon. We all deserve to provide for ourselves and our families. I will keep you all posted if and when a door comes open for me. Keep Praying and God Bless Us All!
I was also convicted of felony drug distribution. Me and my then husband spent a year in prison. Upon parole I was hired as a sacker at a grocery store who obviously didn’t do background checks. I was promoted to checker soon after making a little more money with more hours. After completing my parole/probation and waiting 5 years with a clean record I went in front of the governor of NM for a pardon. Not an expungement because felons can’t get their records expunged in New Mexico. Fast forward 15 years, I tried to get a job as a police dispatcher and of course my conviction came up and was denied the job but God is so good he blessed me with a job in a private university in Texas where my children can go to school for free. Many small law firms will also hire felons, most won’t do background checks. Now my 21 year old son got addicted to drugs and was sentenced to 4 years in prison for 5- 2nd degree felony robberies. This broke my heart because the vicous cycle wasn’t broken. My baby didn’t learn from his parents mistakes and has now landed in prison. I know he will be ok when he gets out, why because he has parents did it. His father who also spent a year in prison got a job working for Frito Lay, went to school and got his bachelors in business and rose to become a district supervisor. He recently quit that job to work for Coca Cola as some form of supervisor. He didn’t get a pardon. People, don’t give up and work hard to overcome your mistakes. There are people out there who will hire you even with a felony. Go to school, get a degree and move forward. Quit feeling sorry for yourself!
Well I have read everyone’s post….I felt I needed to say something… I’m dating a man who is a convicted felon,for aggravated murder…he spent 20 years in prison …he is a wonderful amazing loving caring man…..I have known this man for half my life…going on 30 years now…..we wrote back and forth over the years..he was out for 1 1/2 before he contacted me …well of course we fell in love with each other..he is my best friend!!! The reason im writing this today is Im confused how and why society treats people the way they do ….I know his story….I know who he killed….I understand the story why can’t other people. He does have a job….not the greatest, but it pays his fines, and keeps the state off of him….He got the job after being out for only 3 months. This is after he filled out thousands and thousands of resumes and applications….He does not like his job what so ever but he knows he has to do it, The one thing I dont understand and probably never will….Is he spent his time, he did his time….so let him live the rest of life, without people looking down on him, listen to his story, before you judge him..PLEASE!!!!! Why do people jugde people? If we as a society treat people right, then maybe repeat felons would not want to go back to prison….if we as a society help felons out maybe prisons would not be so full….So i think WE as a society should give felons a second chance to live their lives…and enjoy their life without society looking down on them or judging them. Yes Im in love with a convicted murder…and I would never change anything about it!!!!
Come on now…….any1 believe this cat? Didn’t u say in Va if ur a felon u can’t get a license, u have 5 right? Well u say u worked and got ur license back…..so r u not still a felon? Come people this dude is fraudulent