Convicted Felon from Columbus OH, looking for work.

middleaged in Battle Creek, Michigan said: If you have a sex offense, it's nearly impossible to find work. Lying on applications might work some places, but most will fire you. Society loves to look it's nose down on people. There are plenty of commentators on here who do nothing constructive, but seek to get their thrills from other people's miseries. They want to punish you for life because you made a mistake and got caught. Millions of people walking around the US who have committed felonies, but never caught. To the old guys who want to argue with you about how you made your own choices, they can go to hell.

This site is to help people find a way to live and work. Period!

This is all true. Society wants to put up behind bars to pay your debt to society but once you do they do not want to forgive or forget. Land of the free? R u serious. Everyone makes mistakes some get caught but when its someone famous they get a slap on the hand or an easier sentence. NO matter who you are it should be all the same. Our laws need to change. For you out there who want a start go to a logging company or sawmill most will give you a chnace or even a laundry business that cleans laundry for large buisness's. TO ALL out there that are struggling I hope the laws change and also check farms they need help. MERRY CHRISTMAS and BELIEVE no matter what because there are people who may have worse situations than you. LOVE,PEACE AND WORK

I've been reading this thread for a while now and need to comment. If you do the crime you do the time. This is correct. If you feel the time is not correct then you go to congress or who ever and have it changed. Once the time has been served and a reasonable amount of time has passed on the outside showing you have not continued in your ways but have changed then I feel you should be given the opportunity to work just like everyone else. The person you were when you were 18 is not the same person at 28. How many of us have done things we shouldn't but were not caught and years later thing back at what the hell was I doing? Why am I still alive? I had my car stollen and for years got scared every time I forgot where I parked my new car. Not long a ago I took a chance and rented a room to a kid who was on parole for car theft. He always followed the rules and was the best roommate I ever had. Jesus talked about forgiveness. Until you let go you will always be looking over your shoulder and that is no way to live.

Yes for so many reasons people are caught doing something wrong or there is a perception of doing something wrong. I agree our system is very whacked out.. OK what to do about these circumstances.. Let's put the burden back on society our government state and federal want you to be a productive citizen however there's a disconnect between your past and your present situations with no support to get you back to a productive citizen. Hmm, Let's look at a couple ideas, who will benefit from you getting a good paying job returning you to society as a rehabilitated productive citizen? In the current system Society uses your situation to limit your return to full social status. Right well I want to see that happen as much as you do.. So, how to organize how to work within this system.. The key to this issue is returning to society to benefit society increasing your contributions to society. Can we put a price on that? Maybe, I am suggesting you start a program in your communities.. I would give some examples of these type programs Victory outreach is one.. I am sure there are many examples, what really bothers me, I do not see any Christian Counselling service people here, I do not see any Government Counselling services people here, I do not see any Institutional Couselling Services people here offering assistance.. I would contact your states attorney asking them what programs they can suggest to get you going.. I would contact your local State Representatives. I would be asking your local Counselling services.. I would be asking your local Parole Boards. I would be sending these letters to your reprentatives.. Organizing seems the way to get your messages across. Start a Group on facebook. label the group sex offenders gone good we need understanding too. something like that.. I am make a special prayer for all of you.. God promises to help those that help themselves.. Peace be with you ..

Id say for those who are against people with felonies, would you want a felon to just be roaming the streets with no money no family because they cant find work? I mean if having a felony is so bad and everyone has a problem with a person that did there time and was released that committed a crime.. I would rather have a felon working then out on the streets looking for a way to make money. Society just have really messed up issues about forgiving a person for the crimes they have committed. Im not saying that people should just turn there backs and forget it but give these people a chance to better there lives and provide for there family. Ive seen felons that were really down to earth people and would help a person if they were in a bad spot help someone compared to someone who was clean and thought they was high and mighty.. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Just half of the world really need to open there eyes because without the low class there wouldnt be a world to live in because who would take on the dirty jobs that most of lawabiders wouldnt because they think there too good for the job... The worse of all is the gated communities those are the people that have been really scrud in the head thinking everyone even lawabiders will hurt them lol.... But anyways my thoughts on this topic is that felons have to realize people are different then you are, meaning if they are in a different position meaning having no felony they tend to be cautious... But the thing is anyone at anytime can commit a felony meaning a upright person can be a felon just as quick as a felon can turn and steal, kill , rape, and commit any crime thats where people have things mixed up. Just because a person has a felony dont mean they going to recommit the crime. Give me feed back on this if you have any comments on what im saying.. For Felons all i can say is keep your head up and try to stay strong for yourself and your family.

I would also like to say not all felons are murderers, rapists, or have physically hurt other people. Some were young who stole a car for a joy ride or had too much Marijuana on them and were convicted of selling although that was not what was happening. These people too are felons and are lumped together with the murders and rapists. Being raised in the sixtys I too remember the skinny dipping. No one asked gee can I see your id to make sure your old enough so now these people are now convicted of sex crime although there was no sex involved and only a few years difference.

Frankensense in Warwick, Rhode Island said: Because I honestly think that someone who is willing to take a gun to shove it in someone's face in order to make a quick buck has serious issues that need to be addressed during their jail time and after. I don't care if they want to get a job after jail. Never said I did. But I don't think that their slate should be wiped clean after the events. You don't get a free second chance when you put someone's life at risk on purpose.

If I got a true second chance, it would for sure not have been for free. I for one have paid the price well into ridiculousness. I’m sure that if some kid robbed you and he went to prison, walking out as an adult, that his second chance was for sure not free. You, to me seem unreasonable here, bitter really. I started this post to maybe help myself and family by trying to land a job. You’re here to argue that people should not get second chances. What is the result from people like you, the final combined outcome of your thoughts? Poverty for millions!!! You may not like that, but it is so true. In the long run, because the negative implications are so far reaching do to your school of thought and others like you, that you actually cause yourself more harm by making the country worse off, by contributing to a failing economy, by crippling my children’s financial situation, and causing incalculable ripples throughout society that will, and do bite you in the ass. Such as, more poverty equals more robbery… is just a few examples of the outcome of your thinking… please change, and please forgive… if you do change, and enough people like you change, then the country and the world will for sure be better off… I’m being serious here, can’t you see this? Also, please keep in mind that I’m not your enemy; I’m here because I love the heck out of my family and want a decent job! One more question… why are you here? How did you find this forum?

luckysafehaven in Omaha, Nebraska said: Yes for so many reasons people are caught doing something wrong or there is a perception of doing something wrong. I agree our system is very whacked out.. OK what to do about these circumstances.. Let's put the burden back on society our government state and federal want you to be a productive citizen however there's a disconnect between your past and your present situations with no support to get you back to a productive citizen.In the current system Society uses your situation to limit your return to full social status. Right well I want to see that happen as much as you do.. So, how to organize how to work within this system.. The key to this issue is returning to society to benefit society increasing your contributions to society. Can we put a price on that? Maybe, I am suggesting you start a program in your communities.. I would give some examples of these type programs Victory outreach is one.. I am sure there are many examples, what really bothers me, I do not see any Christian Counselling service people here, I do not see any Government Counselling services people here, I do not see any Institutional Couselling Services people here offering assistance.. I would contact your states attorney asking them what programs they can suggest to get you going.. I would contact your local State Representatives. I would be asking your local Counselling services.. I would be asking your local Parole Boards. I would be sending these letters to your reprentatives.. Organizing seems the way to get your messages across. Start a Group on facebook. label the group sex offenders gone good we need understanding too. something like that.. I am make a special prayer for all of you.. God promises to help those that help themselves.. Peace be with you ..

Its illegal for sex offenders to be on Facebook. Is a good idea though, my family and I thank you, wish there were more like you.

@Dan - I can't forgive someone who forcefully took something away from me while I was just trying to live my life in my neighborhood. And honestly? I don't need to forgive those two kids, who came to me dripping in gold jewelry and diamond studs in their ears with a gun pointed at me. Who called me a B8*&(tch and then took my bag and ran, not caring the my insulin - the medication I need to stay alive- was in that bag or that it would cost me a lot of money to replace it. Who ran home from my rental to the nice home that they lived in with their parents. I don't need to forgive someone who decided that they were little thugs.

There is nothing wrong with being angry about that. I get that you posted here about your frustrations and all...great. But I thought you should hear it from the victims side too. We're people as well, who have to go on living after we're given that victim title. We have to live in fear and we have to rebuild our lives after. But I guess you bunch never think about the people you hurt, right? You just selfishly think about yourselves just like you were selfishly thinking about yourselves when ever you committed what ever crime you committed. If anyone on this forum who had committed a crime seemed genuinely sorry maybe I'd feel different. But most of what I have seen has been whining. Boo -hoo, you committed a crime and now life is hard. Life is hard for EVERYONE regardless of jail time. Jobs are scarce for EVERYONE. Not just you.

The rest of us live with stupid decisions that we've made. I've done stupid stuff too and I'm still dealing with the consequences. I don't demand for things to be wiped away shiny and clean for me - I suck it up and deal with it. Maybe its something that you should try too.

@Dan - I can't forgive someone who forcefully took something away from me while I was just trying to live my life in my neighborhood. And honestly? I don't need to forgive those two kids, who came to me dripping in gold jewelry and diamond studs in their ears with a gun pointed at me. Who called me a B8*&(tch and then took my bag and ran, not caring the my insulin - the medication I need to stay alive- was in that bag or that it would cost me a lot of money to replace it. Who ran home from my rental to the nice home that they lived in with their parents. I don't need to forgive someone who decided that they were little thugs.

There is nothing wrong with being angry about that. I get that you posted here about your frustrations and all...great. But I thought you should hear it from the victims side too. We're people as well, who have to go on living after we're given that victim title. We have to live in fear and we have to rebuild our lives after. But I guess you bunch never think about the people you hurt, right? You just selfishly think about yourselves just like you were selfishly thinking about yourselves when ever you committed what ever crime you committed. If anyone on this forum who had committed a crime seemed genuinely sorry maybe I'd feel different. But most of what I have seen has been whining. Boo -hoo, you committed a crime and now life is hard. Life is hard for EVERYONE regardless of jail time. Jobs are scarce for EVERYONE. Not just you. I'm here because I've found myself jobless - this is the career advice forum after all.

The rest of us live with stupid decisions that we've made. I've done stupid stuff too and I'm still dealing with the consequences. I don't demand for things to be wiped away shiny and clean for me - I suck it up and deal with it. Maybe its something that you should try too.

[QUOTE I've done stupid stuff too and I'm still dealing with the consequences. I don't demand for things to be wiped away shiny and clean for me - I suck it up and deal with it. Maybe its something that you should try too.

First off your being an ass… Wiping away things shinny? I don’t need any of this… Secondly I am dealing with it the best that I can, not just “trying” as you put it, I started this post 4 years ago, after all! What are you doing? Arguing with me and just being a troll, no wonder you don’t have a job! … So your advice for me is to suck it up… I’m a man, I’m 35 years old, I’m strong, fit, and a hard worker, my kids are 10 and 11 years old, and you want me to deal with it! Deal with not providing? So your advice for me in this advice forum is to quite? What is the point of existence if all you do is suck it up without trying? You can bark at me to not demand things, but our entire country and people exist because of their accumulated demanding, does it not? If you cannot offer advice that goes beyond your own ignorance and are too tunneled versioned to lean and grow then why give me any advice at all? Maybe you’re here to ask advice from me? I find it sad that your doing this here in this forum like this…

Why can't you find a job anyways?

@Dan - currently employed, thanks, just looking for another career. I'm not being a troll, I'm bringing in a view point that you clearly don't want to face. I'm not doing it to enrage you, I was doing it to share what it is like to be on the receiving end of the a crime. The angst filled comments caught my eye as a victim of a violent crime, thus I started posting to this thread. You have some anger issues, dude, maybe that is why you cannot find a job? Maybe you're not trying? I mean, you did start this four years ago. Take anything you can get.

Frankly given the description of your crime I'm surprised you were not able to get it expunged. If it was really all innocent fun and games why is it still following you around? Looks like it would be an option in Ohio given the details of your crime, as you gave them, if that was indeed your first falling in with the law for a crime such as that.

b

Frankensense in Warwick, Rhode Island said: @Dan - currently employed, thanks, just looking for another career. I'm not being a troll, I'm bringing in a view point that you clearly don't want to face. I'm not doing it to enrage you, I was doing it to share what it is like to be on the receiving end of the a crime. The angst filled comments caught my eye as a victim of a violent crime, thus I started posting to this thread. You have some anger issues, dude, maybe that is why you cannot find a job? Maybe you're not trying? I mean, you did start this four years ago. Take anything you can get.

Frankly given the description of your crime I'm surprised you were not able to get it expunged. If it was really all innocent fun and games why is it still following you around? Looks like it would be an option in Ohio given the details of your crime, as you gave them, if that was indeed your first falling in with the law for a crime such as that.

In Ohio they will not expunge sexual crimes because they are considered buildable crimes like the three strike law . I was convicted of GSI felony of the fourth degree . Me and a freind of mine were smoking pot together next thing I knew was I was waking up in jail with them telling me I had grabbed on two underaged girls while I was walking down the road .I have no recolection of any of it. I was only 17 when this happened and admit I should not have been doing drugs . I was raised completely differant than this . Since then I had moved to another state and landed a job as a fisherman on the ocean and have traveled all over the U.S.A. . Unfortunatly my parents got sick and passed so I moved back to Ohio and since have had a son who is three years of age and is the most important thing in my life . I have found even temp. services will not hire you even if you are honest .

Frankensense in Warwick, Rhode Island said: @Dan - currently employed, thanks, just looking for another career. I'm not being a troll, I'm bringing in a view point that you clearly don't want to face. I'm not doing it to enrage you, I was doing it to share what it is like to be on the receiving end of the a crime. The angst filled comments caught my eye as a victim of a violent crime, thus I started posting to this thread. You have some anger issues, dude, maybe that is why you cannot find a job? Maybe you're not trying? I mean, you did start this four years ago. Take anything you can get.

In real life I’m a nice guy, I’m only angry with your attitude because in order for things to change, people like you need to change, I know I have! I have been robbed at gun point just as you have, and been punished doing time in prison, and I’m here to tell you that prison messed my life up much more so than being robbed. My main point is that prison is enough punishment, and if its not, then tack on more prison time until it is. But once you’re released, you should be given a second chance and not discriminated against when looking for work. It should be equal and based on qualifications only, you don't seem to think so! I also work, but it’s under the table, and less then minimum wage, I am constantly doing things to make ends. Quick question… I thought you said you found this forum because you were unemployed, and now you’re saying that you have a job, am I missing somthing?

bones in Columbus, Ohio said: b

In Ohio they will not expunge sexual crimes because they are considered buildable crimes like the three strike law . I was convicted of GSI felony of the fourth degree . Me and a freind of mine were smoking pot together next thing I knew was I was waking up in jail with them telling me I had grabbed on two underaged girls while I was walking down the road .I have no recolection of any of it. I was only 17 when this happened and admit I should not have been doing drugs . I was raised completely differant than this . Since then I had moved to another state and landed a job as a fisherman on the ocean and have traveled all over the U.S.A. . Unfortunatly my parents got sick and passed so I moved back to Ohio and since have had a son who is three years of age and is the most important thing in my life . I have found even temp. services will not hire you even if you are honest .

You are so right! Maybe 20, even just 15 years ago you had a small chance at finding employment because in order for a company to do a background check it took effort, now anyone can check your record in just a few minutes and people wonder why we have such a high unemployment rate? Millions among millions of people have felonies in this country. It’s mostly just an awareness problem meaning that “most are just blind of the problem and its ripple effects!” The people must do something about this, and they will once the blindfolds come off. It’s a matter of effort from people like us to help people become more aware of the problem and there are so many of us, it’s really safe to say its just a matter of time, you know? Stay strong my friend, you and your family are not alone.

My good friend from Pittsburgh, PA (I wrote about him on this forum months ago) got TURNED DOWN at his Home Depot interview because he spent 9 years in state prison due to his rape conviction. He is now a "Lifetime sex offender" and has tried many legitimate interviews but he says murderers have more of a chance to find work than he does. He is only 29, and luckily he has a great body and great-looking face, so he hopes to used what youth he has left and make money in the porn business, either in movies or as a male stripper -- because those are about the only legitimate money-making options he has left! Crap!!!

ajs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: If a person proves their value to society once more by a few years or whatever of good behavior, then they may be deemed "normal" citizens once more by appearing before a judge and having their record expunged.

my work is done here.

Only in states that allow expungements. I live in a state that does not allow it. I have a felony of theft because why? My roommate had stolen credit cards in her room that she kept locked. I had no clue but since we were both on the least, I was also held liable. Nice, huh? On my way into Medical School at the time. This was 12 years ago. I am just glad I have a good job with benefits and can feed, clothe and keep a roof over my disabled child's head.

In he states that have expungements such as Ohio, the criteria is so strict that it only applies to a few or small amount of offenders. What about the rest of them? Ohio as well as many other states need to have some kind of reform to the expungement laws. In order for it to be effective or meaningful to offenders.

Let me start by first saying I do NOT have any felonies. I know several people who do though and have seen first hand how felonies (even though 15 + yrs ago) still cost people employment.

One thing I noticed, and I would like to pass on to some of the "better than thou" posters on here is NO JOB = REPEAT OFFENDER!! When society deprives a person of a legal means of survival or way to provide for their family, the ex-felon has little choice but to return to their previous bad ways to make the needed rent money. (ie...dealing drugs, theft, ect)

Now, which you rather do, let the person have a job or pay for their incarceration and pay for the welfare and medical of their offspring?? Stop being part of the problem and become part of the solution!!!!!

If you people continually live in fear of what "could" happen from letting an ex-felon have a real chance of changing their life, the rest of us will have to pay for these peoples repeat incarcerations. I believe EVERYONE who CAN WORK, SHOULD.