Hire a felon, please!

Look folks, marching is useless. What you need is to consider a company that does nto assume that your debts to society should be paid for the rest of your lives. Again, Wetworks is one of those companies, and we are hiring sales representatives NOW! Contact us at customerservice@wetworksentertainment.com and mention this thread in your message.

Not giving a convicted felon a chance to work and move on in life only contributes to more unemployment and more crime! I believe that the states should create more incentives for employers to hire convicted felons. I know that some programs exist. After all, it is the state who makes the laws and convicts people, so it should be some of their responsibility to keep society from turning it's back on convicted felons!

Ron you are completely correct. The fact is that I am not in your shoes, I was never in any major trouble in my life. But I believe that with only a couple of exceptions, you pay your debt to society, that should be the end of it, and companies like ours should give you the opportunity to straighten your life out so that you can become productive members of society rather than adding to you being trapped into a cycle of crime and violence.

It is not up to the states. It is however up to the companies and the individuals within them to understand that discriminating against an applicant solely for the mistakes of the past is myopic and short sided.

Ccelaine25@aol.com said: 03/12/2009

Marcus you made a valid point about being judged for the rest of of our lives, for past deeds, it does not make any sense, but that is how the system is set up, and it truly hurts a lot of black people, especially the men. Just keep trying and one of these days, something good will happen. Try to keep your current record clean. It's hard to do, when faced with no income, but resorting back to the old lifestyle, of crime will not be productive. Remember, it is better to be free than, to be locked up, or on probation, and or parole. I'm so broke right now, but I'm also, so free. (Food for thought). smile.

Ccelaine25@aol.com

Hello all! I too am a convicted felon, but I did not let that stop me from making money and being successful in this society! I am an Independent Business Owner, and I make very good money out of the comfort of my home. No commuting, no bosses to tell me what to do....I am my own boss and I make all the rules. I am part of a 17 year old debt free company. We are the Nation's Premiere Health Programs Company and are looking for leaders. Customer service skills preferred, but no experience is necessary. Free training is available via telephone, Internet, and local training centers. Must have Internet access, and be willing to work with other team members. Part-time or full-time available. Daily pay with benefits, 401(k) options, and direct deposit available. If you are sick of being told "NO" because you are a convicted felon, visit my website and read more about this awesome company that is changing people's lives. www.freedomathometeam.com/aliciaeddings. If it sounds like something that you can see yourself doing, just click on the "Request an Interview" link and I will be in contact. Hope to hear from you soon!

I am in the process of going to truck driving school and then starting my own business. I am gonna focus solely on hiring nothing but felons. Cause I believe as long as we got something to do we wouldn't have to result to a life of crime. We wouldn't go back to prison as long as we are generating an income to take care of our families. And for guys like Obama and all the state officials they can kiss where the sun don't shine.

Hello all!!! I have been reading all of your comments and suggestions in a desperate search to help my husband. He has felonies that are over a decade old and he still has trouble finding a job. The last felony he got was at the age of 19. He was a stupid teenager that was making mistakes just like all of his other friends. His felonies are not violent ones or drug related, but that doesn't matter. I hate to say it but if you have any type of felony in the state of GA you are screwed. Your life might as well be over, unless of course you have loads of money at your disposal so that you can have them expunged, but that doesn't always work. Some employers still count them depending on what type of felony it is.

I agree with the fact that felons are considered trash when it comes to employment. They want these people to pay for the crimes that they commit, but what lawmakers do not and will not accept is that they are perpetuating the crime problem in this country because there are not enough programs to help people that made a few mistakes in their lives and are trying to make right. It is so unfair. Their should be limitations on how far back employers can go on background checks. Also I think that if the felon was placed on parole or in a half way house for more than a year after their incarceration they should be evaluated and certified as to whether or not they are reformed. I think that it should be a program that the court system and the lawmakers work together on. There has to be some way to keep these people from having to resort back to crime. It is a burden that is placed on the family as well as the offfender. And someone needs to wake up and realize that people CAN change and that no one is perfect, and EVERYONE deserves a chance to have a good life and be able to provide and support for their family.

I just want to say that if you hold on and let GOD do his job and get out of our own way things will work itself out. I beat someone with a bat which is in the eyes of some people is a no no, no matter the reason. I was giving a chance in a job with a big hospital in ATL out of 158 other people, with no hospital experience. So i know that GOD do love us and looks out for us. I feel as though as long as we play by his rules and live the life that he ask us to all will be well

one thing that we all have to remember is that at this time we felons are not the only ones that are out of work or even cant find a job. my brother who has never been in any kind of trouble and has a degree has not been able to find a job in 18 months. right now its the sign of the times

Ccelaine25@aol.com said: I feel you. I have an AA, Liberal Arts, BA in Psychology, and I am currently working on my Master of Science in Couseling. I was just talking with one of friends today, and she said I don't why why you are getting all these degrees, you can't use because of your felony. Wel, after i complete my Master' Degree, I can sign a waiver in the mental health field. I am an older student, but i look much younger, and I am in pretty good health, so I will just have to manage to get by. I can also open my own Counseling firm. I will have the skills to do what I want, they can't stop us if we get skills needed to become self employed. But that's what we need to do, become educated and get our businesses up and running and help employ others. Yes, I feel bad from time to time, but as I told my friend today, one of these days God will open up the flood gates for me. I am not living a criminal life, and I just caught being at the wrong place at the wrong time, when I got charged with a felony. I still go and fill out job applications, and I no longer get upset, when I don't get the job, because I'm now used to rejection. I also used to be a Substitute teacher, and very good at it, but those are the breaks. And a couple of places have hired me for mental health postions, the jobs just didn't work out, do to personality conflicts with other employees.
Hold out don't give up, help is on the way, and we must believe it.
Charlote Henry

You have the worst spelling and grammatical error of any felon I have ever seen. Do colleges out there pass anybody?

So how long did it take for you to get your job?

Lady in Mcdonough, Georgia said: Im a single mother of 3, and i have a felony on my background. The felony on my background is 15yrs.old and Im still out of work. Every were i go it No! because of my record, I have been crime free for a long time. One temp job i was on i worked that job for a 1 year an 3months a that fired me because of my background, and they knew about my background. Here in Georgia, they can firer you with no reason at all. I am now attending college studing Medical Administative, I hoping of landing a job with a small business Doctor's office. Next year I'm going to try and get pardon from the State of Georgia, i hope that work. So, maybe someone can try that. Good Luck..Lady

Make sure you look into an externship for yourself before the school places you, also make sure that the school is accredited.

lakonda in Snellville, Georgia said: So how long did it take for you to get your job?

After putting out about 100 resumes about 4 months. But it was not easy and I kept my faith in my higher power, but the thing we have to remember we are no ones first choice and we have to sell ourself twice as hard and be just as good. Also join some of the networking groups believe me they work

Comment on the worst grammer, this site does not have spell check. Sometimes, people do make typo errors, while they are typing, late at night. So, let's not insult others, without getting the facts straight. You sound like a criminal when you make rude insults. Work on changing your negative attitude, and I will be careful with my grammatical errors.

C Henry

I have posted a bunch of videos on youtube that can help ex-offenders get jobs. You can check them out here.

www.youtube.com/user/adogzheart

Received a felony conviction in 1992. Not so much as a speeding ticket since. I worked for a fortune 500 company ever since. Got laid off in 2006 and have not had a permenent job since. Nothing will get us past the lable of felon. I did get two temp jobs, but after they ran a background check I was let go.

I have searched and searched and there is no real help. The EEOC has made some very good suggestions and recommendations; however they have not made a felon a protected class.

04/30/2009

A few persons are currently posting negative comments on this site.
Negativity, will not help to solve our dilemma, negative thinking serves only to sabotage positive, creative energy. The economy is bad for Americans everywhere, right now. We cannot blame others for the bad choices, some of us have made. Let's try and concentrate on a better future, because situations can change anytime. Learn a useful skill, or trade that is highly marketable; higher education is the key to success.

Ccelaine25@aol.com

Ccelaine25,

You are correct with regards to Learning new skill and higher education; these things will help.

However it still dose nothing to get us past the label of felon.

I have a degree in business administration; I have 20 years of verifiable employment history. I have worked for major companies, I have excellent references and I have a felony.

The rules changed when the Fair Credit Report Act was changed to allow the reporting of criminal history to life time. Before, by law it was 7 years.

I’m being turned down jobs for a 17 year old misstate. But a least I had a career before background checks became so prevalent.

I can’t imagine what its like to be in your 20’s with this terrible scarlet letter.

God help us all.

cooley47 in Virginia Beach, Virginia said: technically its against the law for a felon to be around another felon..
Its sad that people make a mistake and pay for it the rest of there lives..
second chances don't exsist to 98% of employers...

you are so right, i've been in virginia beach for 5 months and can't find a job anywhere!!!!!!!! not even at Ross my felony was not violent and it was 17 yrs ago haven't been in any more trouble whats next?

Try T.J Maxx they dont do a background check

Sherri in Atlanta, Georgia said: Try T.J Maxx they dont do a background check

Thanks a million will go on line and do that now!

You can apply to T.J Maxx and Marshall(they are owned by the same people) online but it is best if you go into the store to apply and ask to speak with the manager. If they are not available keep calling to follow up on your application. Do not be picky about the shift basically say you are available to work all shifts and you will get hired if they are hiring. Also be prepared to answer real interview questions like why do you want to work here? Tell me about a stressful situation at work and how did you handle it? etc. The pay sucks (minimum wage) but just use it as a stepping stone for bigger and better things. Also try Staples-they will do a background check but they take each situation into consideration. Just be honest. Also try Red Lobster, Applebees, Chilis, O'Charleys and some of the fine dining restaurants. Depending on the location the tips can be awesome. Good Luck

I have been out of prison for a bit over 2 yrs. now and I have had an awful time trying to find employment. Even Goodwill, whos whole mission is putting people to work, wouldnt hire me because of my record. I just thank God I do not have a family that is dependant upon me. Presently I am attending college full time and this satisfies most of my financial woes as I get financial aid and student loans. I realize the loans will have to get paid back at some point but I am not going to worry about that right now as I need to survive. I pray to God I will be given a break when I am finished with my studies. This blog hasnt given me much hope of that but I do believe its who you know that will be of most benefit when it comes to landing a job. My best recommendation to anyone just getting out of prison is to take the school route as well.

momat King in Austell, Georgia said: I came across this site by accident or divine intervention, I'm not sure, but I read some of the comments of how hard its been for those with felonies to find work. Although I don't have a felony, I understand the hardship. You see I do have family members who have felony records and I understand the difficulty with being hired. I know you have heard this a housand times, "hold on." and "one day things will be better" Right. Well, they will be, but you must continue to hold on, and not just hope, but know, feel, believe things are going to get better.

No, I don't have a job for you, not even a lead. What I have is a word of encouragement. I will tell you not to give up, many of you have returned to school that's wonderful don't stop. Continue to put in application after application and while you are filling out that application pray over it, over yourself, over the person that receives it, and the one who reviews it. Pray, remember prayer can moves mountains.

One more thing, as I read some of the comments my throughts were, why don't you all come togather and form your own company?
began networking, you all have skills and abilities that, when put togather could possibly be a blessing to all.

Think and Pray about it.

STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU HOW A BUNCH OF PEOPLE WITHOUT MONEY OR CREDIBILITY CAN FORM A COMPANY. DO YOU REALIZE HOW THAT SOUNDS EVEN TO A NOVICE?

I am an ex-offender (someone off of probation or parole)and have been out for almost fifteen years. I have always worked since then, but it started with volunteering at a nonprofit agency when I was still in a work furlough program. I have a long arrest history, two prison terms and two violations in between. My volunteering led to my career. I now work as a Job Developer and Workshop Prsenter for Parolees and others with criminal backgrounds. The whole trick is to turn your thinking around. Blaming others for your situation is just like blaming your mother for something you did as an adult. It's foolish and sets you back, while wasting time and energy in your life.

First off, you have to stop using it as a reason why things won't work for you. Then you have to understand that people don't have to take rsisk with people who have, like I had at that time, made themselves a risk to society for any reason.

Then you have to do serious leg work. Not just the kind the majority of ex-offenders and ex-addicts usually do, which is mostly half-assed, half the week. A 40 hour job requires a forty hour job search and nothing less.

Then you have to have a resume that includes you prison job, so your resume does not show a big gap in employment. I was at prsion in California that had one official name, but another which it was normally called, so I used a slight variation of that and made it look like a regualr job, which did not leave a gap and looked good to prospective employers.

Then I had a mental "script" of what to say about my background when it came up, and it always will since anyone can do a background check cheap, which goes something like this:

"I have made some mistakes in the past, related to a substance abuse problem I had some time back, but since that time I have re-united with my family, volunteered at the church I attend every week as well as at "XXXXXX" a local non-profit organization. I also attend NA every week and went back to school....

I have worked in the filed of re-entry and am a re-entry specialist, working as a Job Developer in LA, where jobs are really few and the number of ex-offenders is really higher than most places in the country.

Ex-offenders get work using the things I tell them. Employers (really nobody) wants to hear about your problems, but the majority of employers don't even have a formal policy about hiring us. They usually have the person sitting across from you in an interview as that decision maker.

People have done things they never should have done and have had to be placed outside of regualr society (in prison). To get started you have to begin to volunteer, which the good guys do and the bad guys don't. It changes the world's image of you. Every ex-offender I know, who is making really well now, started by being a volunteer. Many worked it into a career, like I did.

You have to go to church and AA/NA where they see you doing something good and let them all know you need a job. 100 people knowing is better than just you. You have to know how to use a computer for almost every job, so get that skill. You also need to know how to fill out an application, so it matches your resume and your talk in interviews. Get serious about interview skills and take some related workshops.
This seems like it takes a while, but I do workshops and my people get results. These are things I wish people had told me back before I got out, but here they are for you now.

The biggest thing facing ex-offenders is usually themsleves,as many people are willing to help someone, or there would be no charities dealing with this issue and there are hundreds around the nation. Look for them in your area, churches, too. MNA and AA have many in their rooms, who are very willing to help, but you have to go there and get serious about ataying out, staying clean and sober, etc. Including the work you put into your new life. If it was dope, you'd be all over it 24/7. But not about work.

I wish it was a easy as you make it. There are a lot of new laws with regard to employment in the last 15 years. For most states you have to pass a background check to just to volunteer.

There are plenty of people here who never spent a day in jail, who have years of verifiable work history, have wonderful résumé’s and who have been employed for years since their convictions but now with background checks and as soon as we put yes for a convection on a job application we are denied employment.

The things you suggest are for newly released offenders with no education or work skill. What type of jobs do you get for these people; most likely minim wage jobs.

Please don’t get me wrong, I think what you are doing is wonderful and you have helped many lives; but for the majority of us employers will not give us a second chance.

My conviction was in 1992; 17 years ago and I’m still being denied for jobs. I’ve never got so much as a speeding ticket since. I have years of experience in my field got laid off in 2006 and I have not had a job in 3 years.

Until there are new laws that limit how far a background check can go, we will have lifetime sentences for our crimes.

Hang in there, There's a better day comming don't and never give up hope. Am there also and I do a little of this and a little of that. We have to keep going in CHRIST.

Your attitude seems to be what is holding you back. I volunteered and worked with youth, seniors, mentally ill, etc.

I have 1989 and 1993 convictions. Have worked almost the whole time. Which started by volunteering and, like my father told me, I stopped kisking myself. It was easy, except for the hard work.

As far as no job skills and no education, what type of job do you think that person will get. Minimum wage is to ensure that even those people can make enough not to starve to death, not for cigarettes, etc. What kind of job do you think that person could get.

We place ourselves in the situation of no skills or education. We have the chance to change those things, but we have to be the starters and effort makers and then others will follow by giving us better opportunities as we progess. That is what happened in my case and the case of every ex-offender I know. It takes daily hard work, either searching for a job or working at the job.

We screwed ourselves and the world will get over it once we do. This is not just my opinion, it is what I have learned to be true after working with almost 11,000 adult and juvenile ex-offenders (about 10,000) over the last fifteen years.

The ones that make it the best are the ones who put in the most effort and make the greatest changes in their live.

The formula is simple: Church (a temple of one's religion/any)on Sunday, work on Monday, work on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday, then family on Saturday, then Church on Sunday again, week after week, month after month, year after year. That is the same formula all over America for all kinds of people. It is wat made tha nation great and it will work for you, too.

Get you advice from those who have overcomethe problem, not from those who have not.

Is it possible that you could start a business of your own - something that doesn't require an interview or a resume?

Brother Hank,

By state law in NJ you must pass a background check to work with youth, seniors, mentally ill, etc. Trust me my attitude is not what's holding me back, it's the label of felon. Like you I have worked everyday since 1992. I have a degree in Business Administration, I have wonderful work experience and every job states that you must pass a background check. I've aced a many interviews. I’ve filled out 100’s of applications, I have all the things that you are trying to teach people. How many ex-offenders have you placed in fortune 500 companies?

“We screwed ourselves and the world will get over it once we do”

I’m sorry, but I totally disagree with that statement. Years ago I would agree with you but in today’s world no, with background checks now lifetime with regards to convictions, we now have felon employment disenfranchisement.

My problem is how does one go from an accountant to a janitor. From 50,000 to 7.75 an hour. 7.75 X 40= 310.00 Who can live off of that.

Am I wrong to want more than minimum wage at 49? Am I wrong because I want to make a living wage?

Please keep doing what you are doing. I’m sure you helped plenty of people; your optimist attitude helps many, however like every post on this form, the label of felon makes our lives hell.

Brother David,

Thank you for your well wishes. If it were not for my faith in Christ I would have offed myself years ago.

I know my attitude is poor right now and with the employment situation in America right now everybody is feeling the pinch. Hopefully the future will bring us blessings.

Hey, whats your e-mail. I may not be the one who helps you find a job but we can pray if you would like to. Sometimes prayer is the best thing. I've been there.

Hello there Bro. What is your E-mail. I may can't help you find a job but we can pray about it, sometimes prayer is the best thing. I've been there. Keep running the race. hiyh7777@yahoo.com

can a person with a violent felony class X in illinois work in the psychology/social work field

We need a call to action rally in Washington DC and your state capital.

I'm confused about the time a criminal background check can go. Some posts say 7 years, some say there is no limit. Does it matter in which state you live? I've spent the past two years doing all I was told to do - took any job for the sake of having employment, went back to school, (I was a teacher, I'm close to 50 and just starting over), continue to send out resumes, continue to pray and I continue to get rejections for any job that is somewhat professional. I'm now a Paralegal, and I've had several interviews. Nothing develops. I'm honest about the felony, or I just don't tell if they don't ask, and I'm just about ready to give up. It's sad - a lot of skill and talent is being wasted by automatically rejecting folks with a criminal record.

Dear Kay,

I believe it was 1998 that the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) was changed with regards to time limits on reporting convictions. It used to be 7 years, now it is life time.

www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf

§ 605. Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports [15

U.S.C. §1681c]
(a) Information excluded from consumer reports. Except as authorized under subsection
(b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report
containing any of the following items of information:

(1) Cases under title 11 [United States Code] or under the Bankruptcy Act that, from
the date of entry of the order for relief or the date of adjudication, as the case may
be, antedate the report by more than 10 years.

(2) Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest that from date of entry, antedate
the report by more than seven years or until the governing statute of limitations
has expired, whichever is the longer period.

(3) Paid tax liens which, from date of payment, antedate the report by more than
seven years.

(4) Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate the
report by more than seven years.2

(5) Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes which antedates the report by more than seven years.

If the company runs its own there are no limitations on how far they can go back or what they can use.

There are 12 States that lime the background check to 7 years, however in most of them; if you make more than $20,000, the 7 year rules does not apply, what this says is you can work at McDonalds but now where else

STATES WITH SEVEN YEAR LIMITATIONS

California: CA Civil Code (Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act) 1785.13.6 – Conviction No consumer credit reporting agency shall make any consumer credit report containing any of the following items of information (6) Records of arrest, indictment, information, misdemeanor complaint, or conviction of a crime that, from the date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years. These items of information shall no longer be reported if at any time it is learned that in the case of a conviction a full pardon has been granted, or in the case of an arrest, indictment, information or misdemeanor complaint a conviction did not result.

Colorado: CRS 12-14-.3-105.3 (1)(e) – Reporting of information prohibited No consumer reporting agency shall make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (e) Records of arrest, indictment or conviction of a crime that, from the date of disposition, release, or parole, predate the report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $75,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Kansas: KS Chapter 50 Article 7 – Fair Credit Reporting - Obsolete Information:
Except as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (5) records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven (7) years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Maryland: Code of Maryland §14-1203 (a) (5) - Reporting of obsolete information prohibited:(a)Prohibited items of information – Except as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (5) Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Massachusetts: M.G.L. Chapter 93, Section 52 – Information not to be contained in report; exceptions:
Except as authorized under subsection (b) no consumer reporting agency shall make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (5) Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Montana: Montana Code Annotated 2005 31-3-112 – Obsolete information:
No consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (5) records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than 7 years; (6) any other adverse item of information which antedates the report by more than 7 years.

Nevada: Nevada Revised Statutes 2005 598C.150 (2) – Purging of information from files of reporting agency; disclosure of purged information. A reporting agency shall periodically purge from its files and after purging shall not disclose: (2) Except as otherwise provided by a specific statute, any other civil judgment, a report of criminal proceedings, or other adverse information which precedes the repot by more than 7 years.

New Hampshire: HRS 359-B:5 - Obsolete Information
I. Except as authorized under paragraph II, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (e) Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime which from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than 7 years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

New Mexico: New Mexico Statute Chapter 56-3-6 – Report information; limitations:
A credit bureau may report the following matters for no longer than the specified periods: (5) arrests and indictments pending trial, or convictions of crimes for not longer than seven years from date of release or parole. Such items shall no longer be reported if at any time it learned that after a conviction a full pardon has been granted, or after an arrest or indictment a conviction did not result; and (6) any other data not otherwise specified in this section, for not longer than seven years.

New York: New York State Consolidated Laws Article 25 Section 380-j – Prohibited Information:
Prohibited information. (a) No consumer reporting agency shall report or maintain in the file on a consumer, information: (1) relative to an arrest or a criminal charge unless there has been a criminal conviction for such offense, or unless such charges are still pending. (f) (1) Except as authorized under paragraph two of this subdivision, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information. (V) records of conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years.

Texas: Business & Commerce Code – Chapter 20 § 20.05 – Reporting of information Prohibited. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a consumer reporting agency may not furnish a consumer report containing information related to: (4) a record of arrest, indictment, or conviction of a crime in which the date of disposition, release, or parole predates the consumer report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $75,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Washington: RCW 19.182.040 – Consumer report – Prohibited information – Exceptions:
Except as authorized under subsection (2) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make a consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (e) Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime that, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Check your state and see if the employers get a tax credit state and federal for hiring felons. Do a search for "tax credit for hiring felons"
Also check on the Bonding a felon FIDELITY BONDING, Check out this site www.bonds4jobs.com/index.html
. Call your local unemployment office and see if they offer job fair for felons, This is where companies that will hire someone with a record come into that job fair, and only companies willing to give a Second Chance can attend.
Also wfor those who are not convicted felon but have misdemeanors. Write your local state reps as the Second Chance is a federal law for felons only. Try to get a state law passed.
I have now record of any kind but am working to have State laws changed in Iowa.
Good luck to all of you..

Lifer in Morristown, New Jersey said: New York: New York State Consolidated Laws Article 25 Section 380-j – Prohibited Information:
Prohibited information. (a) No consumer reporting agency shall report or maintain in the file on a consumer, information: (1) relative to an arrest or a criminal charge unless there has been a criminal conviction for such offense, or unless such charges are still pending. (f) (1) Except as authorized under paragraph two of this subdivision, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information. (V) records of conviction of crime which, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years.

Texas: Business & Commerce Code – Chapter 20 § 20.05 – Reporting of information Prohibited. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a consumer reporting agency may not furnish a consumer report containing information related to: (4) a record of arrest, indictment, or conviction of a crime in which the date of disposition, release, or parole predates the consumer report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $75,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Washington: RCW 19.182.040 – Consumer report – Prohibited information – Exceptions:
Except as authorized under subsection (2) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make a consumer report containing any of the following items of information: (e) Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction of crime that, from date of disposition, release, or parole, antedate the report by more than seven years. Exception: If the salary of an individual equals or is reasonable expected to equal $20,000 or more, the 7-year restriction does not apply.

Thanks for the info. And, even McDonalds didn't want to consider me. Jobs that pay minimal wages look at my resume and wonder what I'm doing there.

Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R. 1593), titled "To reauthorize the grant program for reentry of offenders into the community in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, to improve reentry planning and implementation, and for other purposes" was submitted to the House by Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize, rewrite, and expand provisions for adult and juvenile offender state and local reentry demonstration projects to provide expanded services to offenders and their families for reentry into society. H.R. 1593 was signed into law April 9, 2008.
Update: H.R. 1529, The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009

On March 16, 2009, Congressman Charles B. Rangel [D-NY] sponsored and introduced The Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009 [HR 1529] which would permit expungement of records of certain nonviolent criminal offenses. Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009 - It amends the federal criminal code to allow an individual to file a petition for expungement of a record of conviction for a nonviolent criminal offense if such individual has:

(1) never been convicted of a violent offense and has never been convicted of a nonviolent offense other than the one for which expungement is sought;

(2) fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which conviction was obtained;

(3) remained free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a minimum of one year and has been rehabilitated, to the court's satisfaction, if so required by the terms of supervised release;

(4) obtained a high school diploma or completed a high school equivalency program; and

(5) completed at least one year of community service. Status of the Legislation. Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009: Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.'

Thank you for all you're doing, May and GOD will blessed you.

Dear oldiebutgoodiegirl,

This will certainly help. Currently you cannot get a Federal conviction expunged and this will help.

However you can only have one conviction. You can’t have any misdemeanors or any other convictions. The high school diploma is a good idea but will certainly hold a lot of people back. The one year of community service will certainly be a hindrance but this will certainly help if passed.

Dear Kay,

We are in the same boat, if you read my early posts you will see that I have years of work history with fortune 500 companies, education and have been turned down for every job in the last 3 years.

My mother told me yesterday to go to McDonalds, I told her once they see my resume’ they are going to laugh me out of the place.

I am at my wits end and have lost hope. No hope for a future and a life. I am miserable and I’ve gained over 30 pounds. I have no answers.

Dear David,

As always, thanks for your prayers

Blessings

Lifer in Morristown, New Jersey said: Dear oldiebutgoodiegirl,

This will certainly help. Currently you cannot get a Federal conviction expunged and this will help.

However you can only have one conviction. You can’t have any misdemeanors or any other convictions. The high school diploma is a good idea but will certainly hold a lot of people back. The one year of community service will certainly be a hindrance but this will certainly help if passed.

I am glad this information was helpful. If you are not a felon but have misdemeanor charges and want the Second Chance Act to work for all non violent crimes not just felony, You can write your Governor, your Attorney General, your local state reps.

High school dipolma can also be a GED.
When searching info on the Second Chance Act make sure you are looking at H.R. 1529 as the the H.R 623 did not pass.
We need to somehow try to get the two of merged together has the 623 offers more added benefits..