A convicted felon can face many challenges upon their release back into the real world. Unfortunately, searching for a job is often one of those challenges. There are options available to you and there are resources that can help you reintegrate into society, but this may still feel like an uphill battle at times. A Bergen County criminal defense lawyer from our firm can tell you more about what to expect and which pitfalls to avoid.
Can a Convicted Felon Expunge Their Record Before They Go Job Hunting?
Some criminal records can be expunged or sealed, but a felony conviction is not something that can be quickly expunged. A convicted felon usually has to wait years before attempting to expunge a conviction from their record. You need a job in the meantime, so expunging your record before you start sending out job applications is unlikely to be an option.
Does a Convicted Felon Have to Reveal Their Conviction During a Job Interview?
You are not under any legal obligation to reveal your felony conviction during the interview process. However, know that if an employer does decide to do a background check they are going to find out about your status as a convicted felon. This can hurt your chances of getting a job. You may be better off being honest about your past if you are asked.
Can a Felony Conviction Limit My Options?
A convicted felon can be nervous about revealing their status because they believe that it will automatically cost them a job. This is not necessarily the case though. Many employers are willing to take a chance on someone who has made mistakes in their past. An employer is not going to make your conviction the sole reason that they do not hire you.
However, you could run into problems if your crime can be seen as something that would affect your ability to do this job reliably. If you are convicted of theft, a bank is probably going to be nervous about hiring you. If you have drug crimes in your past, getting a job at a school can be an uphill battle. When an employer thinks that your past could interfere with your ability to safely carry out a job, that can be a valid reason to hire a different candidate.
Are There Any Organizations That Can Help a Convicted Felon Get a Job?
New Jersey does offer resources to job seekers with convictions on their records. The state may be able to help you secure referrals to training programs or the opportunity to take part in a union-sponsored apprenticeship in an industry like construction. There are also services available to help you with things like the restoration of your driver license.
Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing felony charges, contact the Law Offices of Boyd & Squitieri. If you do not want to deal with the consequences of being a convicted felon, the best way to do that would be to fight and beat these charges now. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
