Can people with felonies get jobs?
Asked by: Grayson Fadel | Last update: January 18, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)
A company may hire ex-offenders, but they may have a policy of terminating anyone for lying on their job application. It is up to you whether you tell an employer about your convictions. But, we believe that honesty is the best policy. Our experience shows that HOW you communicate this information makes the difference.
What is the best job a felon can get?
Lot of skilled trade jobs like construction, welding, landscaping, electrician, plumber, pipefitter and gas fitter will hire felons which you can find on indeed and Craigslist along with in person job site. Also truck driving too. Even restraunts and slaughterhouses along with meat packing plants.
Why is it hard for a felon to get a job?
Some jobs are simply impossible for convicted felons to be hired for. Depending on the crime having a conviction can limit job opportunities. For example, if the felony involved alcohol or drugs you may be unable to obtain employment working with children or in healthcare.
Can you get a job with a felony?
It's possible to get a job after a felony. Employers can't legally discriminate against someone purely on the basis of a criminal history, but they can reject an application due to the nature of the industry and work required.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
How Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
How long are you considered a felon?
A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).
What are the cons of being a felon?
- You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. As a convicted felon, you may have trouble obtaining a US passport. ...
- You can't vote. ...
- You can't serve on a jury. ...
- You can't get public benefits. ...
- You can't get a job.
Does the FBI hire felons?
FBI Eligibility
Be a U.S. citizen. Public record must be in good standing with no felony convictions. Adherence with FBI drug policy. Pass urinalysis and background investigation.
What jobs won't hire you with a felony?
Each state is different, but the ban in some states extends to include credentials for athletic trainers, dentists, pawnbrokers, psychologists, massage therapists, major contractors, veterinarians, social workers, physician's assistants and radiographers.
What state hires the most felons?
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
- New Mexico.
- New York.
- Texas.
- Washington.
Does Amazon hire felons?
Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.
What is the best degree to get as a felon?
- Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
- Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Culinary Arts. ...
- Graphic Design.
Do any government jobs hire felons?
People with criminal records are eligible to compete for the vast majority of federal jobs. During the hiring process, Federal agencies are generally required to consider people with criminal records IF they are among the highest rated candidates and can comply with the job requirements.
Can a felon work at Walmart?
Walmart will look at felonies and misdemeanor arrests and convictions for the previous 7 years. Violent, sexual, drug, and financial/larceny offenses are most likely grounds for disqualification. Walmart does not hire violent criminals. Note: Expunged records will not show up on a background check.
Does Target hire felons?
Since it is difficult to know precisely how much information Target may receive, applicants should know what their report says beforehand. Will Target Hire a Felon? Yes, Target may choose to hire people who have felony convictions.
Does the IRS hire felons?
Yes, you can work for the Federal Government if you have a criminal record and were formerly incarcerated. People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions.
Can a felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
What are 5 employment disqualifiers of the FBI?
- Failure to file local, state, or federal income tax returns.
- Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
- Engagement in treasonable acts.
- Failure to register with the Selective Service System, if applicable.
- Failure to pass a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.
How difficult is it for a felon to get a job?
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found about 75% of hiring managers said they were unwilling to seriously consider applicants convicted of drug, property or violent crimes in a 2021 survey.
Does the USPS hire felons?
It is Postal Service policy to evaluate the employability of each applicant with a criminal conviction record individually. The fact that an applicant has a criminal conviction record is not sufficient to disqualify that applicant from postal employment.
Does FedEx hire felons?
Yes, FedEx has been known to hire felons in the past and currently. However, that does not mean all felons can get a job with the company. Like all employers, FedEx wants to protect itself from negligent hiring lawsuits. The company might be negligent if it hires a felon who goes on to re-offend on company time.
What is the most common felony?
By far, one of the most common felonies in the United States is drug crimes. Whether this is possession or trafficking, any time you are discovered with illegal, controlled substances, you will likely face a felony.
Do felonies go away after 20 years?
Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.