Can you get a job with a felony?
Asked by: Garret Abshire | Last update: June 8, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (34 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.
What convictions can stop you from getting a job?
Theft/Shoplifting – Any conviction involving an element of dishonesty or stealing is a huge red flag for employers. They may worry you could steal from the company. Drug Possession – Even a minor marijuana possession charge can disqualify you from many jobs, especially those involving operating vehicles or machinery.
How hard is it to get a job if you have a felony?
Yes, it's hard to get a job everywhere in the US with a criminal record. With a felony record it will be extremely difficult unless the applicant is highly skilled in a field with far more demand for exceptional talents than there are available applicants (think actors, artists, and others in the arts).
What jobs are felons not allowed to have?
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.
How Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?
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.
Why are felons not hired?
Employers' reluctance to hire such individuals may be prompted by law or by fear of litigation. Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions.
What states are felon friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What companies don't hire felons?
- Medical Industry. If you do not already have your medical license, you can't get it after becoming a felon. ...
- Financial Industry. ...
- Emergency Responders. ...
- Transportation. ...
- Security. ...
- Education.
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.
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.
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 looks bad on a background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
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.
What are the cons of being a felon?
- You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
- You can't vote. ...
- You can't serve on a jury. ...
- You can't get public benefits. ...
- You can't get a job.
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.
How hard is it for a felon to get a job?
The challenges are particularly acute for those with drug and violent crime offenses. 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 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 jobs disqualify felons?
- Restricted Industries for Felons. Industries such as healthcare, real estate, banking, and insurance have restrictions at both the federal and state level. ...
- Companies Have Legal Rights. ...
- Background Check Could Disqualify You.
What's the most common felony?
- #1: Drug Crimes. ...
- #2: Violent Crimes. ...
- #3: Theft. ...
- #4: Sex Crimes.
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.
What state doesn't do background checks?
Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.
Do you ever stop being a felon?
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.
What problems do felons face?
You may not have a social network, financial support, insurance, or the resources needed to secure a job, find a home, meet with a therapist, or reconnect with the community. Former inmates face numerous psychological challenges when released from prison, including stigma, discrimination, isolation, and instability.
How many felons are unemployed?
Formerly incarcerated individuals experience extreme rates of unemployment, hovering around six out of every 10 people being jobless from the time of release to four years after release. Compare this rate to the general population, whose peak unemployment rate during the pandemic reached 15%.