Do you have to tell your employer if you get a felony?

Asked by: Owen Parker  |  Last update: March 3, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (16 votes)

Generally, you don't have to tell your employer about a felony unless your specific job or company policy requires it (especially for roles with vulnerable populations or licenses), but they will likely find out through background checks, so being honest and explaining your rehabilitation is often best, as hiding it can lead to termination for misrepresentation. Always check your employee handbook and know your state's "ban the box" laws, but plan to disclose and explain it positively, focusing on rehabilitation and relevance to the job.

Will my job find out I got a felony?

Even if you don't tell your employer, they might find out anyway. Here's how: Background checks include pending cases, not just convictions. Mugshots get posted online, and coworkers might see them.

How do I explain my felony to employers?

It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets.

Can you be fired for being charged with a felony?

Generally speaking, an employer is legally permitted to terminate an employee who has been convicted of a felony provided said felony relates to said employee's duties. Before signing the severance agreement, you might consider contacting a local Employment attorney; most lawyers offer as 30 minute free consultation.

What jobs can you not have with a felony?

While there's no universal "forbidden" list, felons often face significant barriers in jobs requiring licenses (teaching, law, healthcare), government roles (police, security clearance), finance (banking, trading), transportation (pilots, conductors), and any position involving vulnerable populations (children, elderly), with restrictions varying by state and the nature of the conviction, especially for crimes related to honesty, violence, or substance abuse. 

Do I Have To Disclose My Criminal Record on A Job Application?

31 related questions found

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist. 

What states are felon friendly?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What is the 72 hour rule in jail?

The "72-hour rule" in jail generally means law enforcement must bring an arrested person before a judge or file formal charges within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) of arrest, or the person must be released, though this is a guideline, and delays (especially for lab results) can occur. This initial appearance, called a preliminary hearing or arraignment, determines bail and appoints counsel, influencing the case's early direction.
 

Why do employers not hire felons?

The risk of a lawsuit for negligence by a guest, visitor or co-worker if you hire an individual with a serious criminal record, who then does harm, is too high not to take reasonable preventive steps, such as a criminal-background check.

Do I have to tell my employer if I am charged with a crime?

You generally don't have to tell your employer you're charged with a crime unless your contract, union agreement, or company policy (like in an employee handbook) specifically requires it, especially for jobs involving security or working with vulnerable populations; however, it's wise to check your policies and consider disclosing if the charge affects your job duties or if you'll miss work, as employers often find out, and being proactive and honest can sometimes mitigate negative impacts. 

What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?

The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.
 

What does having a felony prevent you from doing?

Felons often lose rights to vote, own firearms, and serve on juries, face significant employment and housing barriers, and may be ineligible for certain public benefits, professional licenses, student aid, or military service, with specific restrictions varying greatly by state and conviction, though many rights can potentially be restored through pardons or expungements.
 

Will a pending felony prevent me from getting a job?

California law permits the inclusion of all pending criminal charges in a background check, so even if you have not been convicted, the mere presence of charges against you might influence an employer's decision.

How long does a felony stay on your background?

A felony generally stays on your record permanently unless you take specific legal action like expungement, sealing, or pardon, which are available in some states depending on the offense and your conduct, but severe felonies are often excluded, making them visible on background checks indefinitely. While some state laws (like California's Clean Slate) automate record sealing for certain offenses after a period, others require you to petition the court, and a conviction itself is a lifelong record. 

Is it hard to get a job with a felony?

Yes, getting a job with a felony conviction is often harder due to stigma, legal restrictions in certain fields (like education or healthcare), and employer policies, but it's not impossible; many people find work by targeting "fair chance" employers, understanding their record, highlighting relevant experience, and utilizing re-entry resources, though challenges remain. 

What is the #1 reason that employees get fired?

The #1 reason employees get fired is poor work performance or incompetence, encompassing failure to meet standards, low productivity, mistakes, and missing deadlines, often after warnings and performance improvement plans; however, attitude, chronic absenteeism/tardiness, misconduct, insubordination, and policy violations are also top reasons. 

What jobs can a felon not do?

While there's no universal "forbidden" list, felons often face significant barriers in jobs requiring licenses (teaching, law, healthcare), government roles (police, security clearance), finance (banking, trading), transportation (pilots, conductors), and any position involving vulnerable populations (children, elderly), with restrictions varying by state and the nature of the conviction, especially for crimes related to honesty, violence, or substance abuse. 

What causes a red flag on a background check?

Red flags on a background check are inconsistencies or negative findings like criminal history (especially violent or financial crimes), employment/education discrepancies (lying about degrees or dates), poor credit, failed drug tests, or unprofessional social media that raise concerns about a candidate's integrity, judgment, or suitability for a role. Major red flags include criminal records, dishonesty, financial irresponsibility (for financial roles), and substance abuse issues.
 

What jobs are felons most likely to get?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

How much is $20 worth in jail?

$20 in jail can buy small commissary items like soap, toothpaste, snacks, stamps, or phone time, making a significant difference for basic comforts, but it won't cover major needs or luxuries, as prison markups inflate prices, with an inmate often needing $50-$150 monthly for basics, but even $20 helps with hygiene and small food/phone boosts. 

Is 1 day in jail equal to 2 days?

Yes, one day in jail often counts as more than one day toward a sentence due to "credit for time served," typically awarding one day of credit for every day or two actually served, especially for pre-sentence custody in county jail, though rules vary by state (like California's 1:1 for some, 2:1 for others) and depend on the crime, with violent felonies often excluded from enhanced credits. 

What is rule 21 in jail?

Upon the defendant's motion, the court must transfer the proceeding against that defendant to another district if the court is satisfied that so great a prejudice against the defendant exists in the transferring district that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial there.

Which felonies cannot be expunged?

Generally, serious felonies like murder, violent crimes (e.g., aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery), sex offenses (especially against minors), and domestic violence convictions are often ineligible for expungement across most states, with specific exclusions varying by jurisdiction, while federal felonies are typically not expungeable at all, but state laws have exceptions for certain offenses like some DUIs or lower-level drug crimes.
 

What are the best job boards for felons?

The best job boards for felons focus on "fair-chance" employers, with Honest Jobs being a top dedicated platform, while major sites like Indeed offer "fair chance" filters; also utilize government resources like CareerOneStop and local American Job Centers, and consider staffing agencies like Adecco, as many companies like Home Depot, UPS, and Goodwill actively hire justice-involved individuals. 

Does Walmart hire felons?

Yes, Walmart does hire people with felony records, but it's on a case-by-case basis, depending heavily on the nature and age of the crime; violent, theft, and financial felonies are usually disqualifying, especially if recent, while older, non-violent offenses are more likely to be overlooked. While some sources suggest a strict "no felons" policy, many employees and managers confirm that Walmart considers factors like the time since conviction and the relevance of the crime to the job.