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

Asked by: Mozelle Schuppe  |  Last update: June 14, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

You generally must disclose a felony conviction if asked directly on an application or during interviews, as lying can be grounds for firing, but it depends on state laws, job type (e.g., finance, childcare), and company policy, with honesty often best, focusing on the time passed and relevance to the job. While some states require disclosure for licenses, others protect justice-involved individuals, so checking your state's rules (like NY's Article 23-A) and your employer's handbook is crucial.

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.

Can you get a job if you are charged with a felony?

Felons can apply to absolutely any job. There is no legal restrictions on applying to jobs. Whether or not they are qualified is a separate issue and if qualified whether or not they will be hired with a felony record is another issue.

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.

What rights do you lose when you're a felon?

A felony conviction in California leads to the loss of critical rights. Felons cannot vote, serve on a jury or own firearms. Employment opportunities may also be limited, and traveling abroad becomes more difficult. California does not have as many restrictions on convicts' constitutional rights as other states.

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

21 related questions found

What jobs can a convicted felon not have?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

What is a felon not allowed to do?

Felons generally lose rights to vote, own guns, and serve on juries, and face major barriers in employment (especially in licensed fields or government), housing, and public assistance, with specific restrictions varying by state, potentially including travel limitations, impacts on parental rights, and ineligibility for federal student aid. These restrictions often persist, but some rights, like voting, might be restored after completing sentences, parole, or probation.
 

Why do companies hire felons?

Hiring Workers with Criminal Records Is Cost Effective and Has Other Benefits. ∎ Lowers attrition rates: CORI is a barrier to other employment. ∎ Increases the talent pool: 1 in 3 people in U.S. have a record.

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.

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

The biggest red flags during an interview often involve negative talk about past colleagues, lack of transparency/vague answers, disorganization, aggressive pressure to accept immediately, and an unwillingness to admit mistakes, all signaling potential toxic environments, poor management, or an unstable role where the company prioritizes filling a seat over finding the right fit, according to Career Contessa and Toggl. 

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.
 

What companies are felon-friendly?

You will have to check out their hiring website, do the research and follow the application process like normal.

  • • Aamco. • Ace Hardware. • Allied Van Lines. ...
  • • Chipotle. • Cintas. • Community Education Centers. ...
  • • Hilton Hotels. • Home Depot. • IBM. ...
  • • U-Haul. • US Steal Corporation. ...
  • • Golden Corral. • Great Clips.

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 long does a felony stay on your background?

A felony generally stays on your record permanently, appearing indefinitely on background checks unless you take legal action like expungement, sealing, or pardon, which vary by state and offense type. While some states (like California) have "clean slate" laws for automatic sealing of certain felonies after a period (e.g., 4 years), many serious or violent offenses, and convictions in other states, require a court petition to remove or seal them, often after completing your sentence and waiting a set time. 

What crimes stop you from getting a job?

A petty theft conviction, even a misdemeanor, can be an insurmountable hurdle for many employment opportunities. Employers view any theft crime as a breach of trust that puts assets, inventory, and workplace security at risk.

What jobs can a convicted felon not get?

Felons face significant restrictions in jobs requiring licenses (law, medicine, teaching, finance, real estate, security) or involving public trust/vulnerable populations (childcare, elder care, law enforcement, healthcare), as well as roles handling valuables or operating heavy machinery, with specific bans depending on state law and the nature of the crime (e.g., theft, fraud, violent offenses). Industries like finance, education, transportation, and healthcare often have statutory bars or strict licensing requirements that exclude individuals with felony records, though some exceptions and review processes exist.
 

What looks bad on a background check?

What looks bad on a background check includes criminal records (especially job-related ones like theft or fraud), significant discrepancies in your application (lying about degrees, titles, dates), unexplained gaps in employment, frequent job changes (job-hopping), poor credit history, and unprofessional social media activity, all of which signal potential dishonesty, instability, or poor judgment to employers. 

What states are felon friendly with jobs?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

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

Why does no one hire felons?

Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions. And employers may be legally liable for the crimes committed by employees and so be wary of hiring those who already have a record.

What are the downsides of being a felon?

On top of prison time, a felony conviction in California nearly always results in substantial fines, court fees, and restitution payments to victims. Fines for felony offenses can reach up to $10,000 or even more in some cases. You'll also likely have to pay additional fees and costs to the court related to your case.

What's the worst felony to get?

The "worst" felony is typically a Capital Felony, often defined as premeditated murder, treason, or espionage, carrying penalties of life imprisonment or the death penalty, though federal systems classify the most severe as Class A felonies, which also include murder, terrorism, and large-scale drug trafficking, punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. Specifics vary by state, but generally, the most serious crimes (like first-degree murder, aggravated sexual assault, arson causing death) fall into the highest categories (Class A, First Degree, Capital). 

Can you live a normal life with a felony?

The truth is, even a single felony conviction can drastically affect your life, often for years after you've served your sentence. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies carry the weight of long-term legal, financial, and personal repercussions.