How do you answer have you ever been convicted of a felony?
Asked by: Haskell Goldner | Last update: May 2, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (14 votes)
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.
How to respond to the felony question?
At the Interview
It's also the time when you will have to explain your felony conviction. Give a very brief explanation of your crime including only the necessary information and leaving out the personal details and drama. The older the crime the better, so mention if it was a long time ago.
How do I know if I've ever been convicted of a felony?
Depending on what kind of record you may have, you should send your request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and/or to the relevant state (e.g., California Department of Justice (CA DOJ)).
How to write a letter explaining a felony conviction?
First Paragraph: List your conviction(s), the dates and a brief explanation of the circumstances (explain in two sentences or less and focus on the big picture). Express regret and responsibility. Second Paragraph: Focus on how you have paid your debt to society and the ways in which you have improved your life.
How do you explain your felony conviction?
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. Be positive! Gaps in employment due to time served. If you had a job in prison, list this.
Have you ever been Arrested? interview questions and answers
What is an example of a conviction statement?
“I made a decision I deeply regret over five years ago. I served five years of time and it has changed the way I choose to live my life now. I am a dedicated hard worker with a driven focus on succeeding.
How long do felonies stay on your record?
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 to get a job with a felony conviction?
- Know the details of your background check. ...
- Specify your intent to discuss the felony during the interview. ...
- Be honest about your history. ...
- Seek out organizations that specifically provide opportunities.
What is the best degree for a convicted 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.
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 do you beat a felony charge?
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent. ...
- Remain Calm and Polite. ...
- Contact an Attorney Immediately. ...
- Know What Felony Offense You are Facing. ...
- Do Not Post Bail Without Speaking to an Attorney. ...
- Be Honest with Your Attorney.
What do you call a person with a felony?
Technically, a felon is anyone who's been convicted of a serious crime, but you can use felon to describe anyone you think has done something terrible. For a felon, it's being paraded in handcuffs in front of the public that can be the worst part of being convicted.
Are you always a convicted felon?
Felony Offenses That Can't Be Expunged In California
If you had served time in a California state prison, your felony would not be expunged. Additionally, certain felony convictions can never be expunged from your criminal record in California. These are: Penal Code 261.5(d).
What does it mean if you ever been convicted?
Conviction - A conviction means that you have been found guilty of a crime by a court or that you have agreed to plead guilty to a crime. There are many levels of crimes, including both misdemeanors and felonies.
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 do you explain a felony conviction to an employer?
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 states are felon friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What companies do not hire felons?
There are a lot of industries that won't hire felons such as education, financial, medical, security, transportation among others.
Do federal felonies show up on background checks?
The federal employment background check process is conducted using the PACER database. PACER provides public access to more than one billion documents in federal courts. When conducting federal background checks, the results may include federal felony and misdemeanor convictions across all federal district courts.
Do all felonies result in jail time?
However, it's a common misconception that all felonies automatically result in jail time. The truth is more nuanced. Under California law, judges possess considerable discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose probation in certain cases instead of incarceration.
How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?
If you've been convicted of a felony, it will generally stay on your criminal record for life. However, it is possible to have your record removed from public view through a process known as expungement.
What is a good example of conviction?
Examples of conviction in a Sentence
He has three prior drunk-driving convictions. Convictions for shoplifting have made it difficult for her to get a job. a person of deep convictions They share my strong conviction that the policy is misguided.
Can you get a job with a felony?
Your criminal history should not stop you from getting the job of your dreams if you are wondering whether you can get a job with a criminal record. It is possible for people with records containing misdemeanors and felonies to attain respected and gainful employment.
How to recover from a felony conviction?
In California, expungement can offer a fresh start. It doesn't completely erase your record, but it can show that you've served your time and moved on. Record sealing is another option, making your record less visible to the public eye.