Is it hard to get a job with a felony on your record?
Asked by: Ellie Kuphal | Last update: November 4, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (10 votes)
Arrests and convictions on your record will often make the job hunt more difficult since most employers conduct background checks on their potential employees.
Why is it so hard to get a job with a felony?
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.
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 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 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 to get a job with a criminal record | Zachary Moore | TEDxSanQuentin
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).
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.
Do felonies affect your credit?
Although your criminal record doesn't directly impact your credit score, the financial burden that accompanies legal penalties can result in significant credit damage. Legal fees, court fines, restitution, and loss of income due to unemployment or incarceration can cause you to fall behind on payments.
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.
What states are felon friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
How do I find a job if I have a felony?
- 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 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 felons work at Walmart?
Criminal records
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 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 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 many Americans have a felony conviction?
Nearly 20 million people are estimated to have a past felony conviction. Brennan Center, 2020.
How hard is it for a convicted 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.
What will disqualify me for an employment IRS background check?
3.2. 1 Felony or misdemeanor convictions, either individually or in the aggregate, demonstrating fraud, dishonesty, theft, evasion, unlawful disclosure of information, unauthorized access to data, or a violation of a public trust.
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's the worst felony?
A crime that's a Class A federal felony is the worst, with a maximum prison term of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A Class E federal felony involves a prison term of more than one year but less than five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Will a felony always show up on a background check?
In California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, and Washington, a felony will not show up on a record after seven years no matter what. In every other state, however, the information is present on the record forever.
Can a convicted felon get clear?
You can ask to have your felony conviction dismissed if both: You have no new cases pending. You are not on probation or parole in any case.
Do felonies fall off after 7 years?
Felony convictions are not automatically expunged with the passage of time but require the filing and granting of an Expungement Petition by the Court. Many felony cases are "wobblers"; that is, they can be reduced to misdemeanors (even after many years) and then expunged in the same court proceeding.
What is the 7 year rule?
The 7 year rule
No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.
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.