I was convicted and received a 5 years suspended sentence (not deferred) when I was only 18 years old for a violent crime felony. I cannot support myself or find a trade to specialize in. Will I never be able to find a job because of a mistake I made years ago?? I have communication, typing and computer skills but I cannot find a job in that industry that doesn't do background checks in Oklahoma. :( Please help
2006-11-14 14:23:26 · 8 answers · asked by dmjbaby 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think everyone, deserves a second chance, I wish you luck and hope you get a chance to prove yourself.
2006-11-14 14:28:26 · answer #1 · answered by avery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I know in Australia Felony is quite severe. it was a first offence and you just made it to be an adult which was unfortunate for your case. having a suspended sentence is pretty serious. why didnt you appeal it? anyway im sure you can search the net and find different jobs for companies that arent a large company or try starting from the bottom and working up. get work in a supermarket or book store get some experience interacting with people and handling money etc. once you have 1 -2 years under your belt then you can go for higher jobs. declare that you have priors but have changed. some people will give you a chance you just need to take a risk
2006-11-14 14:37:12 · answer #2 · answered by cha cha pop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you just have to keep at it, and eventually someone will hire you. In Oklahoma, non-violent felonies can be expunged (erased from record) but your case was violent.
You may have a better shot at getting a job in another state... many employers will utilize in-state resources such as the State department of public safety to get convictions info... therefore, you might have more luck outside of Oklahoma.
I hope that you can find a job and live a productive life. I think that by shunning convicts, society simply ensures that people have no choice but to return to a life of crime, and it doesn't make a lot of sense. Good luck.
2006-11-14 14:32:48 · answer #3 · answered by Firstd1mension 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you may find that being up front with a potential employer maybe helpful. If someone were to tell me ahead of time what happened, why it happened and I wasn't surprised in a background check, I would consider it. Also, you may have to take a job lower than you want at first to get your foot in the door and prove yourself to an employer. Once you have a good work history, you will find it easier to get another job or be promoted. Also, consider finding a specialty and going to a tech school!
2006-11-14 14:37:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep trying, I was convicted of a crime at a about 18 and got the same sentence and now I am an IT Tech, I have worked at Mortgage banks and have been bonded. Lots of people make mistakes at a young age and get past it. You have to start small and work your way up. Be honest up front and people whether they hire you or not will respect your honesty. Good luck!!
2006-11-14 14:32:19 · answer #5 · answered by jerofjungle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think first offenders deserve a second chance if they are sincerely sorry for what they've done and can be a productive citizen. All of us at one time or another, need a second chance with something. It might not be a crime but forgiveness is a good quality to have. That 's what God wants all of us to do .Help one another. I heard about how so many offenders go back to doing crimes because they were never given a second chance even after they tried to do right. We should help them to help themselves.By helping those to help themselves we're helping the World.
2006-11-14 14:41:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what, I'm not an offender, but I was born a female and I have that same problem, go figure. A white female at that, so employers won't even hire me to fill their quota for the percentage they need for their labor laws, it's better to hire a black female because she could be counted in either category depending upon the need they have at the time to meet their percentage quota. So no, I do not feel sorry for you being as I am quite sure that I am more so capable than you and I am not an offender of any kind and I'm stuck at a minimum wage job because I was born a female.
2006-11-14 14:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am surprised that they did not go over options with you upon release.
I would check with the OK state parole board. I bet they would have some good ideas and some resources that you could use. They have seen the failures and successes and would be able to tell you what those who succeed are doing.
I think everyone deserves a second chance. Good luck!
2006-11-14 14:28:11 · answer #8 · answered by halarious 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋