Do you think once a criminal always a criminal?

Question

I'm 21 and out on parole/probation at the moment after doing time for robbery. None of my family had been in trouble before so they took it badly and think I'm going to end up in prison for years. When I got out I wanted to go straight and get a job, take care of my kid, all the usual stuff but after having my first legal drink I got done for DUI and they are trying to charge me with other stuff to so I know I'm probably going back to jail for that and breaking my parole conditions. I'm out a month now but am back in court next week.

When I was trying to get a job they found out about my past and wouldn't hire me. I keep on getting stick and being called an ex-con, jailbird all that and I'm not being allowed forget that I've been in jail.

I feel like if you've made mistakes people think you can't change and won't give you a chance. You get more hassle from cops too who won't give you a break.

Answer 1

I do not believe that a person should always be labeled a criminal. But you did break your parole, and that is your fault. You can not blame officers or the courts for what happened. I understand that you were trying to get a job, but you also decided to drink. Had you thought about what you were doing, you wouldn't be in this situation. All I'm saying is that, even though you broke the law, you should be given a fair chance at having a life, but you have to prove to EVERYONE that you want to change. Getting a DUI within a month of getting out does not prove anything except that you are not really interested in changing. So I think, that if you don't go to jail this time, don't break your parole, listen to your PO, stay out of trouble and try to get a job. No some companies will not hire you if you have a felony record, but hey flipping burgers is a job, is it not? If you get out of this one, prove to everyone that you are serious about changing. Getting into trouble is not going to do that!!!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It's true that the cops will be looking out for you from now on. That will happen for a while and you must be prepared for it. It is also going to be particularly difficult for you to get work, particularly now that you've managed to lose your driving licence into the bargain. Is there any chance of your training for a new trade of some kind? There is a New Deal Scheme for people of your age group who have been unemployed for some time and it might be worth asking the probation services about whether they could help you get onto it. You might even be able to try for the University for Industry mentioned http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:DJfVQMo0giMJ:www.adviceguide.org.uk/nm/index/life/employment/government_employment_schemes.htm+england+unemployed+tops+grants&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=8 This is, of course, rather jumping the gun, as you have a court appearance to get through, but it would show the right attitude. The good thing about changing your career is that you tend to start again from that point and don't have to go back and rake over the past so much. And you've got to do more than change your criminal career -- you've got to turn your back on it for good. You've got a tough task ahead of you -- but you can do it, if you'll only begin to believe in yourself. If you don't, why should other people? Don't give up!

Answer 4

The answer is no you don't have to be a criminal its down to you to ignore what people say and believe in yourself.In 1984 (god i'm showing my age)i was done for drink driving i did'nt have an accident or anything was just stop checked and was over the limit.I regretted my actions and swore it would never happen again and i have never been in trouble since.I gave up drinking and now have a family life 5 children and have been with my partner 23 years.As long as you genuinely regret what you have done and wish to move on to a more law abiding life style what others say won't matter.Go to court and be sincere that you do wish to be a better person ,ask the judge personally to give you another chance,you maybe pleasantly surprised.GOOD LUCK.

Answer 5

No I don't believe that once a criminal always a criminal. It's up to the individual. We all make choices and we pay the consequences of those choices whether they are good for us or not. If someone wants to change, there will always be people who will try to put that person down because they themselves cannot change and they feel threatened. The trick is to ignore these people as they are not constructive and they impede us from growing. If you don't want to be a "criminal" then you can't be one. I'm sure there are people out there who have also made mistakes in their lives and don't mind giving people a second chance. Alternatively become self-employed.. it's more hassle free!! As you are 21 you are also eligible for help from the Prince's trust. They help young people to get qualifications, set up their own businesses and get work experience. They also offer grants and low interest loans and they prioritise young people who are experiencing difficulties, have a criminal background or are finding it hard to find work.
Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm entirely in favor of doing that. However, I am not willing to hold up what partial solutions we can currently implement until such time as that particular scheme is adopted, because it will be politically difficult to pass. I don't see the illegal immigrants as 'victims' but as offenders, and think it is totally fair that they ALSO bear the results of their actions. That doesn't mean I condone the employers. And 'once a criminal always a criminal' is nuts. There is such a thing as redemption. However, there is also such a thing as punishment for a crime committed, and illegals commit a crime every day by being here. Redemption would demand they stop offending by going home.

Answer 7

You're the one in control here.

You committed a robbery and got caught, so you went to jail.
As soon as you got out on parole, you broke the law again (drinking & driving). Assuming you know that it's unlawful to drive under the influence and assuming your PO filled you in on the fact that repeat offenders go back inside, you already knew the potential consequences.

So the answer to your question is, no, not all criminals are habitual criminals. Plenty of people get into trouble - especially as young people - and get their act together when they mature.

You have a hole to climb out of.
First step: Stop digging it deeper.

Answer 8

You got to prove you have changed, its no good coming out of prision telling the world you have changed then going out and commiting another offence, its like crying wolf. I committed an offence once and now i have a criminal record, never been in trouble in my life and never will be again. Just because i made a very silly mistake once, i didnt go out to deliberately commit offence and only once is all it takes! However i do not see myself as a criminal you learn by your mistakes. It depends on how much you want that respect again.

Answer 9

No definitely not. Obviously the longer you keep getting involved with things the harder it is to get out of it and you will also be well known to the local police who will naturally suspect you or want to speak with you etc etc but they are only doing what they are supposed to do.
Now saying that, if you really want get out of cycle of crime and there must be people out there to help you if you need to talk as I'm sure there is an agency for you.
You really have to make the effort though and accept responsibility for your own actions (there are far to many people out there who blame everyone else except themselves).
You can do it and I wish you luck.

Answer 10

It is possible to change and there would be no point in any freedom if people were unable to adapt to new situations. You ought not to spend the rest of your life in prison. Settle down marry and have some kids and buy a lawn mower and above all be happy. Good luck