I committed a nonviolent felony (stole a car) when i was 18 in Atlanta. I am now 24 years old and realize that I need an education to get any farther in life than I am. I have just recently gotten my GED and plan on going into graphic design or architecture if I am able. My question is : Will this hold me back from a career? Because of how long ago the crime was (2002), my present and past employers haven't held it against me but they weren't career type jobs unless you like to dig in dirt or do construction. I want to make something out of myself and plan on working my butt off to get there. I just need to know if it is doable. Thanks in advance!!!
2007-09-10 03:43:48 · 12 answers · asked by J Bird 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
It depends on your attitude, and that of the person/people at the Admissions Office: If you really are repentant, and they really are humane, i.e. if both parties are decent to each other, I do not see why not.
Whatever you do, do not hide it.
Hiding it will only incriminate you.
Felon?
When I first read the title I thought you had murdered someone, and I still thought you should go to college.
You only managed to steal a car? Ha!
Bigger thieves than you got into better schools than you, and now are robbing you in taxes.
Bite back!
Honestly, if you were an idiot at 18, it is only natural. Now go out there and let the world see what you are really made of.
Good luck. With your life experience, and your will, I am sure you would do better than any other freshman there.
ASK AT EVERY SCHOOL. Do not be ashamed of anything but poor quality work!
2007-09-10 03:49:16 · answer #1 · answered by aetheru 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you kidding??? What you are doing is 100% 'doable'. If you have a solid education behind you and you have solid work experience behind you, will not be held back. Do not refere to yourself as a felon, it is a mistake you made that is a felon and you are working hard to move forward to prove you are not a 'felon'. When interviewing, dress well, shoes are a big deal, dont ask, they just are. As long as you look professional and your personality is polished, you have everything in order...No one should make it a big deal. I would bring it up first in the interview, do not laugh about it or quip about it, say it frankly and look that person in the eye while saying it, with out looking nervous (there is nothing to be nervous about) explain that you made an inmature desision and it would also be a good thing to mention, that you look back and can not believe you did such a thing. Always take responsibility, people respect you for it. You are 24... this will not even be an issue soon, get your education and do get an internship while in school, that counts as work experience. The longer you are there the better your charachter looks, not to mention your grades, keep them up so you look like you do care and are serious. You will be fine. Congradulations on becoming an adult...
2007-09-10 04:16:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, congratulations on getting your GED and having the balls to go to college.
Being that the felony was committed so long ago, it shouldn't be a problem. The fact that you were only 18 only helps your case...sometimes we are "young and stupid" and realize this when we are older. :-)
Your goals are definitely doable. You can go to college and get a dgree, and by that time it will be long enough to where you will not have to disclose the felony on any job applications.
Another option that you may have is to have your conviction vacated. If you have not been convicted of another crime since 2002, this may be an option. Check with a lawyer in your community to make sure, though...cause states are different. In Washington there is a law where you can seal your record after 5 years, but you can only do that with one offense, and if you are not a trouble maker.
2007-09-10 03:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by Brandon W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
After 7 years they can no longer hold it against you. Even though it is still on your record, once it has been 7 years it is like it is not there anymore. When you are applying for different jobs just be honest and tell them about the felony and give them an explaination so they will realize that it happened when you were young and that you know you made some bad decisions but you have turned your life around. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out for you.
2007-09-10 03:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by shayshay7000 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that the employers will of course look at it. People are very horrible towards "criminals" even if it was something as petty as that while you were a teenager. Employers will most definitely be somewhat biased against you, preferring people who have not committed a felony. Those are the bad bosses- it might take awhile to find someone kind but you don't want to work under somebody who hates you. Good luck.
2007-09-10 03:51:23 · answer #5 · answered by B. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey. glad you want to make a change in your life. no having a felon does not stop you from getting into college. you can still go to college with a GED and a criminal past. The only thing is that you must way your options. It wont stop you from going to college but the university may keep an eye on you, or you can go to a community college for two years and they transfer over. good luck and i hope you can make your dreams come true.
2007-09-10 03:55:13 · answer #6 · answered by mastermind 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just go to school. get an education and go from there. it wont hurt to be educated either way. besides i think it depends on what you are going to do. like if you crime was against children that sort of thing than you wouldn't be around kids. if you were an embezzler than you wouldn't get to be treasurer. and so on. can you tell I have no idea? maybe check out the net. do some searches. I wouldnt mind knowing myself.
2007-09-10 03:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You pulled a dumbassed kid stunt and I hate to see it ruin your life.
If I were in your shoes, I would see if I could:
1 - Petition for restoration of rights.
2 - Petition to have my record expunged under the Youthful Offender statutes.
You might be able to do this stuff yourself, but I suggest you contact Legal Aid or the ACLU and ask for assistance.
Good Luck.
Doc
2007-09-10 03:54:13 · answer #8 · answered by Doc Hudson 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
choose for it. lots of persons make errors while they're youthful, and any employer with 0.5 a strategies is conscious that. that's not genuine that employers won't hire you in case you have a checklist. yet they are going to ask, and you will could clarify. at the same time with your clarification, you mustn't have a difficulty. My niece is in a matching place, and concept she might in no way get a activity interior the wellness care field. Hospitals, Nursing residences, Nursing businesses, etc., continually do a historic past verify using accountability in contact and the easy get admission to to drugs. She purely have been given her nursing license, and purely have been given employed. while she went for her interview, she instructed them magnificent up front approximately her criminal, and what got here about, and why. She nevertheless have been given the activity. and he or she merits it. in case you're extreme approximately turning your existence around, so do you. i might hire you. i think of you will delight in the activity extra and artwork extra stable than somebody who has continually had it hassle-free. good success. playstation --I take that returned, no longer in user-friendly terms lots of persons make errors while they're youthful--all and sundry make errors while they're youthful--some purely get caught.
2016-10-10 07:33:30 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can find employment. You may find some place resistant to hiring you due to your felony charge, but with explination I think you will have no problem finding employment. Go for it.
2007-09-10 03:50:42 · answer #10 · answered by Kellie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋