You'll pay for the rest of your life

[jls74]

If you ever slip and do something illegal you really will pay for the rest of your life. I have a felony on my record. It is something I really regret doing. Today it hit home just how bad this is going to affect me. I have been sending out my resume to some local companies. I am looking for a job in the industry to supplement my school work. I just got back from an interview at one of the better companies in the area. They were offering me a position as an install helper. The company does alot of change outs, commercial and refrigeration work. They have great benifits and a good internal promotion program. The inteviewer told me that by the end of the year I could have my own truck. Everything was going great I had the feeling that the job was mine and we just had to do the formalities of filling out the paper work. Then we got to the background check. I told him that they will find something there. I was honest about it. But the whole interview changed right then. I can understand their position. It is just disheartening to have things going so great and then go down the toilet. I havn't been turned down yet, but I didn't leave with a good feeling. So guys take my situation as a lesson a dumba$$ move that takes a couple minutes can haunt you for a long, long time. I guess the positive side of this is that someone liked my resume enough to offer me a job.

[Gunnery Sergeant Hartman]

Was your felony something that a homeowner could take as a threat?

I say this because I know something like smashing a mailbox is a felony vs. murder or theft.

I think if someone came here that smashed a mailbox, that would slide.
Murder or theft type felonies, no dice...

[cracker]

put your e mail In your bio.http://bestsmileys.com/signs2/3.gif

[jls74]

Was your felony something that a homeowner could take as a threat?

I say this because I know something like smashing a mailbox is a felony vs. murder or theft.

I think if someone came here that smashed a mailbox, that would slide.
Murder or theft type felonies, no dice...

It was a construction site burglary. Which looks very bad to an employer. Like I said I regret the heck out of it.

[jls74]

put your e mail In your bio.http://bestsmileys.com/signs2/3.gif

Got it on there now.

[idontgetit]

Then we got to the background check. I told him that they will find something there. I was honest about it. But the whole interview changed right then. I can understand their position. It is just disheartening to have things going so great and then go down the toilet. I havn't been turned down yet, but I didn't leave with a good feeling. So guys take my situation as a lesson a dumba$$ move that takes a couple minutes can haunt you for a long, long time. I guess the positive side of this is that someone liked my resume enough to offer me a job.


There are two sides to the fence you have brought up.

While you might not be able to tell, the interviewer may have been very disappointed because you had a good resume, a good interview, Good personality, good apearance, and you might have shined miles above other applicants. The reason he may have become disappointed is that he may not have been allowed to consider you further. Depending upon state and insurance company, his cost to insure you may have everything to do with it.

There is almost no doubt what so ever that the difference in one time criminals and the average person is simply getting caught, or getting caught without enough monies to get out of it.

You are correct, your one time mistake is going to follow you and it is going to make it tough, but not impossible. It sounds like you have done the right thing in elevating yourself above it and it is going to be tough, but you sound like the kind of person who will get past it.

[christinamurray]

Just remember there will be companies who will be willing to take a chance. To me, it sounds like you are working very hard to overcome your past. I think that there are employers out there who will see that you are working hard to make your life better. I am not saying it won't take finding the right employer, but you sound like you have your head on straight. Give it time and keep at it.

[dhvac]

i know insurance rates can be very high for some companies to hire anyone with a felony so next time they mention it still be honest and offer to let them take the difference out of your pay

i know that the situation sucks but you are right you will be paying for it for a long time in one way or another

[jls74]

I didn't know about the elevated insurance levels till I came home and read some posts on the forum on similiar subjects. Had I known I would have made the offer to have it taken out of my pay. I know now and will do so in future interviews if this doesn't come through. Without trying to sound arrogant I am confidant in my abilities to insure timely pay raises. So I won't be at low pay levels long.
And thanks guys for the positive replies to my post. I truely enjoy this web site.

[dhvac]

also i have heard of people being able to get things removed from their records dont know how but may be something to look into

[Trublshter]

I have to say I feel you did the right thing by being honest. It shows you are trying to do the right thing and presenting sincerety should mean a lot in today's world. Everone makes mistakes.

[tntek]

Atleast your not blaming everyone else for your mistake like someone else on the site.

[jls74]

Atleast your not blaming everyone else for your mistake like someone else on the site.

No I did it. I won't cry WOLF!

[tntek]

ha ha

[frigetater]

keep trying.....just being truthful goes a LONG way.....try to get your record cleaned up..talk to an attorney maybe

[mark beiser]

This is a subject I'm all to familiar with.
18 years ago I got busted for 3 felonies all at once, 2 that were worse than what you say you got busted for. I spent 2.5 years in prison and another 7.5 years on parole. When I got out of prison, I worked my arse off doing roofing work while I went to college for HVAC.
While I was still going to school I started looking for HVAC work, and had about the same reaction as you have been getting.
Eventually I went to work as an installation helper for a company that does almost all new construction. It was hard low paying work, but I gave it my best, invested part of my pay in tools, and continued with school.
I impressed them enough that I had my own truck and helper after a year, shortly thereafter I was doing new startups.
Fast forward to today, I'm at about the top of the pay scale for residential and light commercial service technicians in my area, not counting the commission paid ripoff types.

Basically what I'm saying is that there are obstacles, but they are not insurmountable.

Don't bother even trying to get a job at a place that does any government or military work, they can't hire you.
Look for a company that does mostly residential new construction. The pay will suck, but it is an opportunity to get into the industry and start building a reputation for yourself.
Also your school and some local HVAC suppliers will have a board where companies post openings.
Look for jobs at smaller companies, they are less likely to have blanket policies that the interviewer can't break.

Keep up with your school program, participate in any class discussions, and make all A's. Make friends with your instructors, especially any that are still active in the field. They can prove to be invaluable references in the future.

If you have facial hair, shave it.
If you have tattoos, cover them.
Wear your hair short and neat.
Always be completely up front and honest, but don't volunteer information if you are not asked.
Drive safely and keep a clean driving record.

Above all, don't drink and drive! A convicted murderer with a clean driving record stands a better chance of getting a job than someone that has a DWI or DUI on their record, lol.

[jls74]

Thanks Mark! Good advice. I know I will succeed in this industry. I just have to get my foot in the door. I just have to knock on a few to find the one.

[wolfstrike]

i know insurance rates can be very high for some companies to hire anyone with a felony


that's the worst part.

this society is corrupt.


so what happens now?

a business owner has a son who has a horrible felony on his record, ...stealing a piece of pizza, (yes , California gave someone a strike 3 felony and sent someone away for life for stealing a piece of pizza)

we have TONS of stupid laws in the books, and the government is removing the judge's power to make choices.

so the business owner hires his own son and the insurance company steps in and says "no you're not"?

this government is getting too involved with day to day life and is inserting it's corrupt views.

this is the antichrist computer age , names go through the computer and it flashes a red light or a green light and no one cares what the story is, or if it is correct.

society is taking away the business owner's right to make choices.

but that's ok because society is becomming tough on crime.

no it's not.

we have more criminals walking into higher paying jobs then at any point in our history.
we have people flooding into this country who their daily life , we would consider to be a crime.
some of these people are rapists and cold blooded murderers , and they show up at your company , with the governments arm around them, presenting them as the perfect employee.
...meanwhile some American with a glorified infraction can't get a job.


... and service is going down the drain too , many of these foreigners don't give a rat's ass other then how much money they can collect.

thank your government.

with all the laws and regulations that government installations , which is the lower paid part of the job? , installation ! , companies are paying people 8 bucks an hour to install crap , and many know nothing about codes.

the government is ass backwards.


the government is PURPOSELY creating a situation where once people get marks on their records, they must remain being involved in crime.

"correctional facility"

"rehabilitation"


ok we'll let you out of jail and you are free to do what ever you want , but you can't work.




i agree , we can't send criminals to residential homes, but supervised construction sites or new homes , there is no reason why a felon who wants to work should be stopped from working , ESPECIALLY by some corrupt insurance company.


our society has turned into an immature game of 'gotcha', and it's not some arrogant employer's job to keep trying to hand out extended jail sentences.


this is why the founders of the country set up individual States.

[mark beiser]

The thing that gets me is that an employer that does government and military contract work often can't even have someone with a felony record in their employ, even if it was years in the past, because it is regarded as a "security risk". But hey, Habib the Syrian immigrant that has been in country for 2 years is A-ok.....

[kamersoutdoor]

Hello gentlemen,
I'm new here, but figured this would be the best thread to introduce myself since this topic directly relates to my situation.
Several years ago I lived a very different life from the one I live now. I was convicted of several felonies consisting of CCW's and tampering with state records (false identification). I served 1.5 years in prison and five years parole.
While incarcerated I knew it was a time for change, or I'd be dead. I then began to study for my high school equivalent. While my fellow inmates were consumed with playing cards and ping pong, I decided to hit the books. I studied non-stop. And I had a lot of catching up to do (highest grade completed was eighth grade). I scored all 600's and higher (not too bad considering I couldn't even add/subtract fractions when I entered the system). This gave me a great appreciation for learning. I then decided I would learn a trade when I was released. I decided upon the hvac field.
I had to pay off some some student loans that I accumulated in my previous years, worked my butt off at several dead-end low paying jobs.
I am now married, have two small children, and have four more credit hours left until I receive my certificate. I am absolutely 100% drug and alcohol free, and live, eat, and sleep this field.
I now cannot find work. I am $8,000 in debt for loans, and another $1,200 for tools.
I won't give up!
I cannot give up!
I pray everyday that I'll get that one break!
I currently do side jobs, and read any literature I can get my hands on.
This thread somewhat inspired me enough to leave this long (sorry) response. I sometimes felt as if I were the only one in this situation. Knowing I'm not kinda helps me cope with the denial.

[jls74]

[QUOTE=
This thread somewhat inspired me enough to leave this long (sorry) response. I sometimes felt as if I were the only one in this situation. Knowing I'm not kinda helps me cope with the denial.[/QUOTE]

It is tough, but far from impossible. The main thing is to arrange a face to face meeting. If all they see of you is a file or a report they may draw a completely diffrent opinion of you than if they meet you in person. Stereotypes abound for people in our position. The sad thing is that there are so many out there that make the stereotypes true. We have to prove ourselves to be the exception to the rule.

What I recommed if you havn't done so is to put together a resume and send it to every company in the area that you want to work in. You can do this by fax, e-mail, snail mail or in person. I got my interview by looking in the phone book and e-mailing my resume to every company that listed a web site. It took over three weeks before I got a call, but someone did call. I may not get the job but I got someone's attention. It is persistance that pays off.

Remember you miss %100 percent of the shots you don't take.

[bdclark]

{In the state of Tennessee...}
If you are a one time felon, with few to no misdemeanors on your record, and if it has been 7 years since you either plead guilty or were convicted of the felony crime, you are eligible to apply for expungement. It costs a little bit of money though. {Here in Tn} I believe it is approx. a $90 fee, plus court costs and attorney's fees, and the expungement has to filed in the county court in the county in which you were convicted. The judge makes his decision, sends the request to the state bureau of investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for review. As long as its a one-time, non-violent felony, and the rest of your record contains no "violence" oriented misdeanors, then you have a near perfect chance of being granted an expungement.

I have never been convicted of a felony, so I have obviously never gone through the procedures. I just happen to have a couple of old friends who are one time felons, and they came to me using the reason "you are smart, help me out here," and I did. I researched a little, called the right people and asked the right questions, and now they are felons only to the court system. Employers may still be able to see that you had something expunged when they do background checks, but all they will see is the date of conviction and "expunged." They will never know what the conviction was for, leaving it up to you as to whether you tell them or not.
Sorry for the post being so long, but I figured you might need the information as my two friends did at one time. Maybe it will be useful to you. I know with expungements, you are the only one who can set the ball in motion. You just might be able to get control of your life back, but only with effort. Good luck, and never give up on the things you want the most.

[k-fridge]

I think it's very big of you to use your situation to try and prevent others from making the same mistakes.

My respects.

[wolfstrike]

i hate to be the bringer of bad news , although when talking politics about this country that is posing as "America", that's all i can be.

this country is now fully corrupt and needs nothing less then a complete overhaul , and a return to the Constitution.



certain states are mis-using the NCIC database.

the NCIC database is a collection of ARREST records , not criminal convictions.

even though this database is clearly stated to be for government eyes only , the government in the late 90's changed the rules so states have the power to access the information they way they see fit, the information is then passed to employers through criminal background check companies.

what happened to me in Nevada is un-freaking-believable.
Nevada is the worst State in the union when it comes to this subject.

basically , by using this database , local government has overturned every judge's ruling on the subject of expungements or in some cases dismissals,
if you pleded guilty for something , that's what you got now , forever.
(even though the court most likely gave you a reduced record & sentence to pled guilty)

from what i have read , even a Presidential pardon does not remove the information from the database.

it's my understanding that having the record "cealed", by the state, will remove the information , but in my case , California will not ceal any case of a person who was an adult.
...the lawyers told me i would be wasting my time and money.




i pled guilty to carrying a knife , (an act that is Constitutionally protected), the court told me that if a pled guilty my case would be dropped to a misdemeanor and i would get 5 days community service, which i did.

i NEVER had a felony on my criminal record, and i later got an ATM job carrying cash.

when i went to Nevada they pulled the NCIC record which show i was arrested for a felony, so to them i have a felony , facts are irrelevant.

i have my records which show that i do not have a felony, i applied at some 30 AC companies in Nevada and i never even heard back from them , NONE of them told me why i wasn't being hired.
thanks to miscarriage of justice , they THINK i have a felony and i don't.


my biggest fear is that other states will act as nevada does and insurance companies will dictate who a company will hire, it's already happening.
this is full corruption.





crime is going to continue to skyrocket in America , because we are letting in criminals from all around the world, Czechoslovakia has been dumping their criminals in America for 20 years.
in many cases these people have no foreign records attached to them , and they are presented to American companies as the perfect employee.

you can see from reading these forums that AC company owners are getting pissed off and they want tougher rules on criminal records, this is wrong , we need serious changes in the criminal system before it's too late.

when the system is wrong it needs to be changed , but what we have today is business owners trying to make their own rules to counter act things in society which they think are wrong.

the result is , everything is ending up the opposite of the way it should be.






there is hope for me and people with felonies in the AC field.

i know of a guy, covered in tatoos, who walked right out of prison and right into a residential AC job , with a major company , in California.

his parole officer knew an AC recruiter.

but why did this person get the job?
what effort did he make to be a productive part of society?
i doubt he ever denounced is gang activity.
did the company feel pressure from the government to hire "minorities"


everything in America is turning backwards.

[supertek65]

I have never been in trouble.
I would hire an ex con no matter what the crime unless it was a child abuser.
I could see how a residential service company would not want to hire a person who stole or robbed.
good luck

[jls74]

I have never been in trouble.
I would hire an ex con no matter what the crime unless it was a child abuser.
I could see how a residential service company would not want to hire a person who stole or robbed.
good luck

Wish you were in Georgia

[supertek65]

sounds like you are doing a great job.
All you have to do is work hard, learn all you can learn. take pride.
The money will follow!
Good luck brothe'