Best College Careers For Felons (Complete 2024 Guide)
While there are many different college careers for felons, you should think about what jobs will be available to you after you finish your degree.
The right college degree or technical training can greatly boost your chances of getting a high paying job if you have a felony.
For example, ex felons have a very hard time getting jobs in the medical field, such as doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants, etc.
Most jobs in the fields of psychiatry and psychology are also rarely available, with the exception of a substance abuse counselor.
Similarly jobs in education, finance, as well as law are generally not open to felons. The majority of licensing boards will not grant a license to a felon, even if you have the appropriate degree.
Top college degrees for felons
If you have a felony conviction and are considering pursuing a higher education so you can get a better paying job, choose your career carefully.
This guide will help you figure out what type of education you should pursue, colleges you can apply to, as well as possible career options that don’t require a degree or professional training.
First – answer the following questions:
– Did you steal money or property? If so, you can’t do accounting, or any other finance/banking related job.
– Did you drink an drive and kill someone? Well, here you have to rule out degrees that lead to jobs where you have to drive people around.
The main thing to remember is that most companies will want you to be a back-end employee. This means that you will most likely not be given responsibilities where you would have to deal directly with customers, sensitive information, or money.
Of course you should also think about your own talents, current skills and interests. For example, if you have limited mathematical abilities, you probably should not pursue high-tech jobs.
Computer science / programming
One of the best degrees you can get is computer science. There is a real shortage and a huge demand for quality developers and software engineers.
This is especially the case if you live on the East Coast (Boston, New York, DC, Maryland), on the West Coast (Seattle, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, San Jose), or in any major metropolitan area around USA.
Software developers can get starting salaries at $60K or more, even with a degree from a 2nd tier school (most state colleges/universities and even community colleges). Overall, the IT sector offers the most high paying jobs for felons.
Given your criminal background, it may be possible to get a job by negotiating a slightly lower starting salary, if the employer “closes their eyes” on your conviction.
Mobile computing and app development
This is one of the most rapidly growing niches within the broad field of computer science. More and more people around the world have smart phones and tables, so there is an ever growing demand for programmers that deal with mobile data and services.
Developing new apps (including games) for both Android and Apple platforms is a particularly hot field.
Today, app developers easily earn salaries of $70,000-85,000 a year, or more.
Data base support and analysis
This is another highly lucrative degree with a very promising job outlook. More and more companies require dedicated data base analysts, cloud storage programmers and specialists. As governments, and corporations rely more and more on cloud-based data, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can provide support and run all related operations.
Salaries in this sector start at $45,000-55,000 a year , but senior data base analysts can earn as much as $130,000-160,000 a year.
Game design
You probably love playing video games on your phone or computer, right? Well, someone created and coded this game and got paid for it:) This is another very popular field in software development, and jobs will continue to increase in the coming years.
Starting salaries range from $65,000-80,000 per year.
Freelance work (no background checks, work from home)
The good news is that even if you can’t find a job at a company, having programming skills opens a ton of freelance job opportunities online. You can do contracting / outsourcing work on platforms like Upwork / Odesk / Elance, Guru.com and many other similar short term job market places.
Most “employers” on these websites PREFER American developers over Asian / Indian / Eastern European programmers. But Americans are often MUCH more expensive. So as a developer in the US, you can charge lower prices in the beginning, and then build up your resume/portfolio and raise your fees.
Best of all – there are NO background checks when you do outsource / freelancing work!
Here is Entrepreneur.com top 15 freelance websites list for you to see where you can find freelance jobs.
Missing from this list is Fiverr, but I would not recommend this, as it’s mostly commodity work with low payouts.
Note 1 – Upwork, Elance and Odesk is now the same company.
Note 2 – I’m not a fan of Freelancer.com – they are not very good in conflict resolution, and have some B/S recurring charges that can wipe out you earnings … so be aware of those if you want to give it a try. But I’d recommend to stay away.
See our full guide on how to become a freelancer:
Freelancing has NO BACKGROUND checks!
I’ve personally used Upwork/Elance and Freelancer to hire people to do work for me … I would strongly suggest Upwork, out of these two. But definitely also check out other sites on the list!
If you don’t have the skills, you can obviously take necessary college courses / certificate programs or learn the skills you need with very inexpensive video tutorials on Udemy.
Engineering
Both computer and mechanical engineering are very promising degrees for someone with a felony. You can eventually work in a factory, programming and building robots instead of operating them, making a decent income.
These jobs are currently in very high demand, and the more you learn, the more companies will want you to work for them.
Once again – you can do outsourced work as an engineer on the same websites as programmers use (Upwork / Odesk / etc).
Professional engineers get average pay of $65,000-90,000 per year to start, and usually earn over $110,000 after working for over five years.
Robotics and automation services
This is a growing sub-field in engineering, because in the 21st century the use of robots and automation is becoming a part of everyday life. Most companies use robots and smart machines to cut down on the costs of human labor and increase efficiency. Consequently, there is a huge demand for people who will design these machines, and provide technical support on the ground.
This field has a very large job pool, with salaries starting at $50,000 per year and all the way to $120,000 for high-end engineers.
Environmental conservation
If math and computers are not your cup of tea, you can consider a job in the booming environmental sector.
Since there is more awareness about the need to preserve our environment and work out protocols for conservation, companies are hiring professionals to spearhead these efforts. There are both private and government jobs available.
Average pay is $45,000-60,000 per year.
Architecture
Becoming an architect is a great option if you are interested in construction and design. There are tracks for commercial or residential architecture and many niches within this broad field. Starting salaries are $60,000-75,000 and the job outlook is very good, especially in large metropolitan areas.
Car / truck / equipment mechanic
A mechanic is more of a trade / specialized degree or training, but many community colleges offer these programs. Mechanic jobs pay anywhere from $15 to 30 per hour.
Since there is little to no customer interaction, many companies are willing to hire felons – especially privately owned garages and repair shops, as well as small manufacturers.
So this is an excellent line of work for felons, with “better” pay and many employment options!
The main thing to keep in mind is that you CAN get a degree, if you wish. Education or training will help you get further in life. Just make sure you have a clear plan for the type of work you want to pursue after you are done with your education.
Careers felons should avoid
While someone with a felony CAN get the following degrees, finding a job in one of these fields will be nearly impossible.
Also, keep in mind that if you take out a loan to pay for college, you will need to pay it back, and that will be very hard if you don’t get the job you were hoping for.
- Medical/Hospitals/Pharmacy
- Hospitality
- Education
- Sports training
- Law
- Finance/banking
- Massage / Therapy / etc
- Any line of work with customer/client interaction
Colleges accepting felons
Once you figure out what type of degree you want to get, the next step is which college you should attend. Many felons worry that their criminal background will prevent them from being accepted into an accredited college. The good news is that its not true and most colleges, technical and trade schools do accept people with felonies.
Some colleges ask about an applicant’s criminal background on the application, others avoid this question all together. If your college application has this question, you should be honest about your past. Most schools will not turn you down on the basis of previous convictions.
Admissions officers review each application as a whole and make a determination on a case by case basis. Many institutions of higher learning believe that felons deserve a second chance and are willing to enroll them into an appropriate program.
However, if your criminal history consists of serious violence, assault, sexual misdemeanors and drug sales you will not be admitted to an on-campus program at many colleges.
If you are worried about being turned down because of your felony, consider online college degrees and certificate programs. These are more lenient in terms of the candidates they accept.
In addition, online education offers more flexibility in class scheduling, you don’t have to be physically present on campus, and a lot of studying happens at your own pace.
Moreover, online degrees are often a lot cheaper than the same degree you would get from a college or university. If you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree, expect to pay $12,000-18,000 per year for an accredited online program.
Top accredited online schools
SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University)
Strayer University
Ashford University
Walden University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Saint Leo University
LeTorneau University
Elmhurst College
King University
Alternative Work Options For Felons Without A College Degree
If the prospect of getting a professional degree does not excite you, there are many jobs an ex-felon can get without going to college.
Check out our list of over 200 companies that hire felons without prior experience or education. There is usually minimal on-the-job training provided, many part-time and full-time opportunities and you can start right away.
The best places to look for these jobs are: Craigslist, Indeed.com and Ziprecruiter.com. If you are wondering about how much a particular job pays, as well as its pros and cons, a good place to look for this information is on Glassdoor.com.
Also, its a good idea to sign up with local temp agencies, as they can also help felons find good jobs.
Out of prison, your goal should be to get into a job, whatever it may be. Once you start working and have a steady pay check coming in you will get a major self-esteem boost and worry a lot less about money (especially if you have a spouse and kids).
At that point, you can catch your breath and start setting long-term career goals for yourself. Even if you don’t want to go to college or get a professional degree today, this may change one or two years from now.
If this article has helped you out in anyway please share it on your social media, or email it to others who are struggling to get work. Together we can help felons find out what college degrees and jobs they should pursue.
About The Author
Joe Hunter
Joe is the founder of HireFelons.org. Having had friends and co-workers who have a felony conviction, Joe Hunter decided to use his expert knowledge in starting a successful business to launch HireFelons.org and teach as many former felons as possible how to earn a decent income, when finding a traditional job is simply not an option.
It intrigues me that positions in food service e.g. Cooks, chefs waiting tables appears to be very ok for someone that has a felony conviction according to the highfalutin HR people that are being served their wine & dine but they will not entertain considering hiring the individuals talents otherwise to work for them. It is sad.
I have a few money related felonies and when I got out of prison I was able to get a job at convenient store and worked my way to be manager. So it’s possible. But I don’t think they should be able to use ur passed agains someone unless it’s murder ,child or adult abuse or a s*x crime.
I would just like to say that this article is absolute BS I can’t get a job anywhere what does a background check I have white collar crimes felonies on my record nobody I mean nobody will hire me I can’t even get an apartment or a rental because of felonies on my record.felonies aren’t the problem people are people are the ones who judge it look at others like oh God you made a mistake but yet I go on living my life everyday like my crap don’t stink. I can’t even go to the school that I choose I can’t work where I choose I can’t live where I choose so having a felony has taking rights away that I would normally have.
Daniel,
Your personal experience does not determine OVERALL statistics or make this article an “absolute BS” as you put it! If no company would ever hire ex-felons, and no landlord would every rent to an ex-felons, there would now be close to 50 MILLION (if not much more) of homeless and jobless ex-felons in US! If that was so, there would be a revolution long time ago. Obviously majority of ex-felons have a place to live and some kind of a job!
I personally worked for a company that along with a guy who was an ex-felon (bank robbery), on probation, with an ankle-bracelet. And he got a job. Armed bank robbery looks a lot scarier to employers/landlords than white-collar crimes, and yet the guy was hired. So there must be other factors here.
What kind of jobs are you applying to? If yo apply to Goldman Sachs for a senior broker position, I doubt you would get that job, with multiple white-collar felonies.
Where are you looking to rent? Maybe you get rejected because you have very bad credit / don’t pay your bills or something similar…
Bottom line, each situation is different, and you cannot say that this or that is “absolute BS”, just because in your case you cannot get a job. Maybe look for a job in other fields. Maybe your target employers want to see that you have a job history AFTER felonies, before they would hire you. There are too many variables here.
Good luck
All of you should check out honestjobs.co and cornbreadhustle.com. There are advocates out here TIRELESSLY working for you/us.
Johnny C. Taylor, president of SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) continues to push for our rights daily, and has created a movement at http://www.gettingtalentbacktowork.org, for Human Resource personnel to be educated on hiring convicted people.
I have worked two great jobs since my felony conviction as of 9/2015. Yes, it was rough….TONS of no’s. But I got a GOOD yes not too long after the conviction.
At the time of my conviction, the above websites were not even existent. I had NO help, except God.
Now, hiring felons is a national movement thanks to the president of SHRM.
Follow my Blog at TAYConsults.wordpress.com. , as I post content about Second Chance Hiring geared to Human Resource personnel. I am also a member of SHRM, and I advocate locally as much as I can.
Peace and love to you all.
You’re full of it no one will hire me with a white collar crime not even violent not even a lot of money I can’t even find a place to live.
Daniel, I have a white collar crime (convicted 4 years ago) and I’m currently employed by a staffing agency. Stop telling people that they are “full of it” just because your time hasn’t come yet. As a felon, we deal with too much for you to come up here with your disgruntlement, belittling the fight that we all have endured.
It all depends on what state you live in. You can apply fro every job you think you might be hired only to find out you get overlooked. It is NOT about being disgruntled or being an angry person it is about the companies and corporations won’t hire anyone with a record due to being afraid of the companies image and brand that is at risk if the public finds out the company has hired a felon.
Good information. Thank you for sharing… for those of you reading this, I’m going to give you a key piece of information that will increase your chances for success. And that is… You Need to reinvent yourself. I was convicted of two counts of possession with intent, and involuntary manslaughter. All for giving away a couple of my prescription pills three to be exact from a bullet wound I had received in Afghanistan. That was back in 2013. At that time I had not only been a decorated veteran, but I had a degree in criminal justice. I had every opportunity in the world, just as some of you probably heard, and within a split second I couldn’t even get a job stuck in food and grocery stores at night… A job I wouldn’t even consider. I know the feeling of hopelessness, having so many doors shut in my face I don’t think there’s any more to open. As much as I wanted to give up, I knew what that would’ve meant… It wasn’t excepting a job and essentially be broke the rest of my life… Or keep Going and never except no as an answer… I essentially became an entrepreneur and figured I have to make my own money. I did so and becoming a personal trainer, and a health coach/life coach. I also because of my military history applied for a private military contracting company where they only expected 7 applicants out of hundreds a year for they only held 1 class a year that was 4 month long. Basically 4 months of ranger school mixed with bodyguard tactics, logistics, professionalism and so much more. From surveillance to tactical weapons training. To even apply you had to have knowledge and computers, a second language, you had to pass a physical fitness test, as well as preferred to have some sort of military experience. Then even if you were considered you were to pay $10,000 for your stay, which obviously everything included so it went towards food and pre-much anything else you need from school. On top of all that you are not guaranteed job. Anyway not only was I excepted, I graduated top of the class. Two months after returning home from school and I’m sure if I would ever hear from the instructor again… I was offered a job to work with Hunter Hayes on a year contract. Luckily I had a cool enough for probation officer to speak with the instructors and he allowed me to go out of state for that long under the circumstances that I was to be not handling firearms.. which of course I didn’t do. =). My point is not to carry on too much longer but start thinking outside the box, you either have to settle for nothing or succeed so high that they don’t care what happened. Never give up I still struggle here and there trying to figure out what I want to do still. I consider going back to school for nursing, and sharing, or computer science. Which is why I was brought to this web page and started to read these comments.
Absolutley Trevor. Reinventing ourselves is the #1 key, period.
Trevon, similar story here. Did 6 years as an 03 marine. 2004-2010.
caught a gun charge in 2013, no vioelnce, nop drugs, no gangs. Afterwards i have done the personal trainer deal. Mind me asking if you have connections with the private security gig?
I dont know if you have heard of SECFOR, I did their pipeline last summer as class lead. i refuse to take no for an answer, but its def hard not being able to use the tools of our trade.
Good luck! I have been out of prison since 2010 for drug charges. Earned an AS in Database Technology and have been working towards a BAS in tech management and development. No jobs for felons! A complete waste of time and effort. I’m heartbroken and financially broken.
“The good news is that its not true and most colleges, technical and trade schools do accept people with felonies.” —This is bad advice. Almost no school asks that information. The only time you’d come across that question is for financial aid and it only applies to specific convictions, drug charges. I’ve attended no less than 7 universities and never had an issue.
Also, for those fields you say to not bother with, wrong again. You can get a certificate of rehabilitation in most states that would at least allow you to take the classes you need and get certified or licensed. You might not get hired, but you can get the credentials you need. People can always start their own company. As a matter of fact you on’t even need a degree to do that. I owned a restaurant for a few years.
I have a assault charge I want go school for health care tech or medical billing and coding do anyway thinks that’s possible my felony is 5 yrs old
I have an Criminal background and I was told I can’t go to colleges with it! I’m very discouraged and sad because I’m 39 years old and I just finished getting my high school diploma from Penn Foster High School June 1st, 2019! That was the best day of my life! I to major in Criminal Justice forensic science investigation or become an medical assistant but from what I read, they I can’t apply for none of those! Please help me find an online accredited college that I can take these classes and earn my degree! I’m been searching and I am not able to find an good college! Can anyone out there help me!
Any online school will have the accreditation displayed. Then you can go to https://www.chea.org/ to verify if they are in good standing. Look at Purdue Global, UoP, just a couple I thought of.
I have a felony possession which caused me to lose my Pharmacist license and withdraw from Medical School. 2 Professions lost to drug addiction at age 26. I was extremely depressed and took jobs teaching at vocational schools, outside sales jobs for pharmacies, and manual hard labor at times
Then I found the Recruiting and Staffing Industry which changed my life. I was hired by a staffing agency to recruit medical professionals (Pharmacists) to work on temporary assignments. At first my ego was like I am too good for this but after sticking with it I felt like I found my calling. I used to be called to by recruiters but now I am having to be a recruiter. Little did I know that recruiters can make 100K . I was hired at 45K and saw how much I made the company that I decided to leave and start my own. I launched my own staffing agency and was able to make more money than a Family Physician which was my previous goal.
I highly recommend those with a sales or business background who can talk on the phone consider a profession in Recruiting. You won’t regret it if you put in the work. Matching people with jobs (temporary and permanent jobs) is a profession that pays 35K/year to 250k/year.
MOST agencies don’t care if You had a past drug problem or felony as long as You are better now.
Hi ray: are you willing to talk a bit more about this? I have a non violent computer related crime and I’m looking for a new business opportunity. I’ve struggled to find the right fit.
I have same issue and I am almost done with my CIS-Computer information System Degree. I am worried because of my computer crime I might not be able to use my degree. But from what i keep reading online, it seems as long as i wont work in a company that requires security clearance I will be good to go but i am very worried. Anyone got an advice for me? It will be highly appreciated
Your post so uplifted me be cause I’m a 48 year old revovering addict and felon and I only want to have a chance at a career where I have room for advancement. I have several years of college before my felony..my conviction is 20 years old now but here I am still waiting tables..i just want a better life and know that an education is the answer. I’m not giving up..just gotta keep pushing and stop worrying about those that are judging
I have been looking to start a staffing service. My issue is with billing.
Hey Cynthia,
What kind of “billing” issue is that?
Please elaborate.
You’re full of it ,staffing agencies won’t hire felons I have white collar crime felonies and they won’t even consider me
SO NOT TRUE IVE BEEN HIRED BY EVERY STAFFING AGENCY IVE EVER APPLIED WITH AND I HAVE A CLASS C FELONY FOR THEFT OF PROPERTY
YES IT IS TRUE. IVE BEEN TURNED DOWN MANY JOBS EVEN AT STAFFING AGENCIES. AND EVEN COLLEGES
I am guessing a majority of this has to do with the time from the crime that has passed and the state the offense Occurred. I am not a felon, but was running from a household with my children, where a domestic occurrence occurred and I was hurt going to the hospital, I was pulled over and asked if I had drank and never being in trouble and thinking the cop new of the situation that just occurred I said yes I drank earlier I was instantly arrested with a felony neglect and Dui, which later was reduced to a misdemeanor DUI with a minor in the car and I can not even get hired by subway due to my background they said. This happened about 7 years ago and in Florida. I am about to be done with my business administration associates and I feel very discouraged. I planned on going for my bachelors health care management. I have no options, lawyers and courts said it can not be expunged or sealed. I have missed great opportunities was hired to big places and then shut down after background check. I am not a felon so I do not qualify for any state programs, but all employers see is that I am a felon because of what I was charged with not convicted of. Does anyone know any options?
Hi Ray, how do you become a recruiter, without experience and a felony, asking for someone who really needs this. My email is camilepitts@yahoo.com, thanks
I used to work in the recruiting industry as well staffing anesthesiologists and CRNA’s for traveling positions. I Enjoyed it thoroughly. I went to college and graduated with a degree in Business Admin. Over the course of 10 years and several felony possessions I now work construction. Now that I’m sober and I feel more mature I wish I could get back into the staffing industry.
I’m interested in information I want to work as a jobs recruiter.
Hello I’m interested in the recruiting can you please send me information irrissapayne87@gmail.com is my email
Hello I’m interested in the recruiting can you please send me information Thank you
Hello Ray, I’m really interested in your recruiting business. Do u hire felons?
My felony of robbery of residence( in which was my own home ) is now 6 years old ive been a waitress for 16 years and am tired i feel as tho im waiting away i have some college and am tring to fig out what i wanna do so i can get away from serving tables i want to go in business managment but dont know if i should even try with my record
So i been thinking about going to college for my MBA masters in business administration but everytime i get the application started i get discouraged to even finish it. Can anyone give me a definate answer if this degree is even possible for someone with multiple felony convictions of violence? All over 5 years old I’ve been trying to turn life around and got help for my anger but seems i just hit a road block in my life. Any insight would be appreciated if its possible or not. Thank you
I would say try online schools that don’t have such a rigorous application process. Also financial aid and grants may not be available if you have drug convictions. Try filling in your FAFSA first and see what funding options you have.
I have SEVERAL felony convictions and I get financial aid through fafsa. You can not get convicted of drug sales while receiving the federal aid cause that’s when they will cut you off. But you can 100% get financial aid and other grants with convictions on your record. Without the help of the government I would probably still be a mess but since I changed my life and started going back to school my whole world changed for the better and I am hopeful for a great future now.
Im a recovering addict and have a felony for battery on a LEO ( I never touched her she grabbed my car door as I was shutting it and her hand was slammed in my door ) I got clean when I was 40 and all those years of using I always knew when the day came and I got clean I wanted to get my degree in addiction specialist/interventionist and help people just like me. Im hitting every road block. That’s really sad. Addicts need help from someone whos been in their shoes. I always hated it when the counselors said I know how you feel when they hadn’t a freaking clue. Hell Ill only counsel addicts who are felons if that will make them happy. Its ridiculous!!!
more information on what you ended up doing because I’m hitting the same road block. sad very sad
https://www.trade-schools.net/human-services/addictions-substance-abuse.asp#article
Kathryn check out this site.
I don’t know where you’re from but i do know for certain ( I am in the field) that you can get your PEER SUPPORT certification. This will allow you to sit for your CIT (certified in training) for Addictions or social services. I am currently working on my masters and work as a CIT and Peer Support with a felony (23 years ago). Don’t get discouraged and be honest when trying to get on with a faith based or state facility; as they will ALWAYS give you the benefit of the doubt. I am in Arkansas by the way.
Bishop Im in Arkansas as well. If you don’t mind sharing some more information as to where to even start this journey Or anything from you beginning stages at all would be very helpful? Thx in advance. katiematlock38@gmail.com
I’m trying to get a degree online for audio product and I have a few felony charges… however I don’t think it is right or fair to deny someone an education based of their past… Especially if they have turned a new leaf and are being productive members of society… It’s wrong to hold someone back from receiving an education and a lot of these institutions should be ashamed of themselves for not allowing felons to progress in their knowledge in a particular Field… This college I applied for gave me a bogus reason saying that they would decide if I would be admitted because they don’t want a felon to take the program if they think we can get a job in that field…. What happened to education? I don’t need job placement and the decision is ultimately up to the company, not the college providing the education…. I just think it’s unfair…
Report it to feds! This school most likely gets federal and/or state funding, thus is supposed to play by strict rules.
I agree I have a few felonies and when they look at my record the automatically judge me. I have been clean and away from the law and now a productive citizen in Texas for over 9 years now. I went to school for business Administration and still cannot find a job. It’s overwhelming and depressing and I want out of the food industry. I just feel I deserve a second chance at life
I MAKE MY OWN WAY AND NO ISNT IN MY VOCABULARY!
Your dead on balls accurate, if there is a will there is a way. Encouragement goes along way. More people should think this way, the words no, can’t , and don’t I don’t even want to hear.
I’m really confused about this subject. I have a felony possession charge for pot of all things. I’ve been trying to figure out this puzzle for 9 years. Texas turned me down for a real estate license. I kind of gave up after that. I would love to go back to school, but that’s allot of time and money to waste if I can’t get licensed to do the job.
Exactly what a waste
I have a white collar crime and am about to finish an MBA – Marketing degree. Not sure why hospitality is listed as bad here, but I includes the restaurant industry and they are pretty forgiving.
Yes this is weird because I am a convicted felon and I have been waiting tables at a casual dining corporate restaurant for several years handling people’s credit cards and food and interacting with them directly their children and elderly family members yet I have never once had the issue of my background raised or questioned
Dont live in Wisconsin or Florida they will never hire u in any fields. They treat you as sub human.
So true
TRUTH
That is the truth! You can work in hospitality or lawn care and thats about it
This is a propaganda taking advantage of felons and encouraging them to get a “freelance job” where they pay money to work remotely from home. If your reading this and your a felon don’t let it discourage you. Much of this is not true.
Thank god! Im so glad you said that because i was really feeling hopeless. And i just decided im going back to college to get my degree.
You would think education and employment would encourage felons more
I am glad you said this too because I have been going to college for almost 2 years to become a psychologist and was thinking I might be waiting my time. Do you know if someone with a pretty bad record with multiple felonies state and federal can have a future as a psychologist? I can’t transfer to CSU if I am not 100% sure about my major. I am racking up debt and wanna make the best choices.
The list of jobs they saying felons can’t get is kind of broad and I’d say not 100 pct correct because I know a few ex cons in a few of the so called barred positions Mentioned here and I’m not Upset wit any of them..!!!
Getting a felony as a practicing attorney will screw you. However the powers that be are impressed when an ex-con earns a law degree
Oklahoma you can ask to sit for the Bar. They will take into consideration what has happened since the offense, and consider all circumstances surrounding the offense.
Do you know this from personal experience. I’m from Oklahoma and currently working to finish my bachelor’s degree. I have been contemplating going to law school but I am a little hesitant to make that kind of commitment without being sure I will be allowed to join the Bar.
The person who is in charge of updating this page should remove Law from the professions to avoid. I know of two convicted felons that have Law degrees as of the year 2018; one of them teaches Law at a University.
I’m very interested in communicating with this individuals I would like to gain knowledge on how they achieve their law degree
From what I understand getting the degree isn’t the issue, it’s the licensing part where the bar will not license someone with questionable moral turpitude.
Truth
I was accepted into U of I School of Law but was advised that the Idaho StateBar Association may not allow me to sit for the exam. Therefore, I did not enter law school. Instead, I’m working at getting my conviction reduced and sealed. It’s a VERY discouraging process.
I thought that having questionable moral turpitude was a requirement to become an attorney. LOL!
Guess you don’t know Judge Mathis. What’s sad is the energy people put into negative comments about situations they never faced. What’s sad, is the fact that after you faced your time, you’re still judged. What’s sad that even if you’re convicted because of a jury and not “actual” evidence, that you’re stuck with that for life if a judge doesn’t agree to expunge it.
What’s sad is a person who has a felony record and served no time in jail, gets the same treatment of a felon who has served 10 years
What’s sad, is the amount of convictions later over-turned because evidence finds that they are not guilty.
Well I got a diploma in hvac been out of prison 15 years still cant get a job in the hvac
I am a site supervisor of an Havc Company, and I am not proud of it, also changed my life but I do have about 4 felonies on my record, also two guys that work under me have felonies and a a lot more in our company. I suggest you start with a small company get some experience and the. People will hire you 100%
If you don’t mind me asking, what type of felony? I only ask because that is my degree of interest, but I don’t want to pursue it just to reach a dead end.
can you please give some info to me on this friend? i am a convicted felonn who is looking into the criminal justice field of study for school and could use all the info i could get.
Hi Alyssa,
Yes ma’am!
1) Reginald Dwayne Bates ( I follow him on Twitter). Read his story of triumph here, via this NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/16/magazine/felon-attorney-crime-yale-law.html
2) Tara Simmons
Read a little about Tara’s story via this link:
https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2017/11/16/former-inmate-gets-second-chance-state-supreme-court/872780001/
Truth be told its very stressful. Ive made a mistake as a teenager now 38 yrs old married with 6 kids. Ive been home since 25. And only had 2 jobs lasting a total of 1 year combined. Im greatful to have my wifes support. But i feel worthless. Like another child being supported by my mother. Its gut wrenching. And yes i have felt like whats the point of fighting or wasting breath. This system keeps these records to hold over our heads fir life. Regaress of the ctime its a life sentence. Yes i was suicidal and still feel like it this day. My faith is the only thing keeping me from killing myself. My heart hurts in more ways than i can express worst part is when family and friends look at you as a child for being supported by everyone but your self. For a man its hard. Ive applied for work but always rejected. Sorry for rant im just telling my brief story..unfortunately your gonna have some jerk saying we deserve this. Personally id like to see them in our shoes and see how it feels.
Hey things will get better my name is Alexis I have a petty theft charger earlier this year I got an expungement I’m 20 it’s been hard every job that I really wanted turn me away I’ve been suicidal before. But u cannot give up on yourself u wanna b abl to take care of yourself then do it make a way when it isn’t on be a business man or woman u cannot let this fucked up coountry punish you forever take your rights back learn as much as possible and use your skills and make people pay for them you don’t always need money to start a business just skill and faith.
Trades…. Instrumentation and Electrical Controls in the construction industry pay in upwards of $40 hr with per diem…. Control Engineers in upwards of $90 hr with per diem… I am a convicted felon and have an associates degree and if you don’t mind travel you can make a very good living… It is all contract based
Where did you go to school?
I’ve been a busy girl since my last comment. So I’ve had my nose in every article I could find and here’s the Word.
With all the new laws and regulations that have went into effect lately. It’s because
The WORLD MINISTRY during their annual summit in geneva demanded that the WORLD POWERS TO BE Judges, Attorney’s, Psychologists, Doctors, and the like CHANGE POLICIES FOR THOSE ADDICTED TO DRUGS BECAUSE DRUG ADDICTION IS NOT AND NOR DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MORALS. THAT ITS A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE.
NOT A CRIMINAL AND SHOULD NEVER BE CRIMINALIZED OR STIGMATIZIED.
THAT HAPPENED IN 2001.
AND THE SERGEON GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 2006. STATED THAT PEOPLE WITH ADDICTION AND DEPRESSION ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE CRIMINALIZED AND ADDICTION IS NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE A CRIME. THAT IS HAS NO MORAL ISSUE EITHER AND JOB STIGMATIZIMG THEM AND HOLDING THEM BACK FROM LIFE LONG DREAMS IS JUST NOT WHAT WE AS A PEOPLE WANT TO BE STANDING BEHIND AND MADE THIS PRIVATE MEETING AT A YEARLY TYPE MEETING OVER IN NEVADA. WHERE ALL THE REGULATORS TYPES GO AND MAKE DECISIONS ON THE REST OF US.
SO THESE I BELIEVE ARE STRONG ALIES IN. A CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE WITH EVERY CONVICTED FELONYS SIGNATURE ON IT, SO WORLD WIDE THAT MEANS 480,000 MILLION OF US. BECAUSE ADDICTION IS FACTUALLY A DISEASE SO I SAY TO YOU DOES A MS PATIENT GO OUT AND DELIBERATELY GET MS, NO AND NOR DOES AN ADDICT. WE DONT WAKE UP IN LEFT FIELD AND SAY TODAY IAM GOING TO BECOME AN ADDICT AND JUST BECAUSE WE ARE ADDICTS DOES NOT MAKE US CRIMINALS WHO DESERVES 48,652 COLAEDILE CONSEQUENTIAL AND HIDDEN AGENDAS TO KEEP A CULTURE DOWN .. I ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT MINORITIES MAINLY BLACKS THAT THESE LAWS SURPRESS BUT IF YOU GO AND CHECK THE ACTUAL STATICS IT SHOWS DIFFERENT 38 PERCENT. BLACKS AND A HUGH 58 PERCENT WHITE WITH 13.5 HISPANIC AND 3 PERCENT ASIA. MAKING THE RACE THEY WERE ACTUAL TRYING FOR TO BE WHITE THE OPPOSIT OF EVERYTHING IVE EVER SEEN IN WRITTING. SO WHO IS CORRECT. IM NO BODY. JUST A MORALY BROKEN JUNKIE WHO COMMANDS O RESPECT IN ANY PROFESSIONAL LITE. RIGHT. WELL AS PER 2006 SURGEON GENERAL STATED FACTUALLY THAT THE LAW IS WRONG AND DEMAND CHANGE.
lindapalson@gmail.com
In a country like America with its acceptance of different people, im honestly dissapointed with the way felons are treated for life after convictions.
Can you believe I’ve actually had people laugh in my face and say they just never got caught.
So i’m currently tring for a wellness coaching at a non-profit working with adults with disablities teaching life skills and community based voluntarily work for themselves.