How Hard Is It to Get a Job As a Convicted Felon?

After someone gets out of prison, getting a job is one of the best ways to prevent recidivism. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get a new job as a convicted felon. It’s not impossible though, and our Dallas County criminal lawyers can tell you more about what to expect and how to find help in your job hunt.

Can Employers Deny Me a Job Because I Am a Convicted Felon?

In most cases, an employer is not going to deny you a job just because you are a convicted felon. However, it is possible that you will be denied a particular position because of a particular crime or conviction.

A good example of this would be a convicted felon who applies for a job where they would be responsible for handling a lot of money. If their crime was financial in nature or some kind of theft, an employer might be within their rights to deny them the position.

Can I Expunge My Record After I Become a Convicted Felon?

Some crimes can be wiped from your record, meaning that they won’t show up in a background check ordered by an employer or anyone else. Unfortunately, expunging a felony conviction is rarely an option in Iowa. Barring some extraordinary circumstances, your status as a convicted felon is not changing. This can be discouraging to some, but it’s still possible to get a job, advance in a career, and live your life without additional involvement in the criminal justice system.

Can Any Programs Help a Convicted Felon Get a Job?

Fortunately, the state and federal governments do a few things to encourage employers to take a chance on a convicted felon who wants to stay out of trouble. State and federal tax credits are available to some employers who hire recently released people. There are also educational programs and apprenticeships that might be available to you. This can allow you to learn valuable skills and meet the basic requirements of many different jobs.

What Should I Do If I’m Facing Felony Charges?

If you want to avoid searching for a job as a convicted felon, the most effective way to do that is to beat the felony charge in the first place. Hire an attorney and take your case seriously from the start, even if you think that the charges are nonsense. If you are accused of committing a crime against another person, do not try to contact them and “work it out” on your own. Finally, avoid talking to the police. Let your attorney do the talking.

Schedule a Consultation

So if you are facing felony charges, take them seriously and do everything that you can to prevent a conviction that can ruin your record. Contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC and schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll tell you more about what our experienced defense attorneys can do for you.