Most companies only really look at 7 years I've had companies ask me if I had any felonies ever I put no for the simple fact is it's been 35 years ago and it should have been sealed if that if it ever got brought up which it never has then I would tell him that you have in person but I think a lot of companies understand people make mistakes and if it's that long ago I don't think anybody has anything to worry about at least I never had to and I could pass security checks all the time

I agree that sht is messed up, i know you have tried to expunge it right, why did they deny you?

In Michigan, you can have your record expunged, up to 3 felonies and 3 misdemeanors

Hi Shirley, It sure sounds like you should be really proud of how you turned your life around since those mistakes 30 years ago. I agree that you more than earn the opportunity at employment of your choosing. Nowhere in our penal code is there a provision that people should have an infinite vocational penalty after serving time. An earlier poster is correct in that different options are in different locations. Suggest you update your profile here (just upload resume or fill out the profile wizard) with your current location and some work history so that I and others can best offer advice or connections to assist.
Dont give up! There are many more like us who believe in fair chance for prior court involvement. And you'e not alone - over 22 million Americans have a prior felony conviction and around 80 million have some court involvement in their history. Empathetic and informed employers get it - even if some don't. Hang in there and keep applying til you find the savvy ones!

hate to break it to ya but if you got a felony i am sure most companies who do hire for teaching jobs wouldn't want to take a chance on you because you are teaching around kids so they may feel it is unsafe for them and nothing you can prove or do even if it 30 years ago it can still affect you till this day.

It depends on where you live. In Tennessee they have where you go to the state and pay anywhere from 180.00 and up to have it expunged from your record to give you a fresh start if you have not continued to have issues.

Also dress impressive & be sincere speaking appropriately & again be well dressed your past will be over looked because I been there but never let yesterday hold me down .I worked in factories, cleaning, then eventually I got a break worked at a law firm as a copy person then after 17 years turned into a legal assistant leaning about litigation, bankruptcy, and foreclosure now assistant manager in Courthouse with a background problem but I got myself together it took time but proud of myself

You ever try working at the Courthouse Child support clerical it's a start stay there for a few years then move around inside there then after 7 years try applying anywhere after that

Go to the courthouse & request expungement documents & a copy of your record. You shouldn't need an attorney, your paying extra for the job you can do. It gets submitted to the circuit court Judge, he reviews it & they set a date to appear. Dress well, speak your piece concisely & show that you have no further record. If you did time, paid your fines & completed any probationary or parole conditions you should be good.

@Shirley Patterson I agree with you. People should not be permanently stigmatized for crimes in which they have already paid their debts to society for. I can only imagine how difficult it must be finding stable employment, with a record. That said, I do know some men and women I went to high school with who have records. Mostly non violent offenses involving drug distribution. They have served time in jails or prisons. Most have turned their lives around, settled down, married and have found employment. So, there is hope. Keep your head up and keep pushing.