Crazy how the world is we all could be potential felons...why stop a person from work .these laws is very descriminating

I would suggest getting involved with an well recognized organizations where you can learn new skills and get mentorship opportunities that you an use as a reference on job applications. There are some really good national programs where you can build a network of people that will vouch or provide a personal recommendation for a job. Build more relationships with people what will become personal references to help you land a job.

Unfortunately Ripley, this is not discrimination; this is putting commerce before humanity. Depending upon the state, a felony conviction can result in the loss of driving privileges. Should this person be your child's school bus driver? Is it a good idea to make a drug addict work in a pharmacy, an alcoholic work in a bar or a child offender work in a daycare? Undeniably a felony conviction closes many opportunity doors, some just by association. A convicted felon is precluded from working in government or public education regardless of the position. Most healthcare arenas accept government funded insurances like Medicare or Medicaid and they will be heavily fined, lose their certs and cease operations if they allow convicted felons under their employment umbrella (but not their treatment umbrellas-go figure. We'll take your money but we won't give back). I have worked with many convicted felons who have paid their debt to society and gone on to lead productive lives. I guarantee you, you have too. Your tow truck driver, plumber, auto mechanic and delivery person to name a few may have criminal backgrounds however this does not prevent them from holding a job. Although very limited, states have programs specifically geared to transitioning convicted felons back into the workforce and they also work with and keep a rotating list of employers that will legally hire/use/train felons. Do not be discouraged, a door has closed. Please open a window for yourself.

The EEOC has new Guide lines reguarding questions about felonies and misd's on applications. Its called BAN THE BOX in some places. The question asking if you have a felony or misd's is not on the application but asked later after you have a chance to get your foot in the door. Many cities and states have adopted the new guide lines. These new guide lines are part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers are supposed to ask the question later, take each applicant on a case by case basis: depends on what the felony was, when it occured/how long ago, what the applicant has done to improve their life since and....does the felony have any thing to do with the job being applied for.