Can I Be Denied a Job Just Because I’m a Convicted Felon?
The good news is that being a convicted felon does not necessarily disqualify you from securing a job. An employer can interview you, learn about your credentials, and do a background check. Then they can decide whether or not to hire you. It’s just important not to lie to a potential employer about your past. They can certainly decide not to hire you based on that, or they can fire you later due to your dishonesty.
Unfortunately, depending on the nature of your crime and what kind of job you are seeking out, some employers can decide that you are not a good fit due to your status as a convicted felon. A good example of this would be someone with an OWI who applies for a job driving or someone with a theft charge who applies for a job where money is handled, like a position at a bank.
Can I Expunge My Record After Becoming a Convicted Felon?
If a felony conviction that appears in your background check is adversely affecting your job prospects, you might wish that you could make it go away. Some crimes can be expunged and some records can be sealed, but the unfortunate news for a convicted felon is that felonies rarely get expunged in the state of Iowa. Unless you meet some extremely specific requirements, you are going to have to figure out how to live your life and pursue employment with this mark on your record.
Can I Get Help With My Job Hunt?
Giving someone a job is often the best way to prevent them from being involved in the criminal justice system again. This is why there are now services that can help a convicted felon get a job and reintegrate.
Iowa Workforce Development works with employers, correctional facilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals to help match people with open jobs. Tax credits can be offered to employers and the state can help recently released individuals meet basic requirements of some jobs, like the possession of a high school diploma equivalent. There are even apprenticeship programs that can teach you the skills you need to succeed in a new field. Researching these programs and finding out how you can benefit can make your job hunt easier.
Talk to a Lawyer
The best way to avoid this difficult process is to fight any criminal charges with anything that you have. If you are being accused of any kind of crime, make sure that you have an experienced attorney ready to advocate for you. Contact Herting Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can be of assistance.