Can You Work at McDonald’s with a Felony?
Direct Answer:
No, you cannot work at McDonald’s with a felony. McDonald’s, like many other companies, has a strict policy against hiring individuals with felony convictions. However, there are some exceptions and considerations that may affect your eligibility.
Company Policy:
McDonald’s, as a multinational fast-food corporation, has a set of guidelines that all employees must adhere to. These guidelines include the requirement that all employees, including management and crew members, must undergo a thorough background check before being hired. This background check includes a review of criminal records, which means that if you have a felony conviction on your record, you will likely be disqualified from working at McDonald’s.
State and Local Laws:
While McDonald’s has a company-wide policy against hiring individuals with felony convictions, state and local laws may vary. In some states, employers are prohibited from asking about felony convictions on job applications or during the hiring process. In other states, employers are allowed to ask about felony convictions, but they must consider the nature of the crime and the time since the conviction when making hiring decisions.
Exceptions and Considerations:
Although McDonald’s has a general policy against hiring individuals with felony convictions, there may be exceptions and considerations that apply to your situation. For example:
• Time since conviction: If you have been convicted of a felony, but it has been a significant amount of time since your conviction (e.g., 10-15 years), you may be eligible for employment at McDonald’s.
• Nature of the crime: If your felony conviction was for a non-violent crime (e.g., theft, fraud), you may be more likely to be eligible for employment at McDonald’s than if your conviction was for a violent crime (e.g., assault, murder).
• Parole or probation: If you are currently on parole or probation, you may be eligible for employment at McDonald’s, but this will depend on the terms of your parole or probation and the policies of your local McDonald’s restaurant.
Table: Felony Convictions and Employment
| Felony Conviction | Employment Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Non-violent, less than 5 years since conviction | Possibly eligible |
| Non-violent, 5-10 years since conviction | Possibly eligible |
| Non-violent, more than 10 years since conviction | Generally eligible |
| Violent, less than 5 years since conviction | Unlikely eligible |
| Violent, 5-10 years since conviction | Unlikely eligible |
| Violent, more than 10 years since conviction | Possibly eligible |
Additional Considerations:
In addition to the felony conviction itself, there may be other factors that affect your eligibility for employment at McDonald’s. These factors include:
• Expungement: If your felony conviction has been expunged, you may be eligible for employment at McDonald’s.
• Sealing: If your felony conviction has been sealed, you may be eligible for employment at McDonald’s.
• Restoration of rights: If you have had your rights restored (e.g., the right to vote, own a firearm), you may be eligible for employment at McDonald’s.
Conclusion:
While it may be possible to work at McDonald’s with a felony conviction, it is highly unlikely. McDonald’s has a strict policy against hiring individuals with felony convictions, and there are few exceptions to this policy. If you have a felony conviction, it is important to carefully review the laws and policies of your state and local area before applying for employment at McDonald’s.
