How long does a felony affect employment?

How Long Does a Felony Affect Employment?

A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, including their ability to find and maintain employment. The effects of a felony on employment can be far-reaching and can remain in place for an indefinite period. In this article, we will explore how long a felony can affect employment and what steps can be taken to mitigate its consequences.

How Long Does a Felony Affect Employment?

The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the type of felony, the jurisdiction, and the type of employment. In general, a felony conviction can impact employment for:

• 5-10 years: For most non-violent felonies, the negative impact on employment may only last for 5-10 years. During this period, employers may still view the individual with caution, and it may be more challenging to secure a job in certain industries, such as finance, law enforcement, or healthcare.
• 10-20 years: For more serious felony convictions, such as those involving violence or serious offenses, the impact on employment may last for 10-20 years. Employers may be more likely to view the individual as a higher risk, and some industries may be hesitant to hire them.
• Lifetime: In some cases, a felony conviction can have a lifelong impact on employment. For example, individuals with a history of violent crimes may face lifetime restrictions on their ability to work in certain industries, such as education or healthcare.

Factors That Influence the Duration of the Impact

Several factors can influence the duration of the impact a felony has on employment. These include:

• Type of felony: Non-violent felonies tend to have a shorter lasting impact on employment compared to violent or serious felonies.
• Jurisdiction: The laws and policies of the jurisdiction in which the felony was committed can influence the duration of the impact on employment.
• Type of employment: Certain industries, such as finance, law enforcement, or healthcare, may place more emphasis on criminal history checks and may be less likely to hire individuals with felony convictions.
• Individual circumstances: Factors such as the individual’s age at the time of the crime, their level of responsibility, and their subsequent conduct can all influence the duration of the impact on employment.
• Restorative processes: Participating in restorative processes, such as rehabilitation programs or community service, can help mitigate the negative impact of a felony on employment.

Job Opportunities for Individuals with a Felony Conviction

While a felony conviction can limit job opportunities, it is not impossible for individuals with a felony to secure employment. Here are some job opportunities that may be available:

• Labor-intensive jobs: Jobs that require manual labor, such as construction, landscaping, or warehousing, may be more open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
• Service industry jobs: Jobs in the service industry, such as hospitality, food service, or retail, may also be more open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
• Skilled trade jobs: Jobs that require specific skills, such as HVAC repair, electrical work, or plumbing, may be more open to hiring individuals with felony convictions.
• Government jobs: Certain government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the National Institute of Corrections, may offer job opportunities to individuals with felony convictions.

Mitigating the Impact on Employment

While a felony conviction can have a significant impact on employment, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate its effects. These include:

• Seeking expungement: In some cases, it may be possible to seek expungement of the felony conviction, which can help remove the stigma and negative impact on employment.
• Employment rehabilitation programs: Some organizations offer employment rehabilitation programs that can help individuals with felony convictions develop the skills and training needed to secure employment.
• Second-chance hiring initiatives: Some employers and organizations offer second-chance hiring initiatives that specifically target individuals with felony convictions.
• Building a strong professional network: Building a strong professional network and having a professional mentor can help individuals with felony convictions secure employment and advance in their careers.

Conclusion

A felony conviction can have a significant impact on employment, with the duration of the impact varying depending on the type of felony, jurisdiction, and type of employment. While it may be challenging to secure employment with a felony conviction, it is not impossible. By seeking expungement, participating in employment rehabilitation programs, taking advantage of second-chance hiring initiatives, and building a strong professional network, individuals with felony convictions can increase their chances of finding and maintaining employment.

Table: Job Opportunities for Individuals with a Felony Conviction

Figure: Factors That Influence the Duration of the Impact

Note: ** represents the degree of influence on the duration of the impact