Employment in the Chicagoland area with a felony conviction (Ina: how much, find a job)

[LM1]

My brother has a felony conviction for a non-violent offense.
He is planning on moving to either the twin cities or Chicago with his fiancee. Does anyone know how much of a barrier this is going to be to him?

In some places like Texas, a past mistake basically crushes your entire life and they make it so one is unable to ever more forward or reenter society as s productive person. (he learned this the hard way and will be moving to MN/IL from Houston) In other places, they do allow people with non-violent or non-predatory type offenses to move on with their lives, obtain professional licenses, etc.

Does anyone know how Chicago washes out on this issue? I've never had to face it myself, so I can't give him any advice.
He is 29 and has two kids with a sterling employment record. Never served any time in prison, only probation.

Thanks for any help.

[Chinolala]

Chicago has many companies that run criminal background checks. Typically, these are larger companies. Small to medium sized companies and family owned companies, usually don't. Some companies will overlook felonies if they're not violent. Most job applications ask the applicant if they have a record. Lying about it will always result in one not getting the job. He should be honest at all costs.

[via chicago]

agreed, it'll probably come up in a job interview no matter what part of the country it is. just has to be upfront, admit a mistake was made in the past, and has left that part of his life behind and is willing to go the extra mile to prove this. if he could get references from past employers who could speak on his behalf it would probably help out. or work somewhere that dosent run background checks; really depends on the line of work i would imagine.

[Manigault]

Usually, five years after conviction of a felony one should be OK. As with other situations in life, never lie.

[brewtown12]

It depends on his race.If hes black,hes going to face rough times.

[jisthrough]

Tell your brother that he would most likey be better off in Atlanta, or similar progressive city. That is, if he is black. If he is not black, he will be ok. I'm a black man with a felony driving record. I have a great work history and education, but I might as well have murdered somebody. People won't even consider giving me a chance. Black Men are not afforded an opportunity in a lot of places in this county after making a mistake. Go anywhere but here. If he were an illegal alien with no id or social security number I would say, "come on, you'll find a job easy", but a black man, with a felony, no way!

[mona1209]

Tell him don't come to Chicago. I am trying to see where I can move. Eventually we have to accept the fact that we may have to go to Canada or out of the country. Because America is not the Christian country it constantly says it is. There is no way you should be punished for the rest of your life and not be able to support yourself.

[long101]

to bad your advice is 2 years to late. Nice 1st post

[Basekamp]

Just remember the famous case of the CEO of Smith and Wesson. Lied for 25 years about his criminal record as a BANK ROBBER and got away with millions when they FINALLY caught his record and fired im. #1 rule of job hunting with an albotross on your neck, say whatever it takes.

[johnrex62]

Has he considered politics? It does not seem to be a barrier in that profession.




It will ultimately be the choice of the employer. An employer might not be adverse to hiring a felon that shows redemptive qualities but could consider an applicant that is not honest to be less palatable.