A Felony In My Past

Related Issues: Law Enforcement , Judicial Process

Tags: felony , prison , redemption

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Friday, 05/01/2009 @ 09:40 PM PST

To whom it may concern:

When I was a teen I chose to hang with the wrong crowd. I made poor choices and got arrested. I was convicted 3 years later and received a felony. It has been 10 years and it is difficult for me to get a job and an apartment. I am a father and a husband. I am also a productive member of society.

Keep the Faith

jbfrankiii

Total Comments: 56

Write your own comment on this letter!

	xchrishall, on 05/06/2009 @ 02:40 PM PST wrote:
		That's very unfortunate but it's the law, how is it possible to be convicted three years later? How does that happen?

	FreedomListens, on 05/06/2009 @ 03:09 PM PST wrote:
		It's hard to sympathize with you when we don't know the severity of the crime(s) you committed. While I do agree that some crimes should be forgiven and forgotten by the law once you've served your time it all depends on the situation. Good luck with everything.

	spiderwomann, on 05/06/2009 @ 04:03 PM PST wrote:
		I think it is very important for the United States to change the way in which we view and treat felons who have been rehabilitated into society.

	redberyl, on 05/06/2009 @ 07:22 PM PST wrote:
		I feel sorry for your situation, but I'm not sure what the nature of your felony was. Perhaps you could try broadening your search for work by trying different types of jobs.

	azpitcher, on 05/06/2009 @ 09:14 PM PST wrote:
		You never mention waht you did to be convicted of a felony. Some of the most upstanding members of society ahve turned out to be serial killers, child molestors etc. The fact that you don't mention what you did makes me suspicious. I'm sure there are many many cases where people pay for crimes beyond the time they spent in jail. Difficulty getting a job unfortunatley will follow them every where as well as getting and apartment. Most places think once a felon always a felon

	iduffee, on 05/06/2009 @ 09:15 PM PST wrote:
		Since I have no idea what crime you've committed, I don't know how much you deserve whatever treatment you are receiving. There certainly are laws that are far too harsh and unnecessary, but the justice system is a necessary thing

	acekala, on 05/07/2009 @ 04:40 AM PST wrote:
		I to had a misguided youth, and was living with some friends who's extra curricular activities got me arrested and placed on probation for over a year. Thankfully in the end they let it go. While it took alittle while to resolve I think the law worked in my favor, rather it was justice or lazyness of the justice system I don't know.

	mohitpareek, on 05/07/2009 @ 07:21 AM PST wrote:
		what ur upto man. u never thought of when you did those wrong things now ur asking for forgivness...

	poswalajay, on 05/07/2009 @ 07:53 AM PST wrote:
		Its a matter of concern for you but others might find it a bit hard to have a sympathy towards you for your crimes but now as you are on right path god bless you.

	AcidicLemons, on 05/07/2009 @ 12:09 PM PST wrote:
		It is true that sometimes those crimes committed during your youth follow you. Of course you made your mistakes, & there's no changing it, but you have to remember that the law's the law. The best thing to do is to keep trying & working your best to prove that you are not the person you used to be.

	dymesllc, on 05/07/2009 @ 12:09 PM PST wrote:
		This is a big issue every where brother. No one wants to give folks a chance with felonies.

	jtaylor5264, on 05/07/2009 @ 07:44 PM PST wrote:
		Sorry to hear that you got caught up with the wrong crow. Hope you can make the best out of your life now.

	aleksagaga, on 05/07/2009 @ 09:19 PM PST wrote:
		It is sad we all live in a society in which the judging process continues after we have done our sentence. I don't think it matters what type of crime you have committed. As long as you have done your sentence your crime should stop haunting you.

	Chockarocka, on 05/07/2009 @ 09:51 PM PST wrote:
		I think it is a shame the way the US treats felons. Not all people that have a felony on their record keep breaking the law. I have known many people that have done things in their past that have overcome all of it. It's just a shame that people still punish these people.

	TylerJ, on 05/10/2009 @ 11:35 AM PST wrote:
		Your situation is unfortunate however you made your own bed now you must sleep in it.

	NewWorldViper, on 05/10/2009 @ 12:49 PM PST wrote:
		Its unfortunate that you did make poor choices in the past, but they were choices, not a forced action. There are consequences to every action, and some come with harsher results than others. I hope you use your experience to inspire other people to make better choices and make society a better place.

	brinraeven, on 05/10/2009 @ 02:01 PM PST wrote:
		I feel for your situation very much. My younger brother got into trouble as a minor, even though it was not a felony. He is now an art teacher at one of the foremost art colleges in Italy. How's that for a turnaround!

	fergusbb, on 05/10/2009 @ 09:37 PM PST wrote:
		Keep on keeping on my friend. There are people in this world who are willing to look past mistakes and see the person inside. It may be difficult be I have a feeling that you are going to do just fine.

	EagleSoars, on 05/11/2009 @ 07:47 AM PST wrote:
		While it is true that certain crimes (like sex related crimes) should continue to be checked, on the whole companies do not look at the circumstances which led to the commission of the felony nor what mitigating circumstances were involved. If a person served his time then it should be in the past and left there. Especially if there has been no further criminal activity. A lot of one time offenders, however, aren't aware that after a certain length of time without criminal activity, they can have that one mistake erased from their past. You should talk with a lawyer about getting that mistake 'expunged' from your record. But, even if you can't, I still feel that we, as a society, too often make the mistake of being judgmental of others without having the full facts at hand. That is something we need to work on more: Do not be judgmental but learn about the person first before forming a lifelong held opinion.

	Aurora, on 05/11/2009 @ 12:47 PM PST wrote:
		I know, you would think that in a land of opportunity, you would have the opportunity to reform yourself and start over as a new person. Unfortunately, the system doesn't work that way.

	JEinBoston, on 05/11/2009 @ 02:50 PM PST wrote:
		There is no question in my mind that we need to change the way we treat felons after they pay their debt to society. Yes, of course it depend on the crime, but the fact that you can destroy an expensive television set, get sent to jail again and never be able to vote again is preposterous. Also, vis-a-vis the people who say You made your bed and must lie in it, lookit: teenagers brains are not as developed as adult brains. They simply can't process things they way adults do. And the fact that any judge thinks is reasonable to ever charge a 13 year old as an adult, no matter how terrible the crime, is an embarrassment to this country.

	cbushong28, on 05/11/2009 @ 08:45 PM PST wrote:
		Firstly, depending on your conviction will depend on my reaction to this letter. I have had several friends with very minor felonies that have faced a similar fate. Underage citations have prevented them from getting into graduate school. It is unfortunate that some people are not as lucky and don't escape something that seems so prevalent. However, if your felony is of a more serious nature, it's only logical that you would face many limitations.

	tra3372, on 05/11/2009 @ 09:42 PM PST wrote:
		Yes, it a very scary and real thing, getting a felony charge and not being able to work. I've narrowly dodged this in the past and I'm glad I can say my life is on the righteous path now.

	oh2ohz, on 05/12/2009 @ 03:50 PM PST wrote:
		I am now 8 years out from a drug felony. Same story.. wrong crowd, and I ended up using, and a 'friend' gave me to the police to get out of his own charge. As a VA resident, I am now forever branded as a felon because of an incedent where less than $100 changed hands. First and only offense, and nearly a decade later, I get hung up on when a phone interviewer mentions a background check and I am upfront with what they will find. At least (after 5 years), I can vote again.

	windingwheel7, on 05/13/2009 @ 12:57 PM PST wrote:
		I don't so much believe that the nature of the felony matters; proper reformation is at a loss in this country.

	LilyJDragonfly, on 05/14/2009 @ 08:15 PM PST wrote:
		So what you're saying is that you can go ahead and commit a felony, yet still be productive in society? That's great to hear. I'm not sure what your point is, but hey, I'm glad to hear you're reproducing and marrying.

	lhopew, on 05/15/2009 @ 05:23 PM PST wrote:
		I don't think that people in your situation should be punished for the rest of their lives. Surely, ten years is enough to prove that you have changed. I know from personal experience that someone just like you, convicted of a felony, can become better people after their experiences. Many can turn their lives around. Companies should not be able to make their employment decisions solely on felonies.

	Daria, on 05/16/2009 @ 12:20 PM PST wrote:
		I'm sorry some of the comments below have been so judgemental. I do believe that people can be rehabilitated, and if you are- then good on you.

	KaylaW, on 05/16/2009 @ 03:05 PM PST wrote:
		That's an unfortunate situation. Not knowing the nature of your crime(s), I can't really feel one way or the other, but the justice system certainly has some major flaws when it comes to situations like this.

	tmarlene1856, on 05/17/2009 @ 06:51 PM PST wrote:
		You could try going into business for yourself - then who can judge you? And then you can decide who to hire and fire. Nearly everyone has a skill which can be translated to a business.

	jacaristar, on 05/21/2009 @ 05:34 PM PST wrote:
		its unbelievably hard for people with felonies to live. and god forbid you have a dishonorable discharge or a bankruptcy. its hard to even get through life on just a misdemeanor. even the smallest ones. i think there should be a certain amount of time that this can effect a person. unless its for rape or something of that matter.

	revpifer, on 05/22/2009 @ 04:53 PM PST wrote:
		I just wanted to say I will be praying for you. My daddy was convicted of a felony about 30 years ago. But, my momma prayed hard for him after they married and he was able to find a job as a master mechanic. It was only by the grace of god that he was able to have a great job. Always, Keep the Faith. Reverend Stephanie Pifer.

	ukfeline, on 05/22/2009 @ 06:19 PM PST wrote:
		jbfrankiii, I'm sorry to hear that you're still fighting to overcome a poor decision. However, I am encouraged by your willingness to become & STAY a productive member of society despite your past. While many may hold it against you, to me, it shows a determination to survive in a world of cynics & pessimists. Keep working hard - show your children what you've learned and know that even if others give you a wary look, you know better and your actions will eventually speak louder than words!

	stellaswings, on 05/22/2009 @ 07:16 PM PST wrote:
		That is unfortunate that it's difficult for you to get a job or apartment, but you should expand on that. What types of jobs are you looking for? Also you should explain what do you want to change specifically. How can we solve this?

	shoshana, on 05/23/2009 @ 06:41 AM PST wrote:
		My son received a felony conviction for driving with a suspended license from a judge who refused to look at the actual facts. I had to take it to appeals court and won. The higher court publicly rebuked the original judge and suggested he go back to his law books since it appeared he needed the review. A good day.

	BigKahuna, on 05/28/2009 @ 07:00 AM PST wrote:
		There does need to be some review of prior felonies and a method to have them wiped off the record. However this needs to be strictly monitored and not able to be bought.

	peterjmg, on 05/29/2009 @ 08:42 AM PST wrote:
		The question of crime and punishment is as old as society. I empathize with this man's problem. What is needed is not more mechanical laws but human discretion - love of neighbor!

	adamwest4prez, on 05/30/2009 @ 11:37 PM PST wrote:
		I'm not sure what your purpose is in posting this letter. Your circumstances are unfortunate, but what sort of results are you looking for? Are you looking to be forgiven of your crime by an elected official? Unless you have money, don't hold your breath. Our legal system is frustrating. If you screw up once, there's little chance for redemption. Best of luck to you, though, as you continue to be a productive member of society.

	Myopinioncounts, on 06/01/2009 @ 03:12 PM PST wrote:
		At least now, you can use your experiences to teach your children how NOT to be. Learning about consequences is one of the best lessons we can teach our kids.

	ashtinafayelou, on 06/01/2009 @ 10:12 PM PST wrote:
		It's tough when people really are trying to turn their lives around after going through some hard times and no one wants to give them a chance. However, that is the nature of our society and I can understand the other side as well. I hope you are able to find what you need.

	gisellak, on 06/02/2009 @ 06:06 AM PST wrote:
		Indeed very unfortunate. Now you are on the right path and kuddos to you.

	Zeph, on 06/02/2009 @ 07:45 PM PST wrote:
		I think the United States needs to change its policies toward drug addicts. Charging a heroin addict with a felony possession charge then throwing him in prison to withdraw doesn't help anything, and wastes the tax payers money. I wish this person had stated why they had been charged with a felony, because there's not much to discuss.

	ZachFaceDunkz, on 06/11/2009 @ 04:34 PM PST wrote:
		i feel your strife, i understand being convicted of CERTAIN felonies following you for the rest of your life. but to generalize anyone with a felony in the same category is outlandish. ive been denied many jobs because of a conviction i had as a youth.

	BigDaveB, on 06/11/2009 @ 05:56 PM PST wrote:
		It's a shame that even after ten years, your felony record haunts you. It's too bad that the sentence given and served just isn't enough. Your letter ends with, "Keep the Faith." It sounds like you need that more than we do.

	Kritikos, on 06/12/2009 @ 06:21 AM PST wrote:
		I believe that the government should be lenient on some felonies but nothing major like manslaughter, rape, and armed robbery. If you did something as a younger kid and screwed up you should be given a second chance.

	Independentthinker, on 06/13/2009 @ 02:48 PM PST wrote:
		So what you're saying is that you are still being penalized for something that you did in your youth and it doesn't seem fair. I agree that in some cases people who make youthful mistakes grow up and wish they had not misbehaved. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who commit crimes as teenagers who go on to be criminals in their adult lives as well. How do you separate the good ones from the bad ones?I do think that when a records check is done for employment or an apartment the crime that was committed should be taken into consideration as well as the length of time since a crime has been committed. I have a relative who was incarcerated and his former employer took him back when he came out of jail. Later he started his own business and has been successful, but I know that doesn't work for everyone.

	sacarle1420, on 06/19/2009 @ 11:16 AM PST wrote:
		I think if you or anyone else has made a change a little forgivness is in order. What kid didnt do stupid things. I think we like poeple on probation it ammends there rights and civil libertys a way of control without a "secert police"

	amanda898, on 06/24/2009 @ 10:11 PM PST wrote:
		I also agree it is very unfortunate, but there are some people out there who do not turn out to be good people like you seem to be. Honestly, I think you are lucky that you were convicted of a crime and are now free, not convicted and hung or shot for your actions.

	timekeep69, on 07/02/2009 @ 11:40 AM PST wrote:
		As long as you have changed your ways, your past is the past. Unfortunately you will probably always be haunted by it.

	willJosh44, on 07/02/2009 @ 12:26 PM PST wrote:
		I feel you man, I too was a convicted teenager, mine however was for minor drug violations. Though i dont understand the point of this letter

	UhManDuh, on 07/02/2009 @ 03:07 PM PST wrote:
		Depending on what you did... this sucks. It seems even the smallest things on someones record keeps them from having nice things.. bummer. Unless of course you deserve it..

	fellowpacker, on 07/03/2009 @ 01:48 PM PST wrote:
		These felony entries for non sex related crimes should be masked after maybe 5 years if no other crimes are added. Because lives change, people grow up and deserve second chances.

	everythingsfree, on 07/03/2009 @ 02:03 PM PST wrote:
		I wish there were more ways to help people with felonies in their past get work.

	Edwardab, on 07/03/2009 @ 08:39 PM PST wrote:
		It is sad but one has to live with the choices one makes, whether they are good or bad... there are consecuences for doing right and wrong... Good luck, man.

	Snail, on 07/05/2009 @ 06:25 AM PST wrote:
		That is wrong. 10 years should be more than enough time for a person to prove that he/she is a decent person with no intentions of causing harm to society.

	wasa3, on 07/05/2009 @ 08:05 AM PST wrote:
		We are not aware of what you were convicted for but I wish you the best of luck in life and hope you find a good job.