Sometimes, life isn't fair, and mistakes—be it yours or someone else's—have lasting consequences. Living with a felony record in the USA comes with inevitable challenges. Besides the psychological impact, one can face legal, social, and financial barriers that make it difficult to move forward.
Even after doing your time and turning your life around, the shame of a felony record, even an unjust one, can follow you for years.
No matter how much time has passed—even if it was a wrongful conviction—you will likely face hurdles that others don’t, simply because of what’s on your record. That said, it's still possible to make your way out of these circumstances and live your life with dignity with a felony record.
The path forward starts with awareness.
The Far-reaching Effects of a Felony Record on Your Life
Anyone who has been through the criminal justice system is well aware of the gravity of a felony conviction. However, the stigma associated with it can affect your day-to-day life, both professional and personal, in more ways than one.
Employment Difficulty
Finding a job with any kind of criminal record is an uphill battle in the United States. A felony charge is considered the most serious form of offense, which is why companies often hesitate during the hiring process.
Most employers conduct thorough background checks that can reveal criminal history going back seven to ten years or more, depending on state laws.
However, the times are changing for the better. After the introduction of The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (Fair Chance Act), employers cannot legally discriminate against applicants purely based on their criminal history.
Yes, you can apply for a vast number of jobs with a felony record. However, there are a few glaring exceptions. You cannot apply for positions involving firearms, financial institutions, schools, or vulnerable populations.
Secondly, you will have to explain your felony conviction to your employer. This can be difficult for many people, as it requires revisiting a challenging chapter of their lives while maintaining professionalism.
Complete honesty and preparation are your best tools here. Many employers value transparency and are willing to give second chances to those who demonstrate personal growth and accountability.
Bias in the Courtroom
Public perception towards people with felony records can be harsh and unforgiving. It's easy for people to forget that people can change for the better. The deep-seated notion that "once a felon, always a felon" can put you in a particularly vulnerable position if you ever find yourself in another legal battle.
For instance, suppose you were in a road accident in Atlanta's notorious traffic. Notably, this city is known for its complex highway system and aggressive driving culture. Road rage and car crashes are not new to heavily congested metropolitan areas like Atlanta, where even minor fender-benders can escalate quickly.
As a person with a felony record, your first priority will be to seek legal help. You might face a two-fold problem. One is biased jury members who might view your past record as a reflection of your current character, potentially affecting your chances at a fair trial.
Secondly, insurance companies might try to use your history against you, even if the accident wasn't your fault.
The only way to make it out of this situation is with the help of an attorney who understands both personal injury law and the unique challenges faced by people with records. Be assured that many unbiased, rational personal injury lawyers in this city would fight for your rights regardless of your past.
According to the Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm, you must contact a lawyer as soon as possible after any accident. Be transparent about your history with your lawyer - they're there to protect your rights, not judge your past.
Driving License Restrictions
Felons don't lose the right to hold onto their driving license unless they have been convicted of specific driving-related offences like DUI, vehicular homicide, or using a vehicle in the commission of a felony.
If your driver's license expired while you were serving your sentence, you will have to go through the renewal process. Unlike regular individuals, you cannot renew your driving license online or through mail. You will have to visit your local DMV office in person with proper identification and documentation of your release.
However, getting a new Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is next to impossible for most felons. Federal regulations strictly limit CDL eligibility for those with a third DUI or vehicular homicide charge.
However, people with a felony record are eligible to apply for an Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL). These licenses are issued to felons for essential transportation needs like work commutes, attending mandatory court appearances, medical appointments, or taking children to school.
Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future
Living with a felony record presents real challenges, but these obstacles aren't insurmountable. While the system may seem stacked against you, there are increasingly more resources, supportive employers, and legal protections available today than ever before. With persistence and the right support, you can build a stable, dignified life for yourself and your loved ones.
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