Felon can’t use healthcare license because of...

Q: Hello,

In Maryland where I have an eight year old felony conviction for forgery. It is very hard to find a job. I hold a valid state health care license but I am consistently turned away for jobs because of that conviction. I have this license but it’s no good because of my record. Is this discrimination? Aren’t there laws against discrimination in this country? What can I do? I have worked hard to get this license but it is no good. Please help.

Felon can’t use healthcare license because of conviction

A: Hello KH,

Many ex-offenders and felons I speak to claim that they have been discriminated against because they have criminal records. Discrimination is very difficult to prove so I would encourage a felon to remove as many barriers to employment as possible.

You say you have only one conviction and it is over eight years old. You may be a candidate for expungement or having your record sealed. Some cases could be legally “sealed” and can only be opened by order of the court. To seal a criminal record entails that a court clerk is ordered by a judge to conceal a court record of Legal proceeding from public view. The records are not destroyed because under certain circumstances, a court can order that sealed records be reopened. Record of the conviction will only be available law enforcement, the court system and government agencies. Generally, the outcome of sealing is the court acts as if the information in the record never existed. Even a juvenile record can be sealed. Once this has been done, It’s as if the offense never occurred. A felon may then properly and lawfully answer any questions about the arrest, acquittal, conviction etc., as if they never happened.

You can get more information about this process in the state of Maryland here:

https://mdcourts.gov/courtforms/joint/ccdccr072br.pdf

Sealing is a legal process. I would never suggest an ex-offender or felon to attempt any legal process alone. You should seek legal counsel from a professional familiar with this process. I suggest going to your local legal aid office where could get low-cost or even free assistance. You can find your local legal aid office in your local telephone directory.

As I tell all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, apply for every job you feel qualified for. Finding a job is definitely a numbers situation. The more jobs you apply for, the more opportunities you will have to get interviews. More companies and governments have removed the felony question from applications.

There are many companies and organizations that have hired former felons. There are others who have pledged fair hiring practices. In your area, Johns Hopkins has been fair when it comes to offering employment opportunities to ex-offenders and felons. Click the picture below to access our huge list of companies that hire felons and those that pledge fair hiring practices.

I hope this helps

Where can a Felon get a Job?

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. The right answer could help a felon get a job. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.