Badmovies.org Forum

So, as some of you know, I haven't been around much lately.  Long story short, I was in jail (or is it prison?  I get those two terms mixed up) for a bit over three weeks and now I'm out on bond.  They kicked me out of my apartment, so I'm  living with my mother.  Anyway, past several weeks I've been job hunting, my dilemma: what to put down on the "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" Question.  

Here's the thing, technically, I have NOT been convicted.  The trial is still ongoing... buuuut, I can't help but shake the feeling if I write "no" and they do a background check, they'll found out about my arrest and pitch my application in the trash.  Granted, I know a lot of places don't even bother to do background checks unless it's an "important" job, but still, not sure how to answer.  Especially in interviews when they say, "Okay, well, we'll be doing a background check, you've got nothing to worry about there, right?"  

Do I come clean and hope for the best?  Or should I keep quiet?  

(sigh)

Getting a job is hard enough for me, and this certainly won't help anything.  Wonder if maybe Rev or someone could give me some advice...

If the conviction isn't completed (the trial is still ongoing) then I would put "no" for a conviction.  Even if the jobsite wanted to do a background check I don't see how they can find anything if the trial isn't over with yet.  That would be my guess.. just my two cents.  Hope things work out for the best.

Unfortunately I can't give any advice Mike but I can give you warm virtual hugs and send good wishes.  :smile:

You could put "no" and technically you would be truthful.  But you should probably let the employer know what is going on anyway.  If you don't and they find out, you may be perceived as sneaky and dishonest and that's not a good way to be perceived at work.  In any event, if the employment laws in your area are similar to the laws here, you would be an "employee at will."  This means the company can terminate you at any time and they don't even need to give you a reason.  They just need to say, "we are terminating your employment."  So, whether you are honest or not, you could end up without a job.  If I were interviewing you, I'd give you more credit for being honest up front than for trying to cover up your situation.   

"No" is the correct answer to the question.  You're innocent until proven guilty.  If you put "yes" and were then acquitted, or your attorney strikes a deal to get the charge reduced to a misdemeanor, you'd feel pretty stupid, wouldn't you?

The question of whether you should tell the employer what is going on voluntarily is a more interesting one.  Burgo brings up some good points.  But it's really hard to say without knowing the nature of the charge against you, and the nature of the job you're applying to. If I were charged with soliciting a prostitute, I would consider it none of the company's business.  If I were charged with stealing from my previous employer, I would expect not to be hired.   

A reverend would never do this!

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38691000/jpg/_38691859_swaggart238.jpg)

Jesus hung out with hookers and I'm just following his example!

you're not a convicted felom since you aren't convicted

If you don't mind me asking, what did you get in trouble for?

I'm not sure BTM should talk about specifics, the case is ongoing and this is a public forum. 

As I've said elsewhere, I don't really want to get into the specifics of the case.

Put no, should be fine. I've been arrested six times and I work for the government!

Yes, but that's a REQUIREMENT of working for the government.

Say NO.
If you haven't been convicted-your not a felon.
Even if you are convicted-if it's not a felony-you are not a felon.
Misdemeanors generally don't show up on a Record Search.

On your court papers,their is a box headed TYPE OF OFFENSE- with 2 boxes marked Misdemeanor or Felony. See which one is checked.
Most crimes-especially if this is your first offense-will be knocked down to misdemeanor. Felonious assault (with a weapon),3rd offense drunk driving,manslaughter,kidnapping, rape,murder,grand larceny,armed robbery...those are felonies.
Most everything else (possesion,solicitation,1st and 2nd offense drunk driving,misdemeanor assault, Minor in Possesion of Alchohol,vandalism,destruction of property) is a misdemeanor.

If you bonded out for $500 dollars or less-it's certainly a misdemeanor.

Oh---and jail is county...prison is State or Federal. You only go their if your doing time for over a year on a felony.

Well, I was defnitely charged with a felony.  I can tell you that much.

Anyway, I just hope something comes up (jobwise) soon, as I need some money.   :bluesad:

I know it's little comfort-but my hearts with you.

I would repeat, say "no." You haven't been convicted yet, so technically you are still telling the truth.

But look at it this way, the worst that can happen is that you don't get the job. If you do get the job, and they find out you lied on your application, the worst they can do is fire you. At least you had gainful employment for a while.

There's really no sugar-coating it, a felony conviction is going to cause you a lot of problems. I have a good friend who was tweaked out for years and did some very stupid things. He's in a good place now, but he still has to deal with the repercussions of that period of his life.

But it isn't the end of the world. I would suggest you become a legal expert in your rights. It's probably going to be tough, but you are still a person who needs to work.

EDIT: I'm sorry if I came off as flippant in this post. I wish you the best.