Expungement could be an option for felon

Expungement may help felon have a career

Q: Hello Eric,

My name is Terry, I have a few question that I do hope that you can help me with. Well when I was 17 I received a 8 years deferred adjudication probation. When I was 18, I got into more trouble and I was still on the probation. I was sentenced to a 20 year sentence, and I was released in April 2000. Since that time I have been clear of any problems with law enforcement, not even a parking ticket. I than went on and went to college and obtained my Medical Administrative Certificate and now I am back in school to obtain my Associates degree in Health Information and Technology. I contacted the Parole Board here in Austin Texas, asking them about a Pardon, so I will be able to put all my past behind me so I can move forward and try and find a good job. So do you think I will be able to get a pardon, and will I be able to gain employment in the medical field? I have applied, but at the end of the day I am turned away, due to the felony background. Do you have any suggestions that you can help me with? Also do you know anyone that can give me some suggestions on how to write my pardon, if I can apply?

Thank you Eric,

Terry,

A: Hello Terry,

I’m not sure the parole board is in the position to grant a pardon in your state. I’m not prepared to offer legal advice. I often suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to seek legal counsel. Many states have legal processes that can help ex-offenders and felons lessen the impact of their criminal records. Processes such as expungement and the sealing of records may help.

I suggest contacting your local legal aid office. There you will be able to get reliable information regarding your legal options. If there are processes that may help you. you may be eligible for low-cost or even no-cost legal assistance.

I hope this helps.

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. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net.