Can an ex-felon ever become a successful law-abiding citizen?

[Question]

I was thinking ... America is a country where people can overcome most hurdles or screw-ups in life. From bad grades, to traffic tickets, to bankruptcy, to divorce, to being a former smoker ... one can make it a point to improve their life and while it may be hard, they can overcome their past mistakes. Even minor arrests, such as President Bush's DWI, are not insurmountable mistakes.

However, one thing that is extremely difficult to overcome is a felony arrest and conviction, and rightly so. Ex-felons are going to fail civilian BG checks for a job (especially an entry-level white-collar job), and probably will not be able to rent an apartment.

So, how does an ex-felon make the effort to rehabilitate his life once he's out of prison (if he ever went to prison)? Of course, some ex-felons may try to commit ID theft/forgery, but this continued life of crime will end up catching up to them. Is he or she just resigned to being unemployed and homeless and stuck in a life of crime for the rest of his or her life?

[Norm357]

I would say it depends on the person. I have a friend who was convicted of armed robbey and kidnapping in the early 70s and spent 15 years in prison for it. I would trust this man with my life. Today he is the most law abiding man I know.

[ChesCopPodz]

It can happen. My uncle spent almost all of his life between 16 and 30 in jail in one form or another, the last 5 of them for a felony. After he got out of the state pen, he has straightened out. He owns his own business which does quite well, has a fiancee, and hasn't touched drugs or alcohol.

[Bearcat06]

One of my Dads friends is one. He use to be an LEO and got out of it to make more money building homes. He got a HUD contract to remodel houses in the area and got greedy. Got popped for a felony fruad case....which was a federal conviction and spent a year in Duluth.
He's been out for about 10 years. He's driving a 18 wheeler as a contractor for Toys-R-Us (bought his own rig), got re-married and is doing real well.
He is still a wealth of information about old school LE and has helped me a time or two with some stuff......
So yes, it can happen.

[fedhopeful]

Yes they can. And for all you know, the person working in the cubicle or office next to you doing a great job at work may be an ex-felon. Depending on where you work of course. Some people learn from their past mistakes and overcome them.

Your statement about ex-felons failing BG checks for civilian jobs is simply not accurate. It depends on the job they're seeking. Certain jobs as required by law can not employ a convicted felon. However, that does not encompass all jobs. It helps to know someone who is already successful who can give you a chance despite your prior felony so you can build a credible work history.

[mcsap]

It only takes a minute to "rob a bank" and become the felon you spaek of but it will take a LONG time to recover and prove that the person has truly changed their ways and left their old lifestyle behind.

NOT impossible but still an uphill battle for a long time.

[Legoate]

Just for clarification because it's a pet peave of mine....there is no such thing as an "ex-felon".
Once convicted of a felony, you are a felon for life. It's your behavior after the conviction that determines what sort of person you are.

[tenfour]

Just for clarification because it's a pet peave of mine....there is no such thing as an "ex-felon".
Once convicted of a felony, you are a felon for life. It's your behavior after the conviction that determines what sort of person you are.

ahhh...beat me to it!

I supose it is possible, but it also probably depends on what crime they commited. If they robbed a gas station 15 years ago...or they raped or killed someone might make a difference when it gets brought up during the interview for a job etc.

[Jynkxxie]

There are some places that have reintegration rehabilitation programs. You know where they can be set up with a job, and an apartment to accomodate their pay...etc. etc.

Though a good majority (sp) don't want to turn their life around; therefore, they just reoffend.

The older crowd, well they face special challenges too. On top of all the challenges their younger cohorts face, they are getting out with minimum amount of time to relearn society. I have been told they reoffend too, and in some cases commit suicide.

[Kimble]

Sure... Just look at Dog the Bounty Hunter! :D

[Star]

Recidivism for felons is so high because they play that "poor me" card or simply don't know any better, or care, for that matter. Those that are truly sincere in changing their lives have a long hard road to travel but who is to blame but themselves?

People make mistakes and once they recognize that, they can lead a full life. They just have to understand they have to do it on their own.

I have a very good friend who was charged with manslaughter years ago. He spent 5 years in prison and is now working a steady job, which he has been for the past 14 years. He's a wonderful husband, father and friend. So, my answer is yes, they can, if they want to.

[danninator]

Sure... Just look at Dog the Bounty Hunter!

Wasn't he put in prison for murder? Honestly that whole family is whacked

[chewy]

NO, and why would you want reform, it only takes away our job security.

[kimber]

A convicted felon will never have an easy life. The most important thing, I believe, would be for them to admit to the mistakes they have made in the past, show they regret having made the mistake in the first place, and to change themselves into the courteous, law abiding citizen they weren't before. I'll admit, if I were an employer looking at a convicted felon's resume, I'd see none of the other stuff, just the convicted felon part. I know that may sound bad, but the way I see it, once someone has broken the law and shown themself to be a trouble maker, then in my opinion, they'll always be a troublemaker. I wouldn't trust them the least little bit. They should have thought about the consequences of their actions before the committed the crime!

[Timecop]

There is a prison where inmates are working on getting their college degrees. They hope to get a job when released. I'm not sure where the prison is located or if the program was successful. That sure beats another prison that allowed prisoners to play violent video games (ex gta) that may lead them on a path of crime again when released.
If the ex felons are qualified for jobs and given a chance by an employer then there is no reason for them to revert back to a life of crime.