I am a 51 year old man with a college degree, never been in trouble until the past year. I was a senior analyst in IT dept.. With 25 years expertise. It was not uncommon to take equipment home on loan to do work then return it. That turned out to be a mistake after I got a new manager who called it grand larceny and fired me (after I returned it) and arrested me (2 days in bronx jail) was released w/out bail, and charged with felony. Was recently convicted of misdemeanor, no jail, 3 years probation. I have never before had such a problem getting a job, usually get hired on the first interview. I am ready to give up my computer career, convinced no one will hire due to my backround. I don't get any feedback or call backs or explanations. I am discouraged, depressed, my family is pulling out their hair, as we are ready to loose our house that we moved into one month before all of this happened. I am taking a CDL test hoping to get a driving job while I search for a computer job, but I am convinced it will never happen and I am ready to just give up. Is it true I am not finding work because of my misdemeanor and would companies tell me if that is the case? Any one else experience this? Is it as hard in every field? My attorney said it would not affect me this way... my life is over, soon I will be homeless and familyless... this is driving me to my grave.

I'm not excon, but I do have an opinion...
While your misdemeanor may be affecting your chance of being hired, I would also factor in your age. My dad is 54; he always worked as a salesman before, but now he can't get a job in sales to save his life. He's had people tell him flat-out that they want to hire him, and then he never hears from them again. He doesn't have any felonies or misdemeanors on his record whatsoever; he just can't get a job.
Then again, some people just have terrible luck... I'll keep you & your family in my prayers