I committed a nonviolent felony (stole a car) when I was 18 in Atlanta. I am now 24 years old and realize that I need an education to get any farther in life than I am. I have just recently gotten my GED and plan on going into graphic design or architecture if I am able. My question is : Will this hold me back from a career? Because of how long ago the crime was (2002), my present and past employers haven't held it against me but they weren't career type jobs unless you like to dig in dirt or do construction. I want to make something out of myself and plan on working my butt off to get there. I just need to know if it is doable. Thanks in advance!!

You'll have some tough hills to climb, but its doable! Don't let that hinder you, a mistake like that will only ruin your life if you let it.

The more time that passes and the more you accomplish will set a higher bar that will impress future employers. If/when it comes up in a job interview, be honest (without too many details) and tell them this mistake has taught you a great deal about life and enabled you to realize your dreams and how to make them a reality.

Good luck to you!

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Originally Posted by CollegeBoundExCon

I just need to know if it is doable.

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Hello ExCon:

ANYTHING is doable, if you got the gumption. Yeah, it's going to be harder for you. Duh!

excon

PS> Plus, you don't need a license to do what you want to do. That's gooood.

Sure, it is doable. Just don't try to hide it or act like it never happened. When you are in serious discussions with an employer and the background check issue comes up tell them straight out about the conviction.

A conviction at 18 is much different than one at 28, in my opinion.

Another thing...
If I were looking to hire you, something that would stand out on your resume would be volunteer work. Maybe you could consider mentoring the Boys and Girls Club, visiting Senior Citizens or becoming part of some other community program. To me, that would show you've really grown personally, not just earned a degree.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great. :)

My brother had a conviction AND jail time at 18. He did everything he was supposed to do and was always upfront about everything to prospective employers. He did volunteer work and community service type of work to pad up his resume and show employers "how much he has changed". He was also able to get his record expunged so that might also be an option for you down the road.

I would also like to add that with a non-violent crime like stealing a car once most employers will not hold it against you. Its almost one of those "boys will be boys" things. I have worked in a HR for a while and we have hired people who are24 and at 18/19 had DUI's or convictions of drug possession. The reason being that it was only once and candidates were completely upfront about it. Like everyone else said never hide THAT is what will hurt you.