How Felonies Keep Formerly Incarcerated People Stuck
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Did you know that having a felony means you can’t coach a Little League team? Or be a dog walker? Here’s the impact that a conviction can have on the individual, their family, and their future.
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might want to pin this comment.
Yo so what’s the point of applying for a grant?.
The frustrating thing is how easily cops and courts throw around felonies for things which shouldn't require such a harsh punishment.
Also once you serve your time that should be it, finished, done and dusted back to a normal life unless you are a danger to society still.
How are criminals meant to reform if they aren't allowed to reform?
@@Michael-cp6gr imagine they end up doing crime because they can't get work.....
@@Michael-cp6gr okay if you believe in a fair and just system then you must believe that not every felony is of equal magnitude. if someone has completed a sentence in accordance to the crime they have committed, why is the government allowed to abuse them further?
@@Michael-cp6gr do they have a choice? They got to eat and stay somewhere. Now if their past continues to hound them out of opportunities what do you expect them to do?
@@Michael-cp6gr and we’re all saying thats not true justice and needs to be changed
Michael is the new Messiah.. he's the giver and the reciever of your society law's.. clean of wrongfull doing..aleluia.. Michael can stone anyone.. Anyone.. because hes without sin..
My husband covered for his little brother and took a weed charge. Ten years later when we married it came back to haunt us. A trend where felons weren't being hired happened. He lost his job after 2yrs after a new company bought them out and fired every felon. Thankfully we never gave up. He never had another charge in the 25yrs we have been together and married. I took him to a school and he studied to be a dental assistant. One of the least invasive programs. They go by history not just one mistake. He's gone from cosmetic dentistry to being a dental lab tech supervisor. The system sucks and we need to vote in Folks that believe in real second chances. We are squandering a viable workforce to aid our economy over this stigma and bad laws. VOTE.
Wow, you married a felon? You sure can pick them.
@@edwardgaines6561 Aww, who hurt you? No need to take it out on me tho. I merely shared a common experience related to the video topic and you are not required to spew every dumb idea that comes into that peanut of a brain. It's ok to 🤫 and move on. You'll be happier. I married a kind, respectful man. One that never beat me or cheat on me like the non felon guys did. Also, I definitely support cannabis legalization as it makes a system where usually black and brown folk go to jail disproportionately. Non violent offenders hindered by the label. Sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you work because folks can become blinded by a label. My whole message and all you took away from that was the felon part. Speaks volumes about you. Hope you find peace if you were just having a bad day and lashed out. No body is perfect. Even if you sincerely meant to harm, I still hope you find peace. No one deserves inner turmoil. Be well and stay safe.
@@edwardgaines6561 they said they covered for their brother dude. You act like people without felonies haven't done something illegal before or aren't pos themselves. Besides, weed is legal now in many states so now he wouldn't have a felon depending on the state he's in.
I'm a substance-use counselor, and I see this all the time with my clients who have felonies on their records.
Our society is shunning a seriously talented and motivated section of the population purely because of a medical disorder -- because many of them have felony charges that are directly or indirectly related to their substance use disorder. They have so much to offer the world yet we tell them "nope, too bad," again and again and again.
What about violent offenders?
@@seanmccartney5177 I don't think the most extreme examples should dictate what happens to everyone else. Also, I don't believe that prison/jail does anything to help reform "violent offenders" or protect the rest of society from them, it only helps them become better criminals.
Regardless, the point you're making is exactly why people like my clients are forced into these tiny, limited boxes and are unable to become the best versions of themselves because of collateral consequences. People like you take the most extreme example and paint the rest of the group with that very broad brush. It doesn't work, it's hurting them, and my point is that that way of thinking is also hurting society because we never get to see what they could really become.
"I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweat shops." We can add prisons and jails to that quote, too.
@@seanmccartney5177 Easy. Just have different rules and restrictions for different crimes. If somebody harmed children, they shouldn’t be allowed to work with children ever again, but anything else should be fine. If somebody was a violent offender, some jobs might still work out, but more restrictions might be necessary. But that doesn’t mean everybody else needs to be put under the same restrictions. Differenciation is key.
And even somebody who committed a violent crime could change their ways and should be given a chance to turn their lives around.
Plenty of talented and motivated people out there who aren’t mentally unstable and in danger of relapsing to using substances and/or alcohol.. Demend for every sector is high nowadays so why would businesses take the risk when they have a pool of candidates to choose from?
I've worked with drug addicts in every job I've had and it sucks. I wouldn't blame business owners for not hiring them.
Also, how is being a drug addict a "medical disorder"? Did a bad back or asthma make them involuntarily walk up to a drug dealer?
It would be nice if the system rewards this man for his behavior after his prison sentence. Sort of like car insurance companies reward you for safe driving. Every few months you don't commit a crime, your restrictions are lifted. People like him deserve to engage in society after they have turned their lives around.
How about “you served your time, here are your rights back”?
@@TheBLGL but, there's no incentive to keep on the straight-and-narrow. Giving rights back a bit at a time keeps the person going.
Perhaps a system where you are checked up on from time to time so you can prove your value! Then be rewarded for a law abiding life style?
The logistics of doing that would be so difficult… and how would you know for certain the individual isn’t still committing crimes but you haven’t clocked onto him… Just don’t be a criminal in the first place and you’ll be fine
Or you could try not breaking the law in the first place and see if that helps.
A felony is a life sentence for something you already served your time for.
They must keep control.
And? Don't commit felonies! The world is competitive enough with a clean record. Tarnishing your own image is just plain dumb.
What if the offender killed your mother?
@Ian grow up.
@@EliteHumanNetwork obviously. However, nobody can change the past, so an advice like “well you shouldn’t have done that“ doesn’t help, no matter how true as a statement it is. So what do you tell people like the man in the video who already committed a felony and served their time? What should they do with their life after getting out of prison? There needs to be a way for them to lead a productive, crime free life. It’s hugely important for crime prevention and lies in all our interest. And too many restrictions make that unnecessarily difficult.
Felon. A fight 7 years ago. I was the only one who got hurt. I defended myself by grabbing the attackers nec(suffocation strangulation, in Wisconsin). I went to college for forestry so I could work for the DNR. I'm a competitive marksman. And I have a degree in mechanical design and I was studying to be a civil engineer. All of that, gone. I was released in August and still looking for work. This is my real name. Look me up. All true. Also find me on "indeed" and whatever else.
Best wishes
Good luck to you ❤️
Stay out of bars, or anything involving alcohol. You'll avoid a lot of fights that way.
The prison system is no different than any business. They want returning clients so they can eventually generate more revenue
That may be one place to start. For-profit prisons are the wrong approach.
He kinda glosses over his crime. 7 years is a long prison sentence. Was it an armed robbery? He didn't "snitch" so his accomplices "got away with it." Thats not a trivial matter. Public safety isn't a trivial matter. No doubt that played a part in his sentence.
You made the bed you're sleeping in.
My dad had a record for selling Marijuana in the Everglades, back in the mid 70s, thanks to a government program in the early 80s that not only expunged his record, but also allowed him to go back to school and get a degree! Today, he works as an aid for school busses! But, knowing now that without that program back in the early in 80s my dad wouldn't have been able to do anything that he has done the last 40years makes me think me twice and just how lucky my father was that such a program existed!
Yet Hunter Biden and others can purchase cocaine and black tar heron with no charges
It's things like this that completely shatter any and all arguments against government programs and social safety nets
Looks like complexion for protection to me…
Same. Pulled a fake gun on my dealer when I was younger and his girlfriend called the police. I got popped. Now, all these years later… only menial jobs and no background check rental properties are available. If it weren’t for an entrepreneurial drive, I’d have been stuck. I can assure you, without that drive, I’d have picked the other option: Making blood flow. If that’s what the system is driving for, they are getting it. I assure you, frustration will take someone who once did something dumb to doing something unforgivable.
It shouldn't. There are plenty of people without felony records that suffer immense frustrations. AND DEAL WITH IT! The amount of whining and playing victim I see from grown people on here who are responsible for their own mistakes is truly astounding.
Glad you did make a way for yourself. Why cant you just stand on that and convince other felons to do the same? Why are you on here acting like just because life gets frustrating commiting victim crimes is an option? It is a non option in any form for any reason. Period.
Also, locking up poor poc on felony drug charges, keeps them from being able to vote. Even after they serve they’re time. Taxation without representation should never be a thing. These people can’t vote to change the world for their children. To their community’s better in someways, because they can never get certain jobs, to better prepare for their children’s future.
Felons are not innocent angels, they are worthless scum. Let them rot in prison. Committing crimes is a choice. They don’t matter.
With poc being such a minority of the population, how are they properly represented in any vote whether incarcerated or not?
@@chrisbeaumont4630 POC make up 42% of the population.
To my knowledge, Florida is the only state where voting is forbidden with a felony conviction even after parole ends.
Watching this from a non-US perspective is pretty insane. Obviously there are some consequences to serving time outside of going to prison in my country as well but to have such systemic, widely enforced discriminatory policies is unthinkable.
To believe that holding criminals accountable is discriminatory is an ignorant view.
You’re extremely uneducated.
And yet a politician can keep their jobs and /or run for office again? Where's the justice there?
You can commit treason against the United States government and still run for president! Something is wrong here - right? Oh wait...
@@candacenadimi2081 exactly. Those scales of justice need a realignment.
But isn't obvious that not being able to get a job will lead to more crime?
It is but people don't want to see what is right before their eyes
It’s all by design
As a multi time felon, mother, and wife 8 years into recovery - THIS KIND OF CONTENT IS SO UNDERRATED!!!!!
As someone who works on a military base, as a military contractor it's extremely difficult to find people to pass a background check. What is even more frustrating is the amount of kids (18-25 year olds) with felonies on there records.
The frustrating thing is how easily cops and courts throw around felonies for things which shouldn't require such a harsh punishment.
Also once you serve your time that should be it, finished, done and dusted back to a normal life unless you are a danger to society still.
How are criminals meant to reform if they aren't allowed to reform?
@@spyweb314 I got a class c felony for criminal solicitation of marijuana. Aquantances that I smoked with, called me asking if I can help them find marijuana. I said I could thinking they would at least smoke with me. They wore wires and 8 months later I get a bench warrant and a copy of the motion of discovery, outlining the entire day of that incident.
@@Miodrag.Vukomanovic you have trouble getting jobs etc?
@@spyweb314 Describe a violent vs non-violent crime? Should repeat offenders get longer terms? If you truly want to succeed, nothing will stop you.
@@brucecampbell4528 you do realize that is even hard for someone to get their record expunged if they don't have the money, right? If someone gets into legal trouble though has a lot of money they are better off than a person who gets into legal trouble and doesn't have much money.
It sucks being a felon. The system wants us back in prison
Yeah thats why one shouldn't commit a felony.
It sucks being the victim of a crime
There's money in incarceration No money in helping and Americans get to be judgmental which they seem to really enjoy (like those responding to your comment)
@@EliteHumanNetwork
The system treats people without respect. The result is that the people don’t respect the system. So the system treats the people with even less respect. And so on.
This is a vicious cycle!
@@x-pilot6180 so what do you suggest? That we fool the public into thinking that the individual doesn't have any criminal past when in actuality he does?
My ex suffers under this situation. It's been 30 years and he was denied a job a few years ago because of a drug conviction. He works in the tech industry so his crime isn't even remotely connected to his current field, but it doesn't matter. None of his crimes involved computers or violence. It makes no sense. This is a life sentence for him and it's not okay. He did his time and decades have passed. At some point he deserves to move on.
His coworkers’ safety takes priority over his happiness.
Sorry that you married a felon. That’s his fault.
@@fatherson5907 he is my ex and he didn't commit a violent crime. Re-read the comment. His crime had nothing to do with his line of work whatsoever and it's been 30 years. At what point is the punishment excessive according to you? At what point does it become ridiculous?
@@rn2787 a felony is not a minor crime. I’m sure that the poor criminal is a good boy. He never did anything wrong 🤣🤣🤣🤣
A felon deserves punishment. Stop whitewashing horrible crimes for sympathy.
@@fatherson5907
Misdemeanors are crimes that are seen as minor compared to Felonies.
But how is Domestic violence(Misdemeanor)
a minor crime compared to Embezzlement(Felony).
Like wtf, so no just because someone has a felony doesnt means they're violent and are goong to hurt their coworkers, just as having a misdemeanor doesn't mean they're safe and are not violent..
@@fatherson5907 It's almost as if all you see is the word felony and that's it. I feel sorry for you and your narrow mindedness and/or distorted thoughts. You really seem to be stuck in your own negative and judgemental thoughts. Best of luck with that 🙂✌️
My boyfriend had this exact problem. He couldn't work, and what work he did get was basically paid under the table. He couldn't vote. He couldn't do anything. Eventually, his depression and his addictions returned. Shortly after that, he had violated his parole and had to return to prison. As a result, he committed suicide. I was never the same after that. And 25+ years later, I still have difficulty moving forward. 😢 The penal system needs to change. If you do your time, and if you are being rehabilitated to reenter society, what's the point, if the government won't let you? Depending on the crime, a convict should be given the opportunity to start his/her/their life over again, so we won't have these tragic circumstances.
He was not a victim. He made a choice to harm other people. Criminals perishing is a better outcome than innocent people get harmed by criminal trash.
He made a choice. He was not a victim. Glad that he can’t hurt anyone else.
@@fatherson5907- Did you even read what she said? Did you see where she said exactly what crime he committed?
People are like you are why we have this problem. Norther what some people do, it's never good enough for you.
@@Vahlee-A not only did he break the law once, but he violated his parole. This shows exactly why you can’t trust criminal filth.
The safety of innocent people is far more important than having empathy for criminal trash. Good thing he isn’t around any longer. Good riddance.
The system is rigged because the more people they keep locked up the more money the prison owning politicians makes
@@fatherson5907 If you are ever convicted, I hope you have a sudden change in outlook.
I work in a jail in medical records. The stories I have been able to piece together from information is heartbreaking l. Yes, some have committed crimes that,by all accounts, are heinous. But the majority are in there for things that they shouldn't be punished for forever.
Especially since the justice system is so rife with people who are determined, whether they realize it or not,to punish some folks harsher than others, just for who they are.
We as a society need to change, and that starts by making sure people aren't stuck feeling like they have no other option but to go back to their old, harmful ways
At the other end. Look what bail reform is doing
I'm sorry but I'm not sorry. HE decided to do what he did, HE decided not to turn states evidence against others who were involved. Yes there are people who are falsely incarcerated who would have been a better interviewed, but how can I feel sorry for someone who intentionally stacked the deck against himself and perpetuated a stereo type of a dangerous black man. No one got hurt but he knows right from wrong. Period
I hope him well and even though he paid his dept to society he did this to himself. There are other avenues to overcome his situation others have done it so can he. He just have to speak with those who've done it. Not play into the victim Olympics.
And this is why criminals STAY criminals....
Do the crime do the time. You've done the time and paid your debt to society now you must live an existence that will push you back into doing illegal activities just to survive. That makes absolutely no sense. This makes a person DANGEROUS to the public not reformed. When a person can't earn a living what do you expect will happen?
Just want to tell me story, I was involved in a car accident a little over 3 years ago. Me being the only person in my car and 3 people in the other car. Unfortunately one person passed away due to the car accident. I also faced life threatening injuries, broken femur, ruptured spleen, concussion, bleeding in my brain and so much more. It was deemed that I was at fault for the accident. But here’s catch, police officer on the scene told my father that if my system was clean then I would be fine and no charges would be filled. I smoked a little marijuana 3 days in advance, I suffered and still do from anxiety and depression. Wasn’t a heavy smoker, just smoked from time to time to help with my anxiety. So yes marijuana was in my system from 3 days prior. Got charged with 4 felonies, vehicular homicide and 3 counts of aggravated assault. Along with a DUI for having marijuana residue in my system. Never was detailed, I was just informed that I had to turn myself into police custody. When I went to turn myself in, I was told by the sheriff that he wished that he could help me and and wish that he could do more. He stated this was just a horrific and tragic accident for everyone involved. I should also mention that this was in a neighboring county near Philadelphia. Was also told by many police officers in Philadelphia, that this would have been treated as a car accident and nothing more. During my whole court process, that was a frequent statement that was made by many people, even in fact the District Attorney People that I never even met a day in my life. Some vital information that received during this court process would be that even tho I had marijuana in my system, it was deemed that it wasn’t the cause of the accident. But sad thing is the DUI charge still stuck. Hear in PA there’s a law where you can get a DUI conviction just by simply having marijuana in your system. You don’t have to by physically under the influence to receive a DUI. Very contradicting. At the end of the court case. 2 felonies were dropped along with many other charges including reckless endangerment. I would think once majority of those charges were dropped then many others would follow after. I was wrong unfortunately. I was convicted of Vehicular Homicide(F) Aggravated Assault (F) Involuntary Manslaughter (M) and the DUI first offense from the marijuana. I was sentenced to 1 Year of House Arrest and 5 years of probation. Extremely grateful for this sentence, considering the fact that I was facing
23 years in prison, all at age 21. I’ll also state that even the judge himself, stated this was just a tragic auto accident. After I was given my sentence, the looked at me and said, “Mr. Howard, putting you in prison will not do anything for society, I believe that you have something truly great to offer to this world and community. I hope that one day we both can eventually find out what that is.” Honestly speaking, I can say that I’m truly blessed to not have been to prison, never sat in a cell, even down to never even being handcuffed. I’m very blessed. At the same im pained everyday, that someone passed away in that accident. Sometimes I think why did a live and another person died. I pray for forgiveness from their families and loved ones. But something that I can’t understand, something that I’ve been trying to wrap my head around is that I have a criminal record for one thing and fact alone. Me having marijuana in my system. Not being high and under the influence. But for me just having it in my system. I’ve always been a person who lived with great morals and valued everyone. Never had a criminal record before hand, never even a had a traffic ticket in my entire life. Im writing this not seeking pity, I really just wanted to tell my story with this justice system. Im trying my best everyday to continue to be the person I’ve always been, the happy, loving and caring person. I never could imagine I would be here at this point in my life but I understand that life is unpredictable. I pray that one day I can help change this system. Whoever took the time to read this. I pray you have a blessed day and you stay positive. Everyone on this earth has a purpose and we all matter. Even if you think you don’t. I believe in you !
If I'm ever a convicted felon I wouldn't even want to live. I learned a lot from this video and with a history of violence for many years I was lucky to be spared.
This is unacceptable in a so-called County of freedom. You did your "time", who should you not be allowed to have your freedom? I'm sorry sir!
You do have your freedom
Doesnt mean your slate is clean
There are life long consequences for illegal actions
That's the point
So people can see that and chose not to
No one forced him to break the law lol
Now he has to do with the real world consequences of his crimes
@@dr.greenthumb211 consequences like basically being pushed to commit even more illegal actions?
@@dr.greenthumb211 check out how it works in other Western world countries. Especially where prisons are not managed by private corporations…
For ALL crimes?
He is free!! But people have the right to not want to associate or work with felons. His message should be resounding. Dont look for sympathy for not being accepted because of a past felony, but implore young people NOT to commit one! All actions have long lasting consequences.
I’m sorry but this is ridiculous, having a felony shouldn’t ban from these things
Sir, you are a very eloquent speaker about this topic and obviously you have researched it thoroughly. It appears that this area will not change overnight but will take time and many, many people chipping away at the restrictions on ex-offenders to get a better life. People like you helps to get the message across.
From the way you speak and put your views across makes me believe that you could be a great writer and story teller.
I wish you all the very best and all the luck in the world in all your endeavours.
I wasn't allowed to complete my BA after receiving a felony, and completing my sentence; but I still have to pay my student loans.
I waa almost done, and made almost straight A's.
That’s a lie. Criminals lying as always. Glad they kept you away from people who can behave themselves. You clearly are still a threat.
@@fatherson5907 I definitely feel sorry for you and your distorted thoughts. CBT can be helpful for those distorted thoughts. DBT can be helpful for coping skills.
@@fatherson5907 Did you come to the comments just to belittle others to make yourself feel better about your own issues?
@@b.41879 when I see people lying or speaking ridiculous things (such as saying that felons are victims), I call them out on it. Sorry that it hurts your feelings, Karen
I had an undesignated felony charge on my record, finding a job and finding a safe place to live was miserable. If you do time and pay your debt to society, you should be allowed to move on. It's what keeps people stuck in the system.
Kids, take note of this. Dont commit felonies
But if you were in the military and have ptsd u can become a cop kill people while drinking and driving lighter sentence which is bull I've seen guys get off of a dui because they served and keep doing it
People need a path for redemption as much as consequence.
Which is soooo weird. Isn't the prison system suppose to rehabilitate?
I was wondering about all those programs they have to teach prisoners to work with dogs I've heard of quite a few of them who have gone on to get jobs in kennels etc. Dog walking seems a bit specific as opposed to working with dogs otherwise
Once an ex-con…always an ex-con. You become your charge.
Me and my family was arguing when i was 17 and got a felony terroristic threat in geogria
As a felon, I think the first thing to do is to take the bold step and clear your records. That way you can be free and have access to good jobs and better lifestyles.
I know there are Many people willing to clear their crime records, so they can at least get good jobs. I was one of those people, but I hired a hacker who helped me expunge my Crime records.
So this CEO is complaining that he can’t be a dog walker or barber?
Also when I was in my federal government class I asked my teacher “ so what about all the people who went to jail and are felonies just because of a small amount of weed? Because now weed is legal now is majority of states isn’t it a slap in those people faces? Like hey if you only would have waited a couple of years to smoke you wouldn’t have a felony “ to which she said “ your absolutely right but the government doesn’t care about that.”
Nobody is getting a felony for a small amount of weed. You’re ignorant.
Yea, they will never care. All they care about is filling their pockets with money.
It is just strange that after criminals already served their time, society still looks at them badly. So then what was the time for and why was it chosen in the first place?
I’m 56 when I was in my 20’s I was charged and found guilty for assault with intent to do serious bodily harm. To this day I’m asked to stand outside of the car. I weigh 76 lbs and I’m 5’8 and on oxygen.
@Daniel Linley No. I was guilty, I pled guilty and I did the time I was given.
Maybe you should re-watch. The video explains what we are posting about.
Uck!! I was planning to share and try to promote this, until when I was fixing to come and put my source on my post I found out that it’s only for black people if ya can’t include me I won’t help ya.
I too am a felon who had problems.
But since I’m not black I don’t matter .
As a felon, I think the first thing to do is to take the bold step and clear your records. That way you can be free and have access to good jobs and better lifestyles.
I know there are Many people willing to clear their crime records, so they can at least get good jobs. I was one of those people, but I hired a hacker who helped me expunge my Crime records. If you're interested I can link you with him
@@roolenoir3183 I'll be waiting for a reply
Here is Sweden you're free once you've served your time. You can vote, you can even vote while you're still in prison. Of course it's a bit harder to get a job, than a regular person, but the Swedish prisons focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. To get a new start in life. Do better this time around. When you leave prison you're no longer a felon. I think the only jobs you can't get is like teacher, jobs involving kids. You served your time. I feel like in the US you stay a felon for life. Like your crime is stamped on your forhead or something.
I come from a very big Police family. My grandfather was a sick man in alot of ways, and spent most of his adult life in the NYPD. We shared quite a few conversations about the evils of drugs and corruption because he worked a lot in narcotics. He never specifically told me not to use drugs, but he did tell me the dangers of possibly finding one I'd enjoy. The only promise he ever asked me to make was to never become a police officer. I never understood why, but now that I'm older I realize I could never shackle someone for life like that and point the finger and say they shouldn't have broken the law. Then point the finger at them again when the law left them little choice but to break it again.
You pay for your peccadilloes.
Land of the Free......a joke
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am directly impacted and believe this is a form of discrimination to not allow the people who have served their sentences which often happen between the ages of 18-25 to not be fully forgiven. We are a nation that will allow people to openly and illegally come across the border start a new life NO MATTER WHAT THEY HAVE DONE IN THEIR FORMER NATION. They have full rights in the U.S.A. and can work anywhere, live anywhere, and do anything with their fresh start. BUT if you were born here, made bad choices, learned from your choices, receive certificates in and out of prison naming you a model citizen YOU ARE STILL JUST AN EX FELON WHO is not given back all the rights as a U.S. citizen. Ludicrous!!
I empathize with your situation. But have a hard time seeing how it is ludicrous. You commited a felony. And alot of felons have victims. Most u.s. citizens do not want to be victims of crimes or deal with crime. That is why they have there collateral consequences. Furthermore there are collateral consequences with many things including job performance, and school behavior. I do not see how this is so hard to understand.
This is such a great debate I wish it was held on a better format.
Excuse me but as a man who has to live and adjust through past mistakes (none a felony). I have a hard time understanding why it is any one elses fault that you garnered the adverse consequences you are now dealing with. I just dont think I will ever be able to understand. So many ex felons accept the consequences for what they have done, deal with it and move on to live productive lives. What is keeping you from doing the same? Can't you get your record expunged?
You made a choice to harm other people. You are not a victim. You need to live with the consequences of your actions.
You chose to put yourself in this position. You are now marked for life. That’s what happens. Innocent people are a priority over criminal trash. Cry about it, felon.
Wow. Way to turn one convo into your stance on immigration.......
@@fatherson5907 You have an ignorantly simplistic view of this issue. Just because someone has been branded a "felon" by the state doesn't mean that person harmed another person. For example, is smoking marijuana harmful to others? And if it is, how is it worse than the legal cigarettes and alcohol?
@@cody4916 it’s funny that you label someone else ignorant and then proceed to insinuate people are getting branded as felons for smoking marijuana.
You are a complete clown.
Keep crying tears for felons. I will keep laughing at your lack of common sense.
I am a ex felon. Forgery. I got my record expunged. But I still can’t get a job in insurance. I’ve been explaining my expunged record to Texas for 6 months now. I thought having your record expunged was a good thing. Not in Texas.
Good. Innocent people need to be protected from criminals like you. You want to work in insurance after forging? You’re out of your mind. People are going to trust their business with you? Get a clue. Life has consequences.
@@fatherson5907- Shut up, dude. We get it. You hate people.
These unnecessary consequences need to be reviewed. They are not fair and don’t represent the ideals of justice.
Not all felony’s should be treated equally. If you commit a violent crime that killed or put another person life’s at risk you need to face serious consequences. Places like New York that have seriously decreased incarceration for felony crimes has had a huge uptick in violent crime
Even if the restrictions were not there from a legal standpoint it would then be up to the business owners to make a decision - and they still would prefer in most cases to hire someone who was not a convicted felon. This is just like they would prefer to hire someone with a Degree v's non-Degree
Is the system not creating the scenario for a repeated offender? People deserve second chance and I believe this kind of program make communities less safe on the aggregate
But the point of the matter is the employers aren't given a choice. Its already been decided that ex cons can't get a second chance even though they have served their time. Rehabilitation is a myth. The system isn't designed to rehabilitate. Without a strong support system these ex convicts go right back to prison. Why do you think that is? With so much restrictions its 10x harder for them to follow the straight and narrow.
This is horrible for everyone. Someone needs to end this
Wow, they made him do his whole sentence, to the day.....usually the sentence that they get, is reduced for good behaviour.......
Probably needed to fill more cells to keep the private prison from suing the state.
@@TheBLGL You know this, how?
yep...and seven years for ATTEMPTED robbery?? Rapists and child abusers rarely get that much...
@@laurenhornbuckle7003 They wanted him to name names and he wouldn't
@@laurenhornbuckle7003- Rapsists and child abusers rarely get arrested outright. It passes me off so much. And we have people here railing on this man in the video saying he and other felons deserve to be kept out of society, but then no mention of rapists from them.
I get it. Second chances and all. But when I read about all the crime going on in the country right now I really have a hard time feeling bad for the convicts.
You should. Because if people can’t even be legally employed in so many jobs and already have a hard time getting hired anyway because of their record, crime might be their only realistic option. People need a chance to lead productive crime free lives even after a felony conviction. They still have to put the work in and everything, but without a chance to lead a decent life what are they gonna do. They will be unemployed, poor, bored and frustrated. All perfect breeding ground for crime anyway.
Not joining the dots there
I don’t. It’s part of the price one pays for hurting or stealing from others. For everyone else, a deterrent. You have got to be pretty naive to think being nice to hardened criminals is going to win them over.
@@BubbaDog001 yeah I think for normal law abidding citizens this is very simple. Dont do the crime if you cant handle the consequences.
@@danielroyse6640 ok so you admit to being a felon and dislikes the consequences. So can I have a serious dialogue with you please sir? Thank you first your transparency.
Now my question is are you being denied a chance to earn at all? Are you living on the street? Are you restricted from gaining love? If no then why are you trying to place blame on others because you garnered consequences that are adverse based on your actions? Even if you did not realize the full ramifications. As a full grown man you have to know that ALL men have to own up to their responsibilities! It is not up to the government to make things easier for people to do victim crimes. Why cant you just accept the consequences for what you did and move forward best you can? I just dont understand sir! You did this to yourself. And as I said I understand it is tough for you now, but it is not impossible for you to gain a satisfactory life after felony conviction. I refuse to believe that. Please explain your reasoning. Now if you are guilty of a victimless crime. I will truly have more understanding!
ABSULUTLY BEEN SERVING A 5 YEAR SENTENCE FOR FOURTY YEARS TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
Law reform seems like a whole lot of trouble. Why not just stick to misdemeanors?
America, the Country of Freedom and Opportunities.
If our justice system treats ex-cons like this, what does justice really mean in the long run?
Justice for the victims. The criminals are trash.
@@fatherson5907
Everyone makes mistakes in their lives and the whole point of prison is rehabilitation
How can there be rehabilitation if the criminal isn’t allowed to reform?
@@thatshyguy9573 the safety of innocent people is far more important than sympathy for dangerous criminals
@@fatherson5907 so you’re saying that criminals should just kill themselves?
At min 1:22 do use a shot of the notorious s21 or toul sleng prison in Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge from 1975-79. Interesting. Otherwise I completed agree with the insanity of our current system relating to felon and it’s gross denial of rights and opportunities to a group of people who have largely been targeted for racial and ethnic oppression.
Why has no court forced prisoners to be paid at least minimum wage.
I read that Alex Jones could bankrupt out of the settlements. But ex prisoners cant bankrupt out of their conviction payments. That right there, shows the state of affairs in the USA.
That's why they say it's the legal system because there's no justice system
This country is so broken
The fact that people feel empathy for this piece of trash is proof of that. F this horrible felon.
Lesson learned: don’t commit and armed robbery
Wow what a great solution after the fact 🙄. Did you pay any attention to the video or just came to comment your judgements?
America, land of the free ay? 😂 😂 😂
This isn't fair. I thibk there needs to be some sliding scale of justice. I get some crimes should be made aware for life. But others... c'mon just let people live and work.
I always thought the 'U' in USA stood for 'United' but I see it actually stands for...' Unreasonable"! 😢
Prison without bars
Very informative. The information was explained in an a logical argument on how the justice system is failing
I'm a 44 year white male with 3 felony charges 2 are F1's and 1 F3. I did my time back in 2012 to 2014 and was lucky to get a job as an Electrician from a small business owner. 8 years later and I'm still employed with him but things are changing and it looks like I'm going to need to find a job elsewhere soon and I'm nervous about it. My only option is to open my own small business because no one will hire me as soon as they read about my past.
Note: coming from a former real estate agent and multifelon, redlining is illegal in most states.
I really didn't know this.... its insane..... the punishment is x amount of time in jail, that is the sentence..... once you served your time, you should be free and clear to get back to a normal life........
Yea but also if you have enough money, you can skip the whole jail sentence itself. If you're poor or even middle class, good luck to you if you ever get a felony.
How does this not count as double jeopardy?
2 strikes no worries wanna babysit my most precious child for me
It’s racist
What exactly does NowThisNews suggest? Let convicted felons install alarm systems? Babysit? Coach kid sports? The guy in the video seems like someone who turned their life around in prison. Most convicted felons aren't like him. They can be very dangerous people.
Well yeah we should, after a few years of not offending. I doubt that a 65 year old felon who sold some weed back when phones had antennas is a real threat. Leave the permanent stuff for stuff like that makes sense. Like child molesters not being able to have anything to do with kids.
@@gogogadget1855 Did you even watch the video? The guy didn't sell some weed back in the day, he attempted robbery. You are naive if you think all convicted felons with charges like him will be nice coworkers who will want to sip tea with you during break. Who is 65 years old? Are all convicted felons released at 65? What the heck are you even talking about. Don't ever do anything important, please.
You're choosing to focus on an extreme position for this debate. Instead of just letting all convicted felons work in various industries, I think what is being suggested is that people who display a positive track record with no reoccurring criminal convictions should be less restricted in their pursuit of bettering their families and their lives.
They aren't saying a bank robber should be authorized to work in a profession that handles firearms or large sums of money, but that such a person shouldn't be prohibited from pursuing a technical career or being a public worker if they haven't committed a criminal offense within a set time period.
If the purpose of prison is to punish those who break the laws meant to protect the safety and well-being of others, then why bar them from attempting to turn their life around after they already served their time?
Closing avenues of rehabilitation or reintegration into society only increases the likelihood of people being repeat criminal offenders.
@@imtitus1715 You are naive if you think the percentage of people who plan to live a straight life is even close to a majority. Do you even know how prisons are especially in the US (and most countries)? They are not rehabilitation centers. It's more likely their mental state will be more fcked up before they went to prison. The guy in the video is an exception, not the rule. Most people who go to prison for 5+ years don't spend their time wisely studying/learning something. They aren't ready to join the workforce when they get out.
@@algotrader9054 True. But there's no reason why we can't make the system better. Without hope for better, things like segregation would still be a thing. I believe that most humans are good.
Here's an idea, just hear me out..
*DON'T COMMIT FELONIES*
It's made this way to keep money flowing into the prison/industrial complex. This ensures a steady supply of inmates.
Rest of the works is NOT like this. We’re losing out.
NEVER FORGET YOU CHOSE YOUR PATH BROTHA! ✨️ I READ MY FIRST BOOK INSIDE! I CHOSE MY PATH! YOUNG BLACK YOUTH NEEDS TO BE MORE ACCOUNTABLE! 🤔
Wow! After getting caught his victims sure aren't making it easy to do what he wants in life. So sad. It's definitely their fault.
He served his sentence. I understand blocking felons from obtaining weapons, but Sea Urchin Diving, Solar Panel Installs, and Bingo Calling?! That's just ridiculous.
Meanwhile, dont commit a felony
Put it on the ballot! Let’s make some changes in order to stop systemic gatekeeping.
I'm not a felon but I think that people like you are definitely experienced enough to become roll models for young generations to teach them about the hard ships you can face when you choose to the law into your own hands. Be a activist! A spokesperson 👍
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Felons should be role models? The left has truly gone completely bonkers.
@@fatherson5907 I ment it as a good thing not a crazy thing. Have you ever seen the TV show series called Scared Straight? It's about young adults who get into trouble before joining a program to help them get back on the straight and narrow before they end up in the scariest place in the world.
@@kellyobrien9350- It is not worth replying to Father Son at all. Trust.
EX-Felonies work for Governments and local law enforcement agencies. ???.
I also found out that if you have a case dismissed without adjudication, that can stop you from owning a firearm, travel outside the country etc. Best to get convicted. I am just flabbergasted. How can we change that.
Oh jeez, I know that for some felons in my area, some apartments even won't accept them. Same with certain jobs and stuff.
The only positive is continuing TO commit crime. Your record can’t add more restrictions. They can only extend the time. If arrested young, you’ll never no what you missed. Can’t lose what you never had.
Wow, that's heartbreaking to think about.
@@justwaiting5744 I agree. What hurts is that it’s logical. This explains generational cultural shortcomings easily. The cycle.
It isn’t just the US having this problem. For example, Canada requires visas from anyone with a felony _or misdemeanor_ conviction, even if they would be otherwise qualified for visa-free stays.
What is it about being convicted that impairs your voting ability, I don’t get that at all
If you continue to look and treat someone as a criminal, after they served their time, allow them to not succeed, they will have no choice but to continue to be a criminal to survive
You made "laws" to keep them compliant as a criminal
SO WHAT CAN WE DO?
What can a person with a felony do?
What can the families of such 'felon' do?
If the only way is to ask for a pardon, most people can't afford that. So what now?
Well apparently these empathetic, open-minded and very understanding commenters 🙄 have been commenting "just don't be a criminal" believing that is the solution even though yet the crime and time has already been done. But that is their logic. That's going solve so much 👍🙄
@@b.41879 What is a solution that we could implement? I agree that some of these cases are ludicrous and the families deserve to move on.
American exceptionalism.
I keep telling people American is great for getting the cheese only! Not to live permanently; I got my cheese and left to establish my self else were!
Question: How should we punish people appropriately for their crimes?
USA: By making sure people will never be able to participate normally in society ever again. After a prison sentence of course.
You: violent criminals should take priority over innocent people.
You: violent criminals should take priority over innocent people.
@@fatherson5907 No but after the sentence is done the sentence is done right. But in this situation it will haunt you for the rest of your life even though you paid back your debt to society. My point is not: let those criminals free. But why would you make life impossible for former criminals to return to? That's actually not acceptable. People are not allowed to rent anymore? So that means if you're poor you should go live on the streets again after 8 years in prison.
But I agree that some people are never fit to return to society ever again. Like serial killers or pedophiles.
@@nathanm4444 wahhhh the poor criminals.
Criminals are worthless garbage. They should never take priority over the safety of innocent people.
People should be forced to stay near violent criminals because they’re supposed to feel sympathy for these worthless rodents? Nope. Let them sleep in the dumpster, where they belong.
Maybe. . . don't commit a felony. That strategy works for millions of Americans across the country.
Maybe... don't comment about something that is not helpful for the present. The crime already happened, keep up with the video. If that's all you can focus on than why did you even bother with the video and comments? Your comment doesn't help after it has already happened, silly.
@@b.41879 🤡
@@b.41879 I think it's pretty good advise for those living in the present who may be thinking about committing a felony.
We are the least free cuntry in the developed world
Generalization is just that. Crime has consequences. But employment issues are probably better handled on a case by case basis...
Beyond the sentence (which was a substantial one) the consequences should only be those that can't be avoided
That’s insane! Can’t even be a barber? Good grief. They need to change that. They complain about prisoners going back to jail after their time is up but then they make it impossible to integrate back into society! So what’s he supposed to do. He’s trying to get his life back on track.
He’s a threat to innocent people. He is responsible for the consequences. Boo hoo for the poor felon.
@@fatherson5907 Hey just wondering. U don't believe a person deserves a 2nd chance and his/her family should suffer as well?
@@erikkink3440 I believe that the safety of innocent people is far more important than sympathy for serious criminals.
@@fatherson5907 Yeah definitely understand that. Some of the restrictions make sense. No working in certain fields. I do believe if a guy has been out for years and crime free ease up. Helps us all in the long run.
@@erikkink3440 that is the case. This is knit accurate reporting. Typical criminal sympathy stories.
Alot of this has to with privately owned prisons and government prisons who try to find other ways to profit off of prisoners themselves. I was in college taking probilties and statistics and the teacher that year happened to work as a analyst for huge companies who own large amounts of privately own prisons in every state in America. I was told by this teacher that every felon prisoner is a stock in the company and everytime a prisoner comes back or commits a 1st felon that lands him back in prison, the company profits from their incarceration. So since the blacklisting of felonies came into play , laws where set in motion to keep felons from living a normal life when released by the stamp of being a felony on his/hers record. So by being felon It keeps a revolving door for felonies to reoffended by resorting to old illegal ways to earn money to support their families. And if you ever noticed that most felons get released on ridiculously long perole or probation terms that are often hard to fellow or pay for , in which most dont complete because of how long they give you to obey it. So in knowing this , the prison systems know that they will be back sooner or later. And if that don't work , their ostracized with being a felon on they're records. So the system is set up keep a revolving door of felons on flowing in and out while these prisons see you as a stock and profit by keeping you locked up. It's not about rehabilitation anymore it's about turning a felon into a profit for government leaders or greedy CEOS who own these prisons.
That and the more richer criminals can buy off the judges and others. Look at Epstein all those years back, back in the mid 2000s he bought off the one judge and didn't go to prison. He finally only actually got arrested a few years ago after the whole private island thing. Imagine if he was actually placed in jail in the mid 2000s, he would've had less victims. It's just sad when someone who was caught with drugs (could've been planted in their car even or someone elses that they left behind) can get a longer sentence then a chomo just because said chomo has money.
@@trinitylivingston1286 so true man, but I've noticed that it's getting harder to do this with the amount of publicity they get from the public. So it has changed alil. But money can buy your freedom but not for long.
We should try to recommend this guy for a pardon to Governor Newsom.