wilkes

Well, yes it is. Anything that deters people from getting a job and paying taxes hurts society in large. Reform needs to happen to get rid of outdated regulations. The sad thing is 15 years is a long time for minor offenses, although yes a wrong was committed but still after 5 years or so of perfect behavior you would think a person could get a second chance. No wonder so many people go back to crime when society never lets them outlive their past. It's a terrible cycle. I believe non violent felons should also be able to get a second chance, especially if they have done the time for their crimes.

Unfortunate.

It wasn't a drug charge or a violent charge. Something stupid like worthless checks that were later paid off that he plead guilty to......larceny after the fact or some such. He went through a tough time and has paid the price dearly since. Might as well been a felony.

Cleaner tell him to try Jeld Wen they will give him a chance if they have an opening.

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Toxic Vapors Under Age 22�����...... NCGS �15A-145.3

Well my friend was 21 at the time, yet the local lawyer told them they had to wait 15 years for an expungement. They said the age was 18-20 for a chance for an expungement depending on the misdemeanor. Several lawyers locally said the same thing. Guess they were one year to old. It's a stupid law regardless. I guess since 21 is legally an adult that is when the law sticks it to you? I dunno. I just know 15 years is crazy to have to wait for a second chance. That is why this new law is so important, since it allows for it after just 5 years. Anyone that doesn't know about the new law should know about it though. That's why I mentioned it. The lawyer in Raleigh that specializes in these things said it was going into effect Dec. 1st if it passes this August, which they feel sure it will. Anyone that has had to deal with with should know about it.

If you are less than 22 at the time of a non-violent offense there is no wait either.

I think they plead guilty, not sure. They were young and dumb. Couldn't afford a lawyer and didn't think much of it at the time I reckon. No jail time, just had to pay fines, etc. and thought it was the end of it. Been haunting them for years. Should have had a lawyer no doubt. Either way it's been over 5 years and in December hopefully they can get a fresh start. Sucks to want to work and can't find anything decent. If young folks only had a clue what impulsive decisions they make early in life can affect them for the rest of their lives, maybe they would be more careful. Of course, that's never going to happen .

If the charges are dismissed you DO NOT have to wait any amount of time for an expungement.

Even certain misdemeanors show up on background forever. Expungement isn't possible for 15 years, but there is supposed to be a new law that will be in effect this December that will allow a person to get an expungement after 5 years. Local lawyers don't even seem to know about the pending legislation, after several were called in regard to expungement. A law office in Raleigh that specializes in this informed someone I know about the new law. 15 years is a long time for people to be haunted for petty crimes (non felonies) which will make getting jobs impossible with large companies. Anyone that is haunted by minor offences need to know that soon something can be done to make them employable. I have a friend that can't get a job because of a few misdemeanors 10 years ago, and is hopefully getting an expungement as soon as the new law goes into effect. It's no wonder people resort to criminal behavior after getting into trouble because the legal system won't allow many good people to have a second chance when it comes to finding jobs. I think 5 years of good behavior is more realistic than 15 years. Hopefully this law will pass in December.

Many charges, even if dropped, will show up on a background check.

So, even when you are innocent, you are guilty until you die.

4 separate felony charges? Hmmmmm. More likely the charges will possibly be reduced. Still, they will appear on a background check.

he received paperwork in the mail stating they would not hire him because of the pending charges. I thought the saying was innocent until proven guilty too but it looks like it is really guilty until proven innocent.

I tried to help one once and he stole from me .i will never hire another.

Some background checks include checks for pending charges, convictions, dismissals, and arrests. There are some that will even show if you have ever been investigated for any crime without charge. ChoicePoint has a huge database as well as local researchers across the country.

if the charges are pending they wouldnt show on his background check, hince the innocent till proven guilty so there must beensomething else about your friend that they didnt like

Just sell crack.

Pending. Not likely many employers will. If they have been resolved your chances would be much much higher.