by Torski Dobson-Arnold

I recently pled no contest on a charge of trafficking stolen property. Basically, my roommate bought stolen property, sold it and asked me to ship it. My lawyer advised me to plea out because the penalty was nominal and there was no need to risk having a felony charge on my record. But I had to register as being on felony probation and it has been incredibly hard to get a job since. I got a conditional job offer from a company to become a regional manager. But after explaining my situation, I was let go the same day even though I told them I was on probation during the interview process. Are there employers who may be more understanding, or is there a better way to bring up this topic? I have over ten years of retail experience and five years managerial experience and have never had any other legal issues.

Job Seeker,
It is unfortunate that at times we make very poor decisions that affect us long after we make them. There are lots of questions that may determine your opportunities in finding employment. Will you look to have the probation period expunged from your record after it is served?

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Date of publication: October 21, 2009
Read more in this section: the Next Level