zlacker

This presents an interesting dilemma here for an ex-con. Most people can eventually get their records expunged after they're out for a while, at which point we as a society demand that they start responding "no" to the questions about having a criminal record during the interview process. It's dishonest but it's how the legal system works.

If you're an ex-con who will eventually get his record expunged, is there any risk to participating in a job board like this? I'm guessing it is pretty small, and the advantages presented by the site will be worth it. Still, it's ironic that eventually users will probably be in a position (after expungement) where it is not in their interest to use the site anymore. I wonder if, when this site is successful, it will eventually want to team up with a more conventional job site to move some of those users over. Just a thought.

>>justin+(OP)
Remember that many states do not allow expunging records no matter how old (eg: Texas). For some people a conviction will follow them literally for the rest of their lives.

>>xenadu+M5
If I remember correctly Texas has at least one thing that can be done, an ex-con can petition the court to seal their records, which is similar in effect. (a pre-employment background screening place cannot report expunged or sealed records) I don't really know what the politics are like in Texas but I suspect getting that done isn't easy...

>>justin+(OP)
...or team up with rehabilitation organizations. Unfortunately there's no shortage of ex-prisonners in USA: About one third of the people in age of working.

>>justin+k9
Like a lot of legal matters, it's probably more dependent on whether you can afford to have it done.

>>justin+(OP)
What's dishonest (and what's demanded?) about honestly stating that one has no criminal record (since the record was deleted)?

>>gertef+Do
Change the wording of the question slightly, and answering 'No' to it becomes dishonest.

The change in wording may be illegal, but good luck proving that to anyone who cares.

>>gertef+Do
The question is sometimes phrased in a way that requires the applicant to lie. "Have you ever been convicted of a crime," etc.