Ask HN: Worth pursing web development if you have a criminal history? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Worth pursing web development if you have a criminal history?

8 pointsanymys11 comments

I'm facing DUI and Felony ASSAULT charge. MY life term goal is To become a web developer is there a good chance to work and make money in a field like this with criminal background? Maybe I could Freelancing ? is that possible?

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One of my favorite employees had almost identical charges to you. I never once hesitated to hire him (I've hired him at 3 different companies over the years). I have, once, had to write a note to hr saying I would take on the liability as a manager for having an employee who has a prior record.

Now, the reason he hasn't had trouble is because he speaks brilliant English, he's honest about his past, he presents himself well, and his technical skills are top notch. If you have those, you'll get past this!

"facing" as in accused but not yet convicted? The DUI is a big deal in that you should stop doing that but not a big with respect to employment except maybe in jobs requiring you to drive. As for the assault, wait till it plays out if its not resolved yet. A good lawyer can probably plea this down to a lesser charge and most employers wouldn't care as long as it isn't a pattern, i.e. if you actually have a long "rap sheet".

What's the alternative? Go for it!

You might not be able to do work requiring a government security clearance or at companies that do a background check, but I'm sure you could get freelance, contract work and apply at small companies.

Lots of places don't even have a formal employment form and just hire based on your resume and interview.

Once you show you're an asset and make a positive contribution you won't have an issue.

I would be honest about it if asked but I wouldn't advertise it either. If they do have an employment form asking about it check the box and give an explanation.

Polish your skills and be sharp in interviews!

Good luck.

Yes. Startups may not have requirements as strict as bigger, more established companies. For example, at the 2 startups I've worked for, there was no traditional job application, so no questions about criminal history or background check. Early stage startups are typically so focused on finding product market fit, and not on HR policies. Getting in early will let you bypass even having to answer questions about your criminal record.

Freelancing is the other option, since working for yourself means you don't have to answer to someone else about your criminal background.

Hey, I am a college student and going through a felony charge as well. I'm really worried about my future (lawyer says there's no way I'll do time in jail at least!) but this thread gives me hope to. It's hard to forgive yourself and move on especially now that everything is connected and information is easily available, but it's worth a shot.

Yes. It is worth it. You may run into problems if your startup is acquired by a tech giant, I believe when my company was acquired by adobe they dug into our histories. I am not sure if a criminal history would have made a difference with them, but they are the only tech company in my life to ask.

I have an email address in my profile. We should talk.

Don't see why it shouldn't be possible. Go for it

Find a startup and prove your worth. Totally possible!

For context, the US Army wouldn't hire you.

What kind of context does that provide?

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