Felony Conviction in Ohio

**Browns Fann** · 11-07-2006, 10:44 AM

My question is I have a friend who pleaded guilty to GSI in 1992 in Ohio. He applied for a pardon and was denied even thought he has lead a exemplary life since then. He pleaded guilty on the advice of attorneys, based on his statement to the police which was coehersed and done by threats and inaccuracies. He just turned 19 years old at the time. To make a long story short this has been on his record since then, and since it was a sex offense, the record could not be expunged, so that is why he applied for a pardon.

He had over 15 letters to support his pardon application, along with a letter from the girl who was 16 years old at the time who stated that the whole case was blown out of proportion. She was not allowed to say anything. Her parents basically wanted to have the case prosecuted. The prosecutors whole case was on what he said to the police, and the statement had many inaccuracies on what accured. He even had a favorable recommendation from the Parole Board who supported his stance. Ultimately, the Governor of Ohio denied his pardon, and now he is stuck.

The man is now over 30 years old, with numerous college degrees, and has never been in trouble since this incident. My question is: Is there anything he can do to in regard to withdrawing his plea, or to get help finding a job?

Every job that he is qualified for, he is ultimately not hired because of this felony conviction. He went through the hiring process for 5-6 postions, and was technically hired, but when he told him about his past because of his honesty, the HR would not go through with the hiring. The managers had no problem with the background check, but HR wouldn't go any further due to liability concers he was told. If he says that he wasn't convicted of a felony, he ultimately would be not truthful about it, and that would disqualify him too for not disclosing the information. If he says that he has been convicted most places will turn him down immidiately. So he is damn if he does, and damn if he doesn't.

What ultimately can he do to get a second chance? How do people with felonies go on with their lives if their are no employers willing to give them second chances? Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

**seniorjudge** · 11-07-2006, 12:34 PM

Let me get this straight.

You have been convicted of a sexual felonious offense and now you cannot get a job.

Is that a fair statement?

**cbg** · 11-08-2006, 07:54 AM

And do you believe that the answer has somehow changed since you posted the same question here?

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15992

**Browns Fann** · 11-08-2006, 10:47 AM

He did not lie on his application. He was honest. He went through the hiring process with those companies, but ultimately was rejected by HR. Where is there a process in which someone gives someone a chance?

**Browns Fann** · 11-08-2006, 10:50 AM

That is what he is going through. He qualifies for these postions, but he can't get a fair shake. He plead guilty to an offense, (GSI), through a plea bargan over 15 years ago, and nobody will help him out. Any way to get a job in this country for someone who makes one mistake in their entire life?? Looking back at it now, he should have taken it to trial.

**seniorjudge** · 11-08-2006, 01:38 PM

Quoting cbg

And do you believe that the answer has somehow changed since you posted the same question here?

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15992

A double poster!

I knew something was fishy.