Souperdave, i suggest you read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Abagnale_Jr.

I know a guy who's assault (a bar fight) conviction helped land him a job on some big-shots personal security staff. I see the logic in this. I sure wouldn't hire somebody unless I knew they were capable of defending my life at ALL cost.

I'm not so sure about a ex-druggie making a great business man... It's possible though!