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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    1

    Unhappy 17-Year-Old Felon with Nothing

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    I'm not sure if I've posted this in the right topic, but I think it could apply to various topics.

    My boyfriend recently got out of jail and now has a felony on his record for larceny (which he committed when he was 16). He has 3 years of probation and now owes a lot of money. He is almost 18 and has been determined to get his life around ever since he met me. But due to a number of life circumstances, he is finding this very difficult.

    First of all, both of his parents are dead. His dad died when he was young, and his mom died a few years ago. For a while he had nowhere to live. He now lives with his brother and just got enrolled back into high school, but has no license, no car, and no job. But despite these things he is expected to do everything on his own and his brother cuts him very little slack. And he has very few family members to help him. The nearest one lives about an hour away.

    He is expected to report to his PO every other week and pay all sorts of fines and fees. He also has another PO in another town that he has to report to as well. But how is he supposed to get all the fines paid off and get to his PO? He is having trouble finding a job because he is still under 18 and because he has a felony and jobs are just plain hard to find right now. And because of this, he has no money to pay fines on his own. Because he has no money, he can't get a car. And because he can't get a car, doesn't have anyone to help him practice, and doesn't have proper identification (such as a social security card) he cannot get a license. And without a license or car, he has no way to get to his PO or to work if he DID have a job.

    His sister in another city helps him pay his fines and he relies on both me and her for transportation and cash. He gets social security each month, but his brother takes about half of that for rent. I cannot help him very much because I'm only 18 and a freshman in college and I have a part-time job, but I only make $200 a month if I'm lucky.

    So what is he supposed to do?What can he do to get these things he needs without parents to help him? And how can he live a decent life with a felony on his record?

    Does anyone have any ideas or advice?

    Thank you.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: 17-Year-Old Felon with Nothing

    So what is he supposed to do?
    He is supposed to keep trying. And keep trying. And keep trying.

    What can he do to get these things he needs without parents to help him?
    The same things other people who've lost their parents young do - keep trying. Keep applying for jobs, no matter what the job is. He needs to get out there with the attitude that no job is beneath him, and keep at it til he lands one.

    He can also look into programs in the area - many communities have them - meant to help former criminals get back on the straight and narrow. He should ask his PO what resources are available to him.
    And how can he live a decent life with a felony on his record?
    Don't you think it's a little early to be so fatalistic about it? His life isn't over, and the state of Michigan is one that is willing to give him a second chance.

    When he turns 24 - and not one single moment before - he may apply to have his record expunged, so long as he keeps his nose completely clean between now and then.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    1,419

    Default Re: 17-Year-Old Felon with Nothing

    She is right he has to keep on trying,in general a lot of place don't want to hire you until your 18 or older. If he hasn't he needs to try get a good id and his social security card he has that if someone calls back. He can try temps jobs or those place where they hire you by the day,like labor ready. I read that MI in general has a high unemployment rate,so it's hard for everyone. Being under 18 and having a record makes it even toughier,he has to keep on trying,be grateful he has some ppl for support and love,he luckily at 24 his felony can be sealed.

    Maybe going in person with his brother or sister,he can get a non drivers liscense that way,then inquire about getting a ss card,some place just ask for your number. He has a home and some ppl close,a lot of people have neither. I feel for him but feeling sorry for yourself doesn't help. He needs to apply anywhere and consantly calling back. Is there a local youth bearu or place to help young ppl find work,maybe job core or something.

    If he has a school id w. a picture and knows his social some place might hire him,he needs to alteast pay what he can towards probation they see that he is making an effort,if he still short after 3 years maybe they will give him more time. He needs to value what his has and not just feel hopeless,it will help his spirt. Good luck,take care.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    368

    Default Re: 17-Year-Old Felon with Nothing

    It may seem like the end of the world from where you are standing. But truthfully, the time goes by pretty fast. When I was young I managed to get myself a felony. I played by the rules the court set before me and that I had agreed to. I had lost all of my rights. I was lucky enough to land a job (washing dishes) the paid my rent and fines. Halfway through probation my PO suggested that I return to school and get the degree I wanted. I took his advice. Several years later I had both my degree and all my rights back. I received my rights back and had good write ups from my PO and the prosecutor. Today I own firearms, vote and volunteer to help others not take my same path and I have a good job. Ask him where in life he would like to be in five years. Then write down a plan to achieve it. Follow it. He will be so busy following his plan he won't have time to feel sorry for himself. Nothing in life is easy. To achieve you have to first, believe.

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