Looking for work is tough enough. If you have a felony on your record, it can feel like all the odds are stacked against you. You’ve done your time, maybe turned your life around, and now you just want a chance to work.
However, every job application feels like a closed door.
This struggle is real for around 2 million people in North Carolina. Employers do their checks, and many jobs are quick to disqualify anyone with a criminal record, no matter how old the conviction is or how much a person has changed.
Still, finding employment after a felony isn’t impossible. North Carolina law allows some second chances, and there are real steps you can take to improve your job prospects. In this post, we’ll see how a felony conviction can affect your ability to work, what your rights are, and how to give yourself the best possible shot at moving forward.
Finding Employment After a Felony: Why Is It So Hard?
A felony conviction can follow you long after you’ve served your sentence. Most employers in North Carolina run background checks. If a felony shows up, it may lead to automatic rejection, even if the offense happened years ago or has nothing to do with the job.
Some jobs may also be legally off-limits, especially if they require professional licenses or involve vulnerable populations (like children or the elderly).
Not all employers treat a record the same way. Many are willing to give someone a second chance, especially if they’ve completed their sentence, stayed out of further trouble, and gained new skills. The truth is, finding employment after a felony often takes more time, more effort, and more patience than it would for someone without a record.
Knowing your rights—and where you might face limits—can help you prepare and avoid surprises during the job search.
Can North Carolina Employers Refuse to Hire You Because of a Felony?
In most cases, yes—but the answer isn’t as simple as it sounds.
North Carolina is an at-will employment state. That means employers can decide not to hire someone for almost any reason, including a criminal record. There’s no state law stopping a private employer from rejecting an applicant with a felony.
That doesn’t mean you’re completely without protection.
Federal law, through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), says that blanket bans on hiring people with criminal records may count as discrimination, especially if those policies have a bigger impact on certain racial or ethnic groups.
To stay within the law, employers are encouraged to consider:
- What the felony was for
- How long ago did it happen
- Whether it has anything to do with the job
For example, a conviction for drug possession 15 years ago may not matter much when applying for a warehouse job today. A recent fraud conviction, though, could raise concerns in a banking position.
When you’re trying to find employment after a felony, understanding how employers evaluate records can help you tell your story in a way that focuses on growth, change, and readiness to work.
What Jobs Might Be Off-Limits After a Felony Conviction?
Not all jobs are off the table, but some are harder to get if you have a felony on your record. Certain industries have stricter rules, especially when public safety, finances, or trust are involved.
Here are a few examples where employment after a felony may be limited:
- Healthcare: Jobs that require professional licenses (like nursing, pharmacy tech, or medical billing) often involve background checks.
- Education: Most schools, public or private, won’t hire someone with a felony, especially if the job involves working with minors.
- Finance and Banking: A felony related to theft, fraud, or dishonesty can block you from many positions in banks or financial services.
- Government Jobs and Security Roles: State and federal jobs may be restricted based on your record, and many roles require background checks or security clearances.
- Jobs Involving Children, Seniors, or People with Disabilities: Caregiver positions often come with stricter background screening to protect vulnerable people.
That said, finding employment after a felony isn’t impossible, and you’re definitely not out of options. Industries like construction, warehousing, food service, and some tech or trades jobs tend to be more open to second-chance hiring, especially for people who show reliability and skill.
Does North Carolina Have a “Ban the Box” Law?
If you’ve applied for jobs before, you’ve probably seen that little checkbox asking if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. That’s the “box” people talk about when they say “Ban the Box.”
As of now, North Carolina doesn’t have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers. However, there has been some progress. In 2020, North Carolina’s state government removed the criminal history question from applications for state jobs. That means if you’re applying for a job with a state agency, you’ll have a better chance to be judged on your skills before anyone asks about your record.
Also, a few local governments, like Durham and Charlotte, have adopted Ban the Box policies for city jobs. That’s a good sign for anyone seeking employment after a felony in public service roles.
Yet, keep this in mind: Ban the Box doesn’t erase your record. Employers can still run background checks later in the hiring process. By delaying that step, these policies give people with records a fairer shot at interviews.
Can You Get a Felony Expunged in North Carolina?
In some cases, yes—and if you qualify, expungement can be one of the most powerful tools for improving your chances of finding employment after a felony.
North Carolina allows certain nonviolent felony convictions to be expunged (also called “expunction”) from your record. That means the record is sealed from public view, and most employers won’t see it on a background check.
To qualify for felony expungement in North Carolina, you must meet specific requirements, including:
- The felony must be nonviolent (for example, a drug possession charge rather than an assault).
- You must wait at least 10 years after completing your sentence, including probation or parole (5 years for the first-time nonviolent misdemeanor, if you meet all other legal requirements).
- You must not have any new criminal convictions since your original offense.
- Even with automatic expunction, it can be better to file a petition in the county where you were convicted and get approval from the court.
If the expungement is granted, you can legally say “no” when a job application asks if you’ve been convicted of a felony. This can make a big difference in how employers view you and open more doors for employment after felony charges.
Looking for Work with a Felony on Your Record? Here’s What You Can Do
Even with all the challenges, finding employment after a felony isn’t out of reach. Many people with records build strong careers, but it often takes more planning, persistence, and support.
Here are a few things that can make a difference:
- Be honest—but focus on growth: If you’re asked about your record, don’t lie, but don’t let the felony be the whole story. Talk about what you’ve learned, how you’ve changed, and what you bring to the table now.
- Build your skills: Employers value people who take initiative. Earning a certificate, learning a trade, or even volunteering can show that you’re serious about moving forward.
- Apply strategically: Some employers are known as “second-chance” companies—businesses that are open to hiring people with criminal records. You can also look for job fairs, apprenticeships, or reentry programs in your area.
- Get support: Organizations like NCWorks, StepUp Durham, and the Center for Community Transitions help people with criminal records find work, prepare resumes, and practice interviews.
- Explore expungement: If your conviction qualifies, clearing your record could improve your chances at employment after a felony. A lawyer can help you understand whether you’re eligible and what the process looks like.
You’re More Than Your Record
Having a felony doesn’t erase your potential. Yes, the road can be harder, but it’s not closed. Many people with convictions build stable, meaningful careers. It starts with knowing your rights, being prepared, and seeking out the right support.
You still have rights. You still have options. Most importantly, you still have a future.
At Kurtz & Blum, we know how hard it can be to move forward when your record keeps holding you back. Whether you’re trying to understand your rights, apply for expungement, or simply make the next right move, we’re here to help.
Want to talk about your options? Just give us a call. We’re happy to share all the information you need.
