Mechanical Engineering (Felony?)

I would not put this in my resume no. But of course when they ask the question I would be honest and would explain who I am as a person and this mistake I made when I was young at a bar one day.

I do not understand the question as far as my name popping up in regards on any website ? I do not think so.

I am commiting my life. I am very dedicated and as far as prepping for college I am studying on khanacademy to get my math up a bit. I am rusty in that field but I do have a knack for numbers.

I'm sure that the petro. industry would not take kindly to being labeled the career path of criminals.

I'd think that many in upper management would fit nicely into that group though. That's why the petroleum industry has many lawyers on retainer at all times!

Felony convictions (especially of a public servant) will follow you forever, unless you can get the record expunged.

You say nothing about yourself that would help guide you in your quest.

Since this is your first post here, I'll just ask that, if you are serious about this, you give us a synopsis of your knowledge, education, likes, and any other brushes you have had with the law.

We do have a member here, tcmtech, who is a felonious tire burning oil field worker with a degree.

Right now, all we know about you is that you are a felon looking for advice. Fill in some blanks for us.

oops. Wrong section.

Ok. Sorry if I was brief. I had posted on many other forums and am just trying to get an overall view from several sources of knowledgable people. I have no other criminal history except for a public intoxication when I was 21. Bad birthday heh. Well I always liked the idea of designing things. I grew up always taking things apart and trying to figure out how to put them back together. I believe mechanical engineering would be the best fit for me. My father moved around a lot from being in the airforce and owning his own business afterwards. So my education is not the greatest but I do have a G.E.D and I have talked with some colleges and found out it will take me about 5 years to complete a bachelors. I am very new in the field and have not worked in any oil industries or anything related. I have worked a lot of sales jobs and some under the table grunt work like demo work, painting, concrete work, etc. I just know the pay is good and my options as far as a good career goes is very limited based on my felony. If there is anything else you would like to know please ask.

Well,

Mechanical engineering seems like a good fit for you.

Curiosity about mechanical things is common among our type. The fact that you know how to work is good too.

Don't worry too much about the felony. Google yourself and there will be sites that will tell you what your prospective employer will see if he checks you out. They want money, but in your case, it's worth it.

Texas is oil country so you have that going for you.

Good luck and welcome to this forum.

This is an intergalactic interstellar cosmic global forum so some members are in another time warp zone now. They'll come along during the night, after they wake up and we go to sleep. They may appear as cats and squirrels, or other strange types.

Don't worry, they're mostly engineers with warped senses of humor.

Thank you for all your help and advice. I had another question. The reason I would want to go for mechanical engineering is mainly because of how universal it is. It seems you can jump into many many different fields. So really me going to college for mechanical engineering would not be a waste of time because of my past legal situation? Reason being is because I rather go to UofM and stay up in Michigan. I just moved up here for a long story based on a woman lol. But if i could get my degree up here then I wouldnt mind finishing and then moving down to Texas or I dont know. Anywhere really. I am excited to know that I can get into this field and that I will not be disqualified. It helps a lot to hear that. I truly do appreciate all of yalls feedback

I think you made your own very valid point when you say how "universal" ME is. It is rare for a young person to know exactly what they want to be when they "finally" grow up. A good broad knowledge never hurts and, at least in my opinion brings more opportunities. You just have to stay the course and grow out of your "young and foolish" years.

Keep in mind that the math as well as prerequisite knowledge of other subjects required for attaining a mechanical or other engineering degree can be intimidating and may be overwhelming at times.

Hopefully you have realized this and have extended your study focus on mastering advanced mathematics and physics to the level required to be successful.

If you have not done so, I suggest that you contact several colleges and obtain their recommendations and/or requirements for prerequisite knowledge/classes.

Attempting engineering classes without having the level of knowledge required is a recipe for failure.

Do not let this hamper you from attaining your goals.

Identify where you are in each field, identify where you need to be in order to meet college requirements, and do the work to get there.

There are numerous free tutorial software programs designed to address overall knowledge as well as intense focus on any subject and many are free to students.

Don't get discouraged and do not ever be afraid to admit you are in over your head.

If you get confused ask for help from your piers and professors.

You may need one-on-one tutoring from time to time which is not unusual.

Success comes to those that stay focused on their goals and never give up.

If you hang tough, stay focused, swallow your pride, stay humble, and put in the time as well as work, your goals are attainable.

Good luck!

This post may be marked "Off Topic", but I would like to throw my 2 pesos of advice to you. You noted you have your G.E.D. and jumping right into a ME curriculum may be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are not in the "educational" mode. You also indicated you just moved to Michigan and are considering University of. If you have just moved you may be considered an "out of state" student without an established residence of one (or more) years. One good option is to investigate a local community college. Any engineering program will also involve requirements for many electives. These can be taken at a local junior college level at a pace that gets you back into the learning mode, should transfer (make sure they will) as credits in your ME program, and most junior colleges do not have the same residency requirements so you should qualify for lower tuition. A year, or two, may prep you for the more rigorous engineering classes, and allow you to establish a more permanent residence. As for the felony conviction, there are felonies and there are felonies. As someone who has hired, and fired, many people over the years, I would look at who the interviewee is now, not who he was 8 to 10 years ago. And consider the mitigating circumstances of the actions. Good luck, and welcome to the madhouse.

Thank you! Very inspiring. Yes I do regret pushing a police officer several years ago while I was drunk at a bar. Horrible mistake. But something my hard headed past went through who made me a stronger man I am today. I refuse to be labeled another felon so I definitely will take that route and talk to a lawyer. Thank you again. I will not quit thats for sure. Its funny because I always wanted to get into psychology or mechanical engineering. Two different fields completely but in some aspects its not. But unfortunately psychologist have to have a clean record. No felonies allowed. So I am happy being a mechanical engineer is still open for me.

You'd be surprised how much is really open to you. If you're looking at Mechanical Engineer as a settlement, then you might not be happy with it. Your offense is pretty minor and would be considered a low grade felony most likely. Although Mechanical Engineer covers a broad spectrum. Practically all manufacturing use them and don't care if you have a felony.

I agree that getting the record expunged is a good idea but not necessarily right now. It will probably be easier to get this expunged with more time and no other indiscretions. Let the collegiate time work for you. Explore the rules now with a lawyer. Then proceed with getting the record expunged just prior to a possible intern position during school.

can you get a felony record expunge? I don't thing so.

Being a convicted felony will close some doors for you, it's baggage one must bear for doing the crime.

I think what is more important is if there shows a habitual issues of crime. Of which, I don't think it does.

put it past you and move along, but when asked, because there are question like:

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

don't lie.

"""""This is an intergalactic interstellar cosmic global forum so some members are in another time warp zone now. They'll come along during the night, after they wake up and we go to sleep. They may appear as cats and squirrels, or other strange types.

Don't worry, they're mostly engineers with warped senses of humo""""

Lol! Hahaha. That had my laughing hard. Yeah I believe once I start up college and get things going I will remain a member here and perhaps start another thread of my success story for then next man that might run across the same question/problem I had.

"They may appear as cats and squirrels, or other strange types."

Del the Cat, Kris the Squirrel and other strange types

This guy seems to know us pretty well.

I think you need a complete change of career path. Go into law or politics. There are so many crooks in those fields you won't be noticed.

Indeed. Well said my friend. Well said.

Hear Hear...

GA AH,

If we only focus on why something may not work, we will never accomplish anything, let alone anything great. We have to put as much in our favor and then let the results speak for themselves. As Orrin Woodward says, "men and women of integrity expect to be believed, and if they're not, they let time prove them right."

It is unfortunate that the negative of the past can be there but that is natural consequence of wrong thinking and then actions taken. Maybe that is a great lesson for us all. John Maxwell says, "experience without reflection is opportunity for learning lost." That experience can be ours or someone else's.

What if it were a parking ticket? Get over it. Learn from the experience, put it to bed, and get over it. Seriously. You're too focussed on it and it's over. Ancient history. Move along. Nothing to see here.

Comprendez-vous Javert? Some of his attitudes persist here, regrettably.

A felony conviction will preclude you from some jobs. That is part of the price you must pay for doing the crime. It will not preclude you from all mechanical engineering jobs. Once you have some successful work experience behind you, some of the potential jobs you were previously blocked from may become possible.

I agree that you should not include this scarlet letter in your resume. A resume is supposed to present your best attributes. In the interview process you must be completely honest. Volunteering this information before being asked is a personal judgement call you will have to make with each interview. Being "up front" about a youthful indiscretion can be considered a good sign of your new character. It can also stop the interview process before they know anything more about you.

Good Luck and welcome to adult life.

Yes, don't volunteer the information until it is specifically asked. Which on 'standardized employment application' forms is about 3/4 of the way down the page. Tpically there is a checkbox for 'Have you been convicted of a felony? (Y/N)' and then some writing space to give details.

Phoenix 911 may be wrong, about expungement.
It depends, but it's probably doable.

• Steps to Expunge a Felony Conviction - Criminal Law
  
• Expunging a Felony Charge - ClearUpMyRecord.com
  
• How to Get a Felony Expunged | LegalMatch Law Library
  
• Expungement of Criminal Records: The Basics | Nolo.com

It's certainly worth seeing an attorney. This might be one of the few times when an attorney may be a good thing.I am still of the opinion that they are bottom feeders.
As you can see, you have a lot of support here and just these brief encounters lead me (and others I think) to you can succeed.
Good luck!

I would initially skip the attorney and go directly to the police department or better yet, the court, and ask them. They can advise you of all the details without the need for an attorney.

Dealt with a PD or the courts lately? Probably not if you think it would be easy to get a consultation with either.

First, PD is not going to talk to anybody wanting legal advice, which this is. They will tell OP to talk to a lawyer.

The courts, if you can ever get to a human may help, may not. I'm not saying that they shouldn't help, but they are not as accessible as they once were.

My advice is to check on-line for Texas law/guidelines on the subject and go from there.

As with many things, especially when you want an unbiased and correct answer, you get what you pay for. Building a bridge? Get a good engineer who specializes in bridges and pay him for those brains, not your freebie brother-in-law who saw a bridge built years ago. Same with lawyers, police, legal secretaries, court guards, social workers and others with some connections to the legal field. Get a good attorney who specializes in this segment of law, find out realistically what the situation is and pay him for the correct information. Would you go to a real estate or divorced lawyer for this information?

I would skip the police altogether. Some could be biased since they only get involved with a small segment of the system. They read the law, apply it and they are not all without fault. They do sometimes make mistakes, just ask one. Ask a good one and he/she will confirm that there are a few, more than they would like to see, that are real dumb egotistical misfits with powered sugar on their faces and hands. (I don't hate cops, just a few really bad ones. Just like bad engineers).

Courts are the worst ones to go to. "Each case is an unique one. See a lawyer and have them investigate it". "There is much more information needed to give you a good answer".

Good Luck, Old Salt

You have identified the potential problem, the first step. Ironically that is the first step of a 12-step addiction program. You have seen many suggestions on what to do from primarily engineering personnel. You have received opinions suggesting how to help yourself. Realistically though, almost all on this forum have not given complete information since we have never been in your shoes or educated and experienced in the subject. Confer with someone who has!

There are numerous local, state, federal and private resources for you. Private "employment counselors" are available but usually charge for their services: https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/consumer_find

https://www.google.com/search?rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-SearchBox&q=career+counselor&revid=1862680052&sa=X&ei=dWbCVOCLC5WTsQTaz4BQ&ved=0CHkQ1QIoAQ

State Employment Agencies, FREE! Check with your state unemployment Offices. examples:

https://www.minnesotaunemployed.com/ex-offender-resources.html

https://exoffenders.net/reentry-programs-assistance/ohio/

Other good information/resources on the subject worth the time to read:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64295/

Google employment counselor; career counselor; offenders career counseling; (your state) ex-offender counseling and similar subjects. The only limit to what is out there to help you is yourself.

Just as with Mechanical Engineering, there are plenty of resources out there intended for you. Although you apparently weren't incarcerated there are numerous things that would be beneficial to you. First is to confer with someone who knows more about the subject than a bunch of anonymous contributors to an engineering forum!

Good Luck, Old Salt

I have and gave a pretty thorough run down.

Yes, that's why I gave you the GA.

The purposes of #41 were to 1) consider the weight he can give to suggestions from technical people not intimately familiar with what he is confronted with from a first hand basis. You are and expressed it well so the GA

2) provide him with other potential sources of help, if he hadn't reached out to them yet. I do not have first hand experience with them but know several others they have helped. Maybe yes, maybe no, that it will help him.

It is good to see so many contributors united in their efforts to help this individual out of his potential predicament. Now if there were more subjects that so many agreed on and put the efforts into maybe then.....................

Good Luck, Old Salt

Thank you, Old Salt, and well said.

One thing in your favor is time without any other problems. Don't forget to build good relationships with professors, employers, and do consider adding some volunteer work to your resume. You may be able to get some good character references. Here is one more resource for you. http://www.publicrecordcenter.com/

In the workplace that will be an eyebrow raiser, of course in 5 years everyone may have the tag in the ear,. I would not worry about expungement, it will not be erased in Texas if you were arrested and convicted on that same charge...if arrested on that charge but then convicted of a lesser charge...yes the lesser charge will always be on the record, but you can get the arresting charge expunged ...CONVICTIONS ARE NOT EXPUNGED ...JUST ARREST RECORDS. Only if you can prove you were wrongly convicted. Ain't gonna happen in Texas, we have an express lane to death row here. Ugly as that sounds just keep it in mind.

Quit the worry, make sure you are prepared to defend yourself when required with a correct and short, polite to the point answer. In your interview I would never admit anything randomly, unless it makes you out to be a hero, (btw felons are less likely to be praised in our society... by most), reminder when confronted it is always best to answer specifically and correctly (unless you need a lawyer at that moment)

Personally one of the best employees I ever had work for me was an in and out TDC yes a convict. His work and ethic s for work were impeccable. When you are out searching for the job opportunity you may find some managers / owners who are less concerned about minor life blows as the employer, as I always rated a person closely on what they will do for and to the company, and then you will meet some AR types who have the set pattern of non acceptance and get out of my office, not saying they are bad, just style, by the way always say "thanks for the opportunity" .

Get your degree in a profession you like, it will be best thing you do for yourself in your short life and then pursue it like a ravenous dog... while staying out of trouble! You are currently on the road to success, by asking for help.

I think your putting the horse before the cart here. Concentrate on getting your education first. As far as which field you really dont have to decide that yet, first year college is where a lot of people make that choice, and the two majors you mention most likely have basically the same required courses. Stay away from the party crowd and concentrate on your studies. Forget about your criminal record for now, if you study and make the grades it will fade. Sure, there are some real jerks out there that will hold it against you, but for the most part if people see you dedicated to your work they will not hold it against you. And while in school refrain from talking about it because it will not be of any benefit, and will most likely attract the very people you should be avoiding. Good luck, work hard, ignore the distractions.

A felony is considered serious, and rightly so.

There was a member here that posted that had a similar problem.

I don't recall the particulars, He had a felony conviction in his younger years (fight), considering the educational background ^{(maybe he had 'the knack', who knows)} , landed a very lucrative job that had a 6 fixture income. I believe he may have brought it up to his boss or hiring personnel during the hiring.

He was there for a very short time, upper management had reviews and they discovered the felony, and was terminated immediately. Members here were fairly compassionate about him, he felt that he was mistreated and played down the incident that he received the felony conviction just like yourself. He went on and blamed the lawyer, the judge, the courts, because the judge didn't follow his plea agreement.

I can't be compassionate and say it'll be alright, it's not going to be. The reality is, this is your past, And as other before mentioned, it will be baggage. Along with what the others said, your best is to put it behind you, but when confronted, be truthful., and if you showed a history of being a good guy that just made a bad mistake in his youth. Go from there.

Now if you were wrongly convicted, that's another issue, but what you stated, that isn't the case.

This is (purportedly) and engineering site, so take any (free) legal advice with a huge grain of salt.

The advice given here is free, so take that with a grain of salt also. Trust but verify.

Majority of the people posted on your questions are some of the better regulars here, so in general you have gotten fairly decent advice.

Given the big downturn in oil prices and the politics behind this downturn in prices would make me very leery of short term hiring of petroleum engineers. It appears the current oil boom my be in for a bust right now. I would advise sticking with mechanical engineering, lots of variety in career options.

Also, most hiring firms are interested in what you can (and are) doing now. You don't get to rest on your laurels, what can you do for us today. Keep positive and keep a clean nose, you should turn out OK.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You will most likely have to eventually explain this charge to the Board of Professional Engineers as you pursue your license but don't let that keep you from pursuing a degree and a job in the engineering field. Read on:

I knew an engineer who, after attaining his Engineer in Training (EIT) License, was contacted by the Board of Professional Engineers to explain a charge of intoxication while driving (don't remember if it was a DUI or DWI). This came up when he applied to take the PE exam and may have been something he was required to inform them about as part of the process. After presenting his situation to the Board and assuring them that this would never happen again, he was allowed to retain his EIT license and continue pursuing his professional engineering license.

I'm not sure if the Board has a "Statute of Limitations" based on when the offense occurred. This is something you may want to check on though, in regards to your situation to see what you may have to eventually deal with down the road. I wouldn't say it's any kind of deal breaker but you will probably have to explain what happened and that it was a mistake, you've learned from this and grown up and this will never happen again. You may end up getting probation for a period of time??

Below are links to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers Meeting Minutes and Disciplinary Actions that you can review for your reference. They are all available online so the information can be viewed by the public. From the looks of the Meeting Minutes and others I have read in the past, you are not alone in having made a mistake in life that you have learned from and don't plan to repeat. Others listed in the Meeting Minutes have "Criminal Incidents" on their records. They obviously found employment in engineering fields and were allowed to pursue their PE License.

http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/minutes/021313_lic.pdf

https://engineers.texas.gov/disciplinary.htm

Good luck!

Good Point.

I've been Cub Scout Master.

It takes courage for you to step forward, and ask for our help! This sort of courage must be rewarded...and if you remain diligent in your efforts, that will reward you far beyond what any of us could ever hand you.

Look up the Texas Ranger motto, and see how that may apply to you someday. It does not just work for Rangers, but for any citizen who with pure intent wants to make a impactful contribution to the society of which he is a part.

You have been offered some really sound advice by many of our posters who apparently have been touched by your courage, and your outreach. Here is our outreach, and a blessing! Go forth, and do good work, as the rewards outweigh the "rewards".

I have to agree, it also takes not so much courage, as will to ask for honest replies.

as opposed posting to just asking for soft answers, allies or sympathy.

he handled criticism well.

This is a very enlightening thread. I know almost everyone would check their credit report before applying for a new home loan. In today's age, with rampant identity theft, and frequent misreporting, it seems wise for anyone looking for work to perform some background checks on themselves. It's great to see everyone working together here!

I have harassed a lot of public servants. I can not imagine that the matter was a felony unless it rose to personal threats to person, property, family, etc. or some degree of battery, etc. The matter will arise should you decide to seek PE licensure. I would take a trip up to Austin to discuss the matter with the PE folks and their attorney. Take along the full file on the matter. Have you had your voting rights reinstated?

Further than that about voting, have you had your firearm rights restored? Read the entire Texas code on that matter, as it is not an impossibility. If you have had full restoration of rights, then you stand in a much better position with respect to your future as a bright example of a life not wasted.

You have the best wishes from everyone here. Good luck in your studies, too.

I have a Masters of Mechanical Engineering and I have been in trouble a lot in my life with the law. I have a felony and other misdemeanors. I have interviewed for many positions and it all goes good and then the background check. I have been very close to giving up on being an engineer, because no one will even give me a chance. I am going to continue to apply at small companies in the hopes that someone will let me prove myself.

As with the original poster, be honest about anything you are asked, but be discreet or silent about unasked material. If you read back through this whole thread, you can find good ideas and encouragement.

My take is this: There are some employment situations where law is written that blocks hiring a felon (even though he/she is completely rehabilitated) into these positions, usually some form of government job, although I seem to recall that felons are not even supposed to be working in packing houses (silly thought).

Employers should look at hiring a felon (that is trying to walk in the light), the same way as they would a animal shelter dog. The dog will be the best dog you ever "hired".

The felon might also be the most grateful of employees. They might be the best of citizens, since they know what losing their rights is all about, and getting them back is an uphill battle.

Advice to the felons out there seeking employment: (1) no employment is beneath you, and each task is there to teach you something new. (2) wake up every day and thank your lucky stars you are no longer under the shadow of the sword, but have each sunrise and each sunset to look forward to. Whatever your hand finds to do, that is honest, and causes no harm to any other, do that work with all your might, all your energy, and all your strength, because time waits for no man, and we all must give an account to our maker some day, how we utilized the time we had on earth for our betterment (not necessarily enrichment of money), but for the betterment of all those around us. It is strictly about the people around us all, not about us in the middle of the others.