Theoretically, federal law allows persons convicted of felonies in a federal US Courts to apply to have their record expunged. However, the US Congress has refused to fund the federal agency mandated with handling the applications of convicted felons to have their record expunged. This means that, in practice, federal felons cannot have their records expunged.
I believe to get a felony wiped off their records, you have to ask for a pardon from the Governor of the State in which the Felony occurred.
Most IT jobs out there do background checks. Computer technology is one of those fields in which the individual is entrusted with information that is crucial to the business, therefore most computer related, technology based Companys do background checks and they will not, for fear of hurting the company, hire a convicted felon, which is usually clearly stated in their hiring guidlines.
Regarding applications:
You must be truthful. If you lie, you risk losing your jobnot because of your record, but because you lied about it. For example, dont volunteer information about a misdemeanor if youre only asked about felonies.
Employers or potential employers can get information about your criminal record from a credit report, the state police and/or from a record check on a national level. In most cases, the employer must first get your permission in writing. In general, the employer can find out about:
Arrests during the last seven years, and
Any convictions (no matter when it occurred).
You will be automatically disqualified from getting the following jobs and/or licenses:
Private detective and private security personnel: You will be denied a private detectives license if you have been convicted of a felony; if in the prior 7 years you have been convicted of illegal narcotics possession, criminally negligent homicide, 3rd degree assault, 2nd degree threatening, 1st degree reckless endangerment, 2nd degree unlawful restraint, 1st or 2nd degree riot, inciting to riot, or 2nd degree stalking; if you have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude; or if you have been discharged from military service under conditions that demonstrate questionable moral character. You cannot work for a licensed private detective, guard, or security officer if you have been convicted of a felony, any sexual offense, any crime that would question your honesty and integrity, or if you have been denied a private detectives license.
Bail enforcement agent or bail bond agent: You will be denied a license to work as a bail enforcement or bail bond agent if you have been convicted of a felony, illegal narcotics possession, criminally negligent homicide, 3rd degree assault, 2nd degree threatening, 1st degree reckless endangerment, 2nd degree unlawful restraint, 2nd degree failure to appear, 1st or 2nd degree riot, inciting to riot, or 2nd degree stalking.
Taxi driver, livery driver, or bus driver: To get a commercial drivers license (CDL) to transport passengers, to drive a taxi, livery cab, activity vehicle, school or public bus or van, you must provide evidence that you have no criminal record and that you have not been convicted of driving under the influence within five years of the date of your application. You may also be denied a CDL if you have been convicted of certain driving violations (usually involving drugs, alcohol, felonies, and serious traffic violations), even if it occurred while you were driving your own personal vehicle.
Firearms sales: You cannot be hired to sell firearms in a retail store if you have been convicted of a felony, illegal narcotics possession, criminally negligent homicide, 3rd degree assault, 2nd degree threatening, 1st degree reckless endangerment, 2nd degree unlawful restraint, 1st or 2nd degree riot, inciting to riot, or 2nd degree stalking. You may work in another department in the store, as long as the store does not mainly sell firearms.
Pawnbroker: You cannot get a license to be a pawnbroker if you have been convicted of any felony. Your fingerprints will be taken and a criminal background check done when you apply for such a license.
Jewelry sales: You cannot get a license to have a business that buys gold, silver, platinum, watches, precious stones, or coins if you have been convicted of a felony. Your fingerprints will be taken and a criminal background check will be done when you apply.
Airport personnel: You cannot work as a security screener or in other airport jobs with direct access to airplanes and secure airport areas if in the prior 10 years you were convicted of (or found not guilty by reason of insanity) certain crimes involving aircraft and/or navigation; murder; assault with intent to murder; espionage; sedition; treason; rape; kidnapping; unlawful possession, sale, distribution or manufacture of an explosive or weapon; extortion; armed or felony unarmed robbery; distribution of, or intent to distribute, a controlled substance; a felony involving a threat; a felony involving willful destruction of property; importation or manufacture of a controlled substance; burglary; theft; dishonesty; fraud; or misrepresentation; possession or distribution of stolen property; aggravated assault; bribery; illegal possession of a controlled substance (if punishable by more than 1 year); any felony involving placing contraband on an aircraft for money; or conspiracy to commit any of the crimes mentioned above.
Armored car crew members: You cannot work as an armored car crew member if you were convicted of any crime that would disqualify you from getting a firearm license or permit.
Employee benefit plans: You cannot work in any job involving employee benefit plans for 13 years after conviction or end of imprisonment for offenses including robbery, embezzlement, bribery, extortion, fraud, grand larceny, burglary, arson, felonies involving controlled substances, murder, rape, kidnapping, perjury and others unless a court specifically orders otherwise.
Unlicensed home child care provider: You cannot receive payment from the state for providing unlicensed child care if you have been convicted of any crime involving sexual assault of a minor or serious physical injury to a minor. The state will not pay you for providing child care if you have been convicted of a felony involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person; cruelty to persons; injury or risk of injury to or impairing morals of children; abandonment of child under 6; any felony where the victim is under 18; any sexual assault. A check of the state child abuse registry is also required and payment will be denied if there is a substantiated report of child abuse.
