Denied By Henderson And Prime

Hey guys, quick introduction:

I'm 23, recently unemployed due to legal matters and not liking the retail positions I've had in the last 5 years. I've decided on a career change while my legal troubles calm; I have 2 misdemeanors on record with a pending felony that's expected to be dismissed around April.. I've worked with a Traveling Veterinary company out of Lexington SC, GA, NC and have always enjoyed the travel time so I got my CDL Permit.

My problem now is that I've been denied by both Henderson and Prime's trucking schools and am having to fall back into finding a local school, Sage or XtraMile. I'm invited to an orientation this Thursday but have been told; of course they can't guarantee employment upon completion.

I'm close to pulling my hair out because when it rains, it pours... I'm running out of things to pawn for my car payment :(

Do you guys have any advice for those looking to break-in to the industry with a criminal background, are there any companies willing to take the risk on someone young, hopeful, with prior work history?

Ok, try applying AFTER your case is dismissed. Make sure it's not showing up first. Many companies will not hire felons, but if they do, they require it to be x amount of years AFTER the felony conviction.

Search on here for Companies that hire felons to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

There's a bit of urgency to the situation, so, I'm not trying to rush through things but if something goes awry in court it'd look better on me if have some proof that I haven't just been sitting on my ass doing nothing-- idle hands isn't something I'm used to.

I've heard about the wait time for convicts but I'm being upfront with wherever I apply, bringing in my background report to places I can walk in and such...

You are NOT going to get a hire, with a pending felony - from pretty much ANYONE (even those that are more lenient on PRIOR felony history).

And with no "guarantee of employment", at a local non-company school - you are liking going to be putting yourself into debt for school - with no real expectation of whether or not you are actually going to be able to GET A TRUCKING POSITION after you finish.

As Sue suggested - you are likely better off waiting until the final disposition of your current charges, before you make any decisions about switching careers.

I understand you're in somewhat dire financial straits at the moment, and trucking seems like an "easy in" for employment. But it's not THAT EASY.

Your current "legal matters" are going to have to be CLEARED UP FIRST - before you make any moves into this industry (and that's without even considering any other prior criminal history and driving record).

Sorry...

Rick

I realize it's urgent but I can't imagine company being willing to accept you with a felony hanging over your head. After it's dismissed they may give you a chance. Honestly, private schools won't hesitate to take your money, but that doesn't mean you will find a job.

I'm sure this isn't what you want to hear. I'm so sorry. What I recommend is that you get a regular job asap, until this all clears. After it's dismissed, then try company sponsored schools. I did notice on the list, that Stevens appears to be more willing to work with people. Also realize that any misdemeanors, depending on when you were charged and for what, could also play a part.

I'm not going to ask you what the pending felony is for, but if you wish to share that, nobody here will judge you and it might allow more experienced drivers to offer better advice.

I wish you luck.

No worries guy, your comments are just solidifying things I've read other places. I've got no problem elaborating since it's something I have to say anyway;

My felony charge doesn't do anything but add fuel to the fire that my character clearly can't speak for itself--Felony Possession of a Stolen Veh, stems from a misunderstanding with my boss who didn't realize I was doing my independent marketing work. I had keys and work materials, but, that's for the court to determine. My misdemeanor charges are in connection, Trespassing and Petty Larceny.

Not good, I know...

The career change into trucking wasn't just a whim though, my dad and uncles have all been OTR at some point and reassured me that this would be a good fit for me--personally. I do thank you guys and this forum/site for all the information...

Back to the drawing board, eh?

Just keep trying. My best friends step father is currently driving OTR and was released in 2015 for trafficking charges. Like every one said a pending charge usually means you can't leave the county. Which means your a risk. I've been denied multiple opportunities with company sponsored training. Honestly all but FFE I don't apply to them because I still would need my CDL in my state. Local gigs are your best bet the instructor at the school I'm going to attend told me 20% of her students are felons. Keep you chin up, and remember everyone has there own problems.

No worries guy, your comments are just solidifying things I've read other places. I've got no problem elaborating since it's something I have to say anyway;

My felony charge doesn't do anything but add fuel to the fire that my character clearly can't speak for itself--Felony Possession of a Stolen Veh, stems from a misunderstanding with my boss who didn't realize I was doing my independent marketing work. I had keys and work materials, but, that's for the court to determine. My misdemeanor charges are in connection, Trespassing and Petty Larceny.

Not good, I know...

The career change into trucking wasn't just a whim though, my dad and uncles have all been OTR at some point and reassured me that this would be a good fit for me--personally. I do thank you guys and this forum/site for all the information...

Back to the drawing board, eh?

Now - not judging here, but.

"Misunderstanding" - indicates that the "ex boss" still believes that you stole his car, otherwise, the charges would have already been dropped.

So this becomes a "he said/he said" type of case. And hopefully, it all works out for you.

Pending felonies will create travel restrictions (aside from the judgement/morals indications of the charges themselves), as will felony probation (if you make a deal or get found guilty). Now, I'm not a lawyer - but - if it's "up to the court to decide", then they go by the technical letter of the law. If the boss can prove you didn't have his permission to have the property in question and you can't prove otherwise.

The misdemeanor charges are possible an issue - depending on age and circumstances (theft).

Not saying you CAN'T get into a trucking career - just not right this second with a pending charge. Nature of the charge itself (trucking companies may not want to hire a car thief), and the fact that, if found guilty, you could end up - locked up.

Deal with the charge - and start looking again.

Hope everything works out for you.

Rick