Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Tennessee

discrimination against ex-felons

Is there any law that protects ex-felons (not on parole or probation)from discrimination from employers.Because im having a hard time getting a job and most employers come right out and tell me they wont hire me because im an ex-felon(my felonies are grand theft auto,and escape which is 10 years old)i feel like im being discriminaged against,and the embarrasement and humility i endure is unbareing.This is something i did as a kid(18)i recieved 18months but did altogether 2 years,but am finding out that the 18 months in prison is a life sentence for a non-violent,non-sexual-drug liquer free crime,and no guns were involved.


Asked on 3/19/03, 10:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: discrimination against ex-felons

Unfortunately there is no law that protects ex-felons. The law presumes that many employers will not want to hire ex-felons precisely because they are thought to be less trustworthy and less reliable than people who do not commit such crimes.

I understand your being upset by this. You made a mistake as a youth, and now many years later you are still paying the price for this error. Perhaps the best path for you is to get into a field where you do not need an "employer." You should consider becoming a private contractor. You could clean carpets, work as a mechanic, or do other things independent of an employer and make a reasonable living.

I certainly empathize with your plight. I also wish you the best.

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Answered on 3/19/03, 11:29 am


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