Do people realise how tough it is for ex-prisoners?

I got 2 years in prison and served a year and am out on license. I still have to go to my probation officer but it's hard to get things back to normal. I went to an interview for a job but when they found out hat I'd been in prison I was turned down. I live in a tiny flat where there are mainly immigrants. I keep on getting stopped and searched by the police where I live and feel that everybody is against me. Sometimes it feels like there is no pint trying to do the right thing.Do people realise how tough it is for ex-prisoners?
When a person is convicted of a crime, they are given a punishment. Say, in your case, you assault someone, and you are given two years in jail. That's it. When you were convicted, they didn't say ';Two years in jail, plus years of never being able to find a job and being shunned by society';. The way I see it, you served your time. You should not be punished further. You should have the same opportunities to work and live as you please as any other citizen.





It's no surprise that so many past criminals re-offend. It can't be easy, being treated like a second class citizen for something you already payed the price for.Do people realise how tough it is for ex-prisoners?
Only people that have been through the system gets the whole concept of the law. Doing time in jail or prison is just the tip of the iceberg. The person's family is punished just as much as the violator - but we hear little about that. I know of a family where the dad was arrested for DUI. His BAC was .081. He was convicted - did little jail time (48 hours) - but lost his drivers license for 1-year. His wife was disabled, and the two had a middle school aged child. He lost his job because the job required a valid license. He was unable to get another job (because of the economy) for about 6 months. He could not get unemployment - because he was let go (fired). They lost their house, and the only car that they had. He could not pay his fines and court costs - which placed another suspension on his license. When he went to work - he lied about his operators (to get the job) and was later arrested for driving suspended for DUI - which has a mandatory sentence of 6 months in my state. He was convicted and sent to jail - and during this time his wife divorced him (mostly so that she could get public assistance). Where is the justice? Something as simple as a work permit to drive would have greatly helped this man - but we are too tied up in punishment to see the big picture. This is only one example of many - but what people do not understand when they are convicted of a crime - is the effect it has on everybody in their lives. I do not fault the justice system for you committing a crime - but if we are trying to reabilitate people - then we are failing badly. Hang in there. You are not the first (nor the last) to face hard times.
I understand. But it doesn't mean there is no point trying to do the right thing. Once you can prove you can get a job, everyone wil look at your differently, maybe as an icon of the prison guy who can actually stay away from crime. Aren't there laws in America about discrimination against people who have or had been prisoners? That sucks. **** tha police lol
I expect that you are already in touch with Nacro. They should be able to help you sort out a job. http://www.nacro.org.uk/


There may be something useful on this website too. On the other hand, it may be simply wishful thinking and hot air.


http://www.equal.ecotec.co.uk/ezineasset鈥?/a>
I guess you are looking for sympathy.





Sorry, none here pal. You are a violent yob, you got let out early and imo should not have been. You also got a light sentence for GBH.





There is loads of help out there for criminals, a damn sight more than there is for the law abiding.
Oh my God, I can't stop crying !
Cry me a river. You chose to offend, you got caught, sucks to be you.





Nobody owes you anything. Even if you weren't a convicted felon, nobody would owe you anything. Why should you get special teatment? The bleeding hearts posting about this should all find you a job and place to live that isn't around the immigrants. Perhaps one of them could be your girlfriend too?





Life is full of choices. You made a bad one. You deal with it.
I understand. Prisoners get a really hard time. You often hear statistics that the majority of people who go to prison re-offend once released. I'm not surprised, if one comes out of prison, and tries to get their life back on track it can be very difficult (especially with finding a job). Eventually out of desperation people turn back to crime to get money or because they simply don't know any other way of life.





If you are serious about wanting to get your life back on track then you need to keep at it. I presume you have a probation officer - why not speak with them and ask for some contacts of where you can go to get advice about life after prison - there are charitable/community organisation who deal with this sort of thing. Go to your local job centre as well and speak with an adviser there who should be able to help you get a job or retrain. There are companies who will take on ex offenders - it is just knowing where to look.





Unfortunately you are going to get stigmatised, but if you really want to get your life back, you need to rise above it and use the rejection to fuel your fight more. I understand it can be difficult but you just need to keep at - think when you do get a job, a nice house, etc, the sense of pride you will feel when you've 'proved them all wrong', that you can turn your life round.
can i ask what you what went to prison for?