Students with a Criminal Record

UNT STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES

UNT Student Legal Services provides students with legal advice, assistance, representation and education so students can focus on their education and stay in school despite any legal obstacles. The office can write letters, draft legal documents, represent students, or otherwise attempt to resolve legal problems. While general advice may be available, the office does not represent students in criminal matters (including traffic tickets). The services are free to enrolled students. To schedule an appointment with an attorney, contact the office at 940.565.2614.

In this presentation, Nondisclosure and Expunction, two attorneys from UNT Student Legal Services provide information on the difference between nondisclosure and expunction and outline the process for the state of Texas.

UNT STUDENT ORGANIZATION - SONG

Would you like to get involved and learn more about students with justice system involvement? Check out the UNT student organization, Second Opportunity Networking Group (S.O.N.G.) on OrgSync, and watch the video below.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT ARTICLES

• Job Hunting With A Criminal Background | Monster.com
• Can You Get a Job With a Criminal Record? | Indeed.com
• A Comprehensive Guide to Background Checks | Indeed.com
• Q&A: What’s Included in an Employment Background Check? | Indeed.com
• Background-Checks.pdf (justiceandopportunity.org)
• How to Address Your Criminal History During a Job Search | LiveCareer
• Financial Education and Resources for Persons with Justice Histories | MoneyGeek.com

PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

• CareerOneStop provides job search assistance for persons with a criminal record.
• The Texas State Law Library offers reentry information for persons with a criminal record related to employment.
• The Texas Workforce Commission provides a fidelity bonding service that can assist persons with a criminal record with getting and keeping a job.
• The Pre-Employment Inquiries and Arrest & Conviction | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explains what an employer can and cannot do based on arrest and conviction records.
• Learn about the impact of the Criminal History Check of Employees | Texas Health and Human Services and specific occupations.
•  The Workforce Development – City of Dallas FreshStart Employment Program is aimed at ensuring that current, unemployed, underemployed, seasonally employed and temporarily employed individuals with criminal backgrounds, have the opportunity to obtain full-time employment within the City of Dallas and receive the support needed to maintain and thrive in the workforce.

TAKE CHARGE: GET THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING YOU NEED

Take Charge of Your Future: Get the Education and Training You Need is a guide developed by the U.S. Department of Education for people who are incarcerated and for those on community supervision (probation and parole) to help them get started, or continue, on the path to further education and training.

REENTRY SERVICES DIRECTORY

The Reentry Services Directory was developed by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) to help individuals who have been incarcerated, and their families, find local reentry services. The NRRC has compiled a list of organizations and service providers that can address different reentry needs, including housing, employment, and family reunification.

REENTRY MYTH BUSTERS

The Federal Interagency Reentry Council released a series of Reentry MythBusters, or fact sheets, clarifying existing federal policies that affect formerly incarcerated individuals in areas such as financial aid, public housing, employment, parental rights, Medicaid suspension/termination, voting rights and more. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR CAREER COACH

Career path exploration, resume reviews, identifying transferable skills, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, networking, and practice interviews are just a few of the services offered to UNT students and alumni free of charge! Check out Schedule an Appointment to meet with your Career Coach or Internship Specialist.