I need to know if there are any options for me. A friend said I could get insured and the companies I apply at would not worry about my conviction because if I steal anything they can sue me. Then the insurance pays them. Is there any truth to this? I have a copper theft conviction. I need to get back to work. What can I do?
Felony Copper Theft
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Say 10 Hail Mary's, 12 Act of Contritions, 9 Our Father's and wear a sign over your neck that says "Copper Thief" for 1 week in front of a porno theater. And your record should be wiped clean... at least that's what I was told.
I am not sure that will satisfy an owner. If the owner works big jobs and is not involved with individuals in their homes he/she may be comfortable with you as long as someone else is around.
Personally I would have a problem with someone working for me with a theft conviction because I work in homes and will not take that risk. Good luck-- times are bad so it won't be easy. You have to show you really want to work and not just for the money.
You can try explaining your situation and tell them you are willing to work for less to give you time to prove yourself.
I usually do Industrial work. 20-30 electricians at a power plant or oil refinery. Not in residential homes. So hopefully it will work out. You know how to go about getting insured or bonded?
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A felony of any kind is gonna mean trouble for your job hunting. Let alone a felony for copper theft. I woul abandon any hopes of doing electrical work. Personally, I would not let you anywhere near a job of mine. Scumbags like the op make it hard on honest people everywhere.
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Not sure if I'd necessarily call the OP a scumbag, but I wouldn't hire him either. If he stole copper, which he seems to admit, he pretty much got what he deserves... blacklisted from the electrical trade. Even if I was pretty sure he wouldn't steal from me, the mere fact that he has a felony conviction shows, to me, a fundamental character flaw and flawed decision making capabilities.
Best of luck. You're gonna need it. It's hard enough for a trustworthy guy to find a job now. A job for a thief should, rightly, be VERY hard to find.
You are in dire straits with your history. Best I can say is to apply in person to any prospective employer...lay it on the line about your past. Tell them how stupid you feel about it. If you ARE a qualified electrician, tell them what you know and hope for the best. Also, it does not hurt to pray...you'll need it, as we all do.
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A felony on your record might not hurt you that much, everything is a felony anymore.
A theft conviction definately will. People do sometimes change but you are going to have to prove yourself.
I agree with Dennis, construction is going to be your only hope. I don't think you will find anyone doing service work that is willing to risk his company's reputation on you when there are plenty of guys looking for work that have clean records.
Think of it like this, I hire a company to do work for me. One of the guys steals from me. Even if his insurance pays me for what he stole, I will never use that company again and I will be sure to tell everyone I know what a scumbag company it is.
I can't imagine anyone in thier right mind willing to risk that.
A theft conviction definately will. People do sometimes change but you are going to have to prove yourself.
I agree with Dennis, construction is going to be your only hope. I don't think you will find anyone doing service work that is willing to risk his company's reputation on you when there are plenty of guys looking for work that have clean records.
Think of it like this, I hire a company to do work for me. One of the guys steals from me. Even if his insurance pays me for what he stole, I will never use that company again and I will be sure to tell everyone I know what a scumbag company it is.
I can't imagine anyone in thier right mind willing to risk that.
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I agree......Once you make that decision to do something like that whats to stop you again,.......? all you need is the right situation.
I personally work in some really nice homes and many times im in there when the Homeowners are away....I dont even so much as venture into areas that I dont belong in.....I even tell my helpers not to stare at their stuff like they are casing the home...The hardest thing about keeping customers as regulars is letting them trust you. Once you get that the rest is easy....You already have a strike against you so I wouldnt want to bring that to my little company...
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Homeowners are probably the toughest but even commercial and industrial customers have to trust you. A lot of places will do a background check before they let you in the door.
Thats the thing about trust, It can take along time to get it but a split second to lose it.
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Well, that'll learn ya. Probably not. Once a thief....
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I hate to say this but u got issues... If your in a union depending how much you stole.. You might get tossed out .....also if an insurance company has to pay out for. The loss... Again depending the dollar they pay out..... They can sue you for the money and lock you up...get a good lawyer....its gonna come down to the dollar amount of what you took..... If they can prove you did... .
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You avoided my question of WHY you stole copper...
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You are screwed. I wouldnt hire you. There are plenty of much better electricians looking for work, and they will get the job way before you do.
Why is it so hard to be an honest person.....
~Matt
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