Ouisa Davis

Guest columnist

We say we believe in second chances; that a person who has committed a crime and served their sentence has paid their debt to society.

We say we believe in a criminal-justice system that not only punishes but also rehabilitates.

We say we welcome ex-offenders back into our communities after they have completed their sentences. But for most ex-offenders, there is little hope of rejoining society.

In Texas, more and more employers refuse to consider hiring a person convicted of a criminal offense. In Texas, 2,300 crimes are classified as felonies, although in other states they are misdemeanor offenses.

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Consider this scenario: A 40-year old man worked in the construction industry since he was 18. He was arrested for drunk driving at 20, granted deferred adjudication and, after completing a year of probation, the charges were dismissed. He had difficulty obtaining a job but eventually was hired. He had an impeccable work history and was a model employee. He married and started a family. Five years and two children later, his marriage ended. The company he worked for closed a few months later.

The DWI made it difficult for him to find work. He applied for any job he could find with no success. Falling into depression, he began to drink with his friends one night. He drove himself three blocks home but was stopped by police in front of his house. No one was hurt; he cooperated with police. His blood-alcohol test registered right above the legal limit. He was prosecuted for a second DWI. He took responsibility, pleaded guilty and served five years of probation successfully.

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He no longer drinks. He learned his lesson. He was a model probationer. But 10 years later, he still can’t get a steady job and can’t pay his child support. Employers are hesitant to hire a person with a criminal record.



And so it is for many low-level offenders. This is the most common story of the ex-offender. They have paid their “debt to society” and can’t seem to get back on track. No one will give them a chance to “turn over a new leaf” and move on.



The situation is worse for those who have served time in the prison system for more serious offenses, usually committed between the ages 19 and 25. And, in Texas, more low-level offenses merit jail time than in other U.S. states.



Texas ex-offenders convicted of relatively minor criminal acts pay the ultimate price, the inability to obtain employment. Employment agencies cannot find enough employers who will hire ex-offenders.



The potential consequences for the unemployed ex-offender are dire. Not only is there a higher risk of re-offending, there are injuries to the psyche that create a toll on all the foundational relationships of a human being. It is through our ability to earn a just wage in a meaningful way that a person engages in our society. It is through our ability to meet our financial needs and the needs of those we love that we fulfill our desire to be healthy human beings and responsible citizens.

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For the ex-offender, there is a need to redefine worth, to regain trust, to rebuild the relationships, to begin the process of reintegration into society. There is a need to establish independence and express ourselves through the work we do. The ability to earn a living is a critical component of any possibility of successful reintegration.



Unfortunately, many employers tend to classify all ex-offenders as a risk and, therefore, choose not to hire any. They won’t even interview them. However, it is important to remember that not all criminal acts are equal.



If we really believe in rehabilitation, let’s offer these people the chance to move on with their lives. Otherwise, we should drop the mask and just admit that once tainted, a person is forever soiled.

Ouisa D. Davis is an attorney at law in El Paso. She may be reached at Ouisadavis@yahoo.com.