Let's Talk About It
Felony in Texas, what does that mean for you?
By Yvette Tello · Apr 30, 2026
Read in the original edition on IssuuIn Texas, having a felony on your record can feel like wearing a permanent label, one that follows you everywhere you go. For many, it doesn’t matter how much time has passed, how much you’ve changed, or how hard you’re trying to do better. The system isn’t built to make it easy to move forward. Finding a job becomes one of the biggest challenges. Many employers won’t even consider an application once they see a conviction.
Others may offer work, but often at low wages with long hours and little opportunity for growth. It can be discouraging, exhausting, and at times, and for some, feel hopeless. So what happens to people who are trying to do the right thing? To those who want to work, provide for their families, and contribute to their communities? Events like the 2nd Chance Job Fair, led by Tommy Calvert, create space, if only for one day, where judgment is set aside and opportunity is offered.
But one day out of the year raises an important question…Is that enough? If we truly believe in redemption, should someone’s worst mistake define the rest of their life? Or should there be more pathways to rebuild, to restore dignity, and to earn a second chance?Do you believe people deserve a second chance after serving their time? Would you hire someone with a felony record? Why or why not? What changes should be made to help people re-enter the workforce successfully?
Let’s talk about it…
Let's talk about it: what our community said
Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.
“Or run for POTUS”
Joseph Martinez
“I am a convicted felon of over 28yrs. I used to think that no one would hire me because of it. I found out that I was shooting myself down even before I applied for the job. It wasn't just society looking down on me but I kept carrying that cross everywhere I went. So I didn't bother applying at many locations that were hiring. Come to find out that the type of felony you have makes the difference. I have burglary charges. So getting a job in retail or like at a Dollar Tree was impossible. Then I applied at the State Hospital to work in the kitchen. I got the job regardless of my felony. Had I had an assault or abuse case. Then I would not have been hired. The thing is that the State Hospital job was literally a Federal Government job with good benefits, pay and overtime. Here I was thinking that because I was a felon. I couldn't get a good job. That's just not 100% true. Not to mention that I had that job over 20yrs ago at a time when it seemed much harder for a convicted felon to get a job. Things have changed and thank God for it. A convicted felon can get a good job. It may require a change in the type of job you apply for but it's not impossible. Before worrying if society is holding you back. Ask yourself "Am I holding myself back"? It's not about the job you want. It's about the job you need. So try something different but more importantly. Stop shooting yourself down before you even try. Obviously I am a firm believer that felons who have served their time and have paid their debt to society and who have made a conscious effort to turn themselves around do deserve that opportunity.”
Jeff Hull
“I mean people can read and do course work in prison to make higher education so it can be easier once they get out. This should be a normalized thing.”
Stevie Lane Martin
“Hospital administrators are guilty of far worse most of the time”
Mindy Jones
“As a parent of a 3 time felon this gives me hope. Praying he turns a corner and makes better decisions”
Mary Czech
“I can't be a pharmacy technician with a misdemeanor theft Cindy Barrand; “I think they are more worried about the assault charges”
Jen Maday Hull
“Depends on the type of felony and how old they “”
Robert Thompson
“Forgiveness and redemption”
Joe Beattie
“Where are these jobs at? Felon here asking”
Calvin Peake
“I love to see someone change their life around by putting in the work and bettering themselves.”
Rose Goods
“Slow money iIs Better than no money. Being true to yourself will manifest Great Things”
David Coleman
“I'm a super felon and make $20 an hour. Been on the news and everything”
Brandon Howard
“People Coming Out Of Prison Are Getting Better Jobs”
Freddie L Williams
“So my brother has felonies; bail jumping and discharge of a firearm when he was 16 but he didn’t actually do anything. He just did not tell the people. He has been off parole since 2021. Would he be eligible or is he pretty screwed for life?”
Jaime Zamora
“Not if your felony was committed with a firearm”
Henny Lee
“After the president Is a 34x felony everyone should be able to get a job”
Janice Calim
“I think the federal government in Congress needs to change the law for anyone with a federal felony who has done their time, especially if it’s nonviolent who has successfully done their time successfully done their probation and has been a productive citizen. They should get their rights back. No one is perfect. Everybody makes mistakes, but you should never be punished for the rest of your life, especially if it’s a nonviolent offense. They need to change the felony laws”
Dean Sun