Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Nebraska

Re: Rights as a felon

In Nebraska, convicted felons lose certain civil rights, unless a pardon has been issued restoring you to your civil rights.

Felons may not vote or hold most elected offices, serve on juries, possess firearms, be licenesed for certain professions [this varies by profession] hold certain other licenses from the state etc.

There is no law which prohibits employers from hiring ex-felons, and neither is there one that forces an employer to hire an ex-felon. Obviously, if a job requires that you have a license that the state won't or can't give you, the employer won't hire you. If the job requires that you be bonded, you probably won't be able to get a bond, and again won't get hired.

The good news is that there are far more people out there that have a criminal record than you might think, and most have jobs. I suggest being upfront with the employer at an interview, and have all the information ready about your case. If you have only one felony, and if you can show you have addressed whatever problem led you into committing it, your odds of getting someone to give you a second chance are much better. Don't focus on the details of the case, and don't make excuses, just own up to the facts and concentrate on what you've done right since.

Good luck.