Is my life over before it begins?

Your whole life changes when you've been convicted of a felony.

I've had so many felony convictions - both as a juvenile and after I turned 18 - I've lost count.

Depending on the state you live in, a convicted felon:

· Can't join the armed forces.
· Can't vote.
· Can't own a gun.
· Can't own a passport [if you're on parole or probation]
· Can't hold a public office
· Can't teach in schools
· Can't work in any government office
· Can't hold any professional license (to be an electrician, plumber, etc...)

Most job applications ask if you've been convicted of a felony. I've heard of people in their 40s who were arrested in their teens who still have are having trouble getting jobs.

So, is my life over even before it starts?

Am I still a U.S. citizen?

Where will I work?

How can I ever get married and support a family?

These are things I think about every day. There's plenty of time here to think about them.