I'm in a similar boat as you although not quite as far removed from the conviction/s. It can be very tough at times, because my record is going to follow me for

I'm in a similar boat as you although not quite as far removed from the conviction/s. It can be very tough at times, because my record is going to follow me for the rest of my life. I've changed completely and lived on the right side of the law for years but I continue to lose work from time to time due to my record. In general, I don't bring it up to people but when I'm questioned about it, I always answer honestly. I can be trusted. A some of my friends have laughed at one time or another about stealing supplies from their company or how much they slack off. I will probably always be a better employee then them and they will probably always have a lot easier time finding jobs. I was lucky enough to have my felony expunged and the rest of the incidents don't look good but are far easier to explain. I'd look into getting your felony expunged, here's some new info you may not have seen: Gay v. Ariail (http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/opinions/displayOpinion.cfm?caseNo=26592 http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/opinions/displayOpinion.cfm?...) in 2009 decided that a person could have their record expunged after 15 years pursuant to SC's Youthful Offender Act even if the person was not sentenced under YOA provisions. You mention being a teenager but over 18, so I'm assuming 18 or 19. A youthful offender is defined as someone between 17 and 25. It also needs to be 15 years before you can expunge the record (you've stated 16). The other part of the puzzle is that your conviction can not be a violent crime. You mention a felony theft, so hopefully that's just due to $ amount. SC's definition of violent crimes can be found at http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c001.htm http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c001.htm (Section 16-1-60). If you want to talk to someone (albeit younger) who's dealt with a lot of similar situations, let me know and we can find a way to communicate. Best of luck either way. It sounds like you changed your life around and deserve to be trusted today. Loophole / Possible Alternative: Quit, don't be a founder, be a well-compensated first employee or something similar.