If you have ever been turned down for a job in Midland because of a past mistake, you understand how a criminal record can affect your entire future. In West Texas, employers are often cautious about hiring, especially when past convictions appear during background checks. This challenge is not just about your record—it is about how to overcome barriers and find opportunities to move forward with your life. By understanding your rights, knowing what local employers look for, and using the available resources here in Midland, you can take control of your job search and work toward new beginnings.
How Does Having a Criminal Record Affect Employment Opportunities in Midland?
In Midland, a criminal record can limit the jobs available to you. Many local employers require background checks before making hiring decisions. Energy companies, health care facilities, and schools often have strict hiring practices because of safety regulations and liability concerns. Midland’s strong oil & gas sector—a major employer in the area—places a premium on trustworthiness and compliance with federal mandates, so companies routinely review an applicant’s background for felonies and other offenses that may pose risks on job sites or in business operations.
A background check might reveal convictions, current charges, or even dismissed cases that are not sealed or expunged. These can affect both the type of work available and the likelihood of being called for an interview. For some Midland industries, especially those dealing with children, finances, or sensitive materials, employers look closely at records that involve theft, fraud, violence, or felony drug offenses. Even misdemeanors can weigh against you if they relate to the core duties of the position you seek.
However, not all employers view records the same way. Some Midland businesses take a case-by-case approach and put weight on how long ago the conviction occurred and whether you have shown positive changes since then. Explaining the situation clearly and showing your progress may help sway an employer, especially when combined with strong references or a steady work history. The key is to know this landscape before you apply so you can focus your efforts on employers and roles where you’ll have the best chance to prove yourself.
Which Types of Criminal Records Matter Most to Employers in Midland?
Employers in Midland often focus on specific types of offenses when making hiring decisions. Felonies typically create bigger barriers to employment than misdemeanors, and the nature of the offense plays a huge role. For financial or retail positions, crimes such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement are closely scrutinized. These are seen as indicators of potential risk, especially in jobs involving cash handling, inventory management, or confidential data.
For jobs in education, child care, and health care, any conviction involving violence, drugs, or crimes against children is likely to be disqualifying. Midland’s energy companies and field service employers are especially alert to drug-related offenses, given the strict safety protocols required in these environments. Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can raise red flags for positions where safety is essential and federal law requires clear background checks.
Some companies go beyond Texas minimum requirements for background checks and may disqualify candidates with offenses that seem minor but are viewed as relevant to the business. For instance, repeat driving offenses could be problematic for transportation or delivery jobs. Understanding the types of criminal records that matter most helps job seekers in Midland tailor their search and prepare for discussions with employers about their qualifications and personal growth.
What Can Midland Employers Legally Ask About My Criminal Record?
Texas laws allow employers to ask about your criminal record as part of the hiring process, but they must also follow federal rules and certain privacy protections. In Midland, employers are permitted to ask about convictions and pending criminal cases. However, they cannot require you to disclose arrests or charges that did not result in a conviction, and sealed or expunged records are usually off-limits in most private employment situations.
Midland has not adopted a local “Ban the Box” ordinance, so job applications may legally include questions about criminal backgrounds at any stage of the process. Despite this, employers are still bound by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and must obtain your written consent before ordering a background check. If an employer decides not to hire you because of what they learn, federal law requires they provide you with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond or dispute any inaccurate information.
There are important exceptions. For jobs in education, government, health care, or law enforcement, you may have to disclose more about your past—including cases that have been sealed or expunged—because of security requirements or state licensing rules. If an employer relies on background records improperly or uses sealed information to deny you a job, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Are There Second Chance Programs & Local Hiring Initiatives for People with Records in Midland?
While Midland does not have a citywide “Second Chance” employment law, several local organizations and employers actively support job seekers with criminal records. Community development nonprofits, workforce programs, and some religious organizations offer job preparation, career coaching, and connections to employers known to consider candidates with prior convictions. This support can be crucial for anyone facing barriers that are more about their past than their ability to perform the job.
Certain businesses participate in state and federal programs that provide incentives to hire individuals with criminal records. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) rewards employers for giving people with felony convictions a chance to re-enter the workforce. The Texas Workforce Solutions—Permian Basin office works directly with local employers to match job openings with qualified applicants who may not pass traditional background checks.
Employment opportunities may also come through job fairs, apprenticeships, or industry partnerships that are specifically designed for individuals returning to the workforce after incarceration. In Midland, sectors experiencing labor shortages—like construction, energy, and logistics—sometimes offer more flexibility in considering individuals with records. Staying connected to local organizations and workforce resources can reveal options that are not publicly posted.
Can I Get My Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged in Midland & How Does the Process Work?
Texas law allows individuals in Midland to request that certain criminal records be sealed (non-disclosed) or expunged. Expunction permanently removes qualifying arrests and cases from your record, as if they never occurred. However, expungement is only available for cases that ended in not guilty verdicts, dismissals, acquittals, or where charges were never filed. To begin, you must file a petition with the Midland County courts, follow strict timelines, and notify law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
Sealing your record through an Order of Nondisclosure can prevent most private employers from viewing specific convictions, as long as you completed deferred adjudication and met the necessary waiting period. Not all offenses are eligible—violent felonies, certain sexual offenses, and high-level crimes are excluded. If you qualify, you will need to prepare a formal petition and may need to attend a court hearing. Midland County’s court system outlines the requirements, and legal aid organizations can sometimes assist with the process.
Completing either process often involves a series of steps:
- Obtain certified copies of all relevant court documents.
- Check eligibility for sealing or expungement based on offense type and outcome.
- File the appropriate petition with Midland County District Clerk’s office.
- Attend a court hearing, if required, and present your case to a judge.
- Notify relevant agencies so they can remove or seal the record.
What Steps Should I Take If a Midland Employer Denies Me a Job Due to My Criminal Record?
Being denied a job in Midland because of a criminal record can feel like hitting a wall, but you still have actionable steps. Start by requesting a copy of the background check that prompted the employer’s decision. Under federal law, you are entitled to see the report and dispute anything inaccurate or outdated. Carefully review for errors, such as records that should have been sealed or expunged, or cases that do not belong to you.
If you find mistakes, contact the background check company to initiate a dispute and correct the information. Employers are required to give you reasonable time to respond before they make a final hiring decision. If you believe the background check accurately reflects your record but does not tell the full story, consider reaching out to the employer. Sometimes explaining your circumstances, detailing what you have accomplished since the incident, and expressing your commitment to a positive future can make an impact—especially for small businesses or organizations open to second chances.
If you feel you have been illegally denied employment based on records that should not have been considered, document the communication and consider filing a complaint. The Texas Workforce Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accept claims related to illegal job discrimination and improper background check use. Consulting an attorney with experience in criminal record cases in Midland can help you evaluate your legal options and prepare your case if you choose to pursue it further.
What Midland Resources Help People with Criminal Records Pursue Employment?
Finding a job with a record can be a lonely journey, but Midland offers more support and resources than many realize. Texas Workforce Solutions—Permian Basin has a local office in Midland that provides job search support tailored to residents with criminal records. Services include resume-building workshops, interview coaching, and direct connections with second-chance employers that regularly hire individuals overcoming barriers to employment.
Programs run by the Midland Community Development Corporation and other local nonprofits focus on life skills, job readiness, and financial literacy for people with records. These organizations can help with application assistance, referrals to employer partners, and access to transportation or interview attire. Local churches and faith-based networks often host job clubs and support groups where you can share experiences, learn about opportunities, and build networks within the community.
Legal aid organizations, such as Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, provide guidance on applying for expunction or non-disclosure, and facilitate educational workshops about your employment rights after a conviction. Community centers, job fairs, and online platforms occasionally share listings for employers willing to give fair consideration regardless of record. Connecting with these resources increases your chances of successfully navigating Midland’s job market after a conviction.
Do I Have to Disclose a Criminal Record on Job Applications in Midland?
Most Midland job applications can legally ask about criminal convictions or pending charges, as the city has not passed local Ban the Box laws. That means, if there is a direct question about your criminal background, you must answer honestly. Misrepresenting your record can result in immediate withdrawal or dismissal whenever the background check is conducted, even months after getting hired.
Exceptions exist for records that have been legally sealed or expunged. In these cases, the law typically allows you to truthfully answer “no” if asked whether you have a conviction, unless the job is for a sensitive position, such as within government or law enforcement. Texas law protects your right not to disclose cases that have been formally cleared, but always read each application carefully. Some forms ask about all convictions or “any” offenses, while others specify only felonies or offenses within a certain time frame.
When discussing your background in interviews, honesty combined with accountability is key. Prepare a direct but brief explanation that focuses on rehabilitation, recent achievements, and why you are ready for a new chapter. Providing references from respected members of the Midland community who can speak to your progress and character can also help offset concerns employers may have about your record.
Best Strategies for Finding a Job with a Criminal Record in Midland
Securing employment after a conviction requires planning and adaptability. Begin by targeting employers and industries known to consider candidates with records. Construction, oil field services, hospitality, and waste management companies in Midland sometimes have less restrictive background check requirements due to ongoing labor shortages. Working with job placement organizations or attending second-chance hiring events can connect you with companies that evaluate applicants beyond just their past mistakes.
Strengthen your application by taking proactive steps:
- Enroll in skills training or certification programs—these demonstrate commitment to growth and can qualify you for more positions.
- Prepare a honest, strengths-focused explanation of your record for interviews and applications.
- List references who are familiar with your progress and can vouch for your character and reliability.
- Volunteer or seek out temporary work to fill employment gaps and gain local recommendations.
- Create a strong, accomplishments-based resume that shows your abilities and improvements since your conviction.
Networking in your community can also help, whether through job fairs, workshops, church gatherings, or support groups. These settings provide practical advice, encouragement, and often, leads to opportunities not found through online job boards. By surrounding yourself with a supportive network in Midland, you gain both motivation and valuable connections that move your job search forward.
How Do State & Federal Laws Affect Employment Opportunities for People with Records in Midland?
Legislative changes at the state and federal levels have a direct impact on job prospects for people with criminal records in Midland. Texas periodically updates laws related to eligible offenses for sealing and expunction, sometimes broadening relief for non-violent offenders or shortening waiting periods. These legal updates can mean the difference between an old case blocking your job goals and a new opportunity opening up for you. Keeping up-to-date with these changes ensures you know your rights and options when applying for jobs in Midland.
Federal guidelines established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibit employers from blanketly excluding job candidates based solely on criminal records if the crime is unrelated to the position. Employers must consider several factors, including the nature of the job, the time since the offense, and the applicant’s rehabilitation efforts. These evolving rules are important protections that limit discrimination in hiring and encourage fair evaluations of each job seeker’s unique circumstances.
Midland employers often review their policies with legal counsel to remain compliant with current laws and regulations. If you’re unsure about how a recent legal change may affect your case or eligibility, resources like the Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland County court websites, or local legal aid can help clarify your status. Understanding the legal landscape puts you in a position of strength during your Midland job search with a criminal record.
Where to Find Legal Guidance for Criminal Record & Employment Challenges in Midland
Navigating job applications and legal processes can be intimidating, but Midland offers several ways to get reliable information and support. The Midland County Law Library and local court self-help centers provide up-to-date forms and instructions for people seeking to seal or expunge records. These resources are free to the public, and staff members can guide you to the relevant information to begin your application, though they do not provide legal advice.
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and similar West Texas organizations may assist qualified individuals with confidential consultations, providing advice on employment rights and the record clearing process. These groups occasionally offer free workshops or clinics where you can get personalized pointers on preparing petitions, filing in Midland County, and following up with the court or law enforcement agencies involved in your case.
For individualized guidance, a conversation with a criminal defense attorney in Midland can be invaluable. Bringing your court paperwork, job application documents, and background reports to your first meeting can make consultations more productive and focused. If you want to explore your options or receive a case evaluation, reach out to Eckman Law Firm, PLLC at (432) 223-9427. You will gain the clarity and confidence needed to move forward with your employment goals.