I understand alot of what you are experiencing and am sending caring thoughts. In answer to your question just about every job application asks "Have you ever been arrested?" or "Do you have a history of Felony charges?" Most often if the answer is yes...the job prospect is finished. There are also alot of specific employment areas that are closed to Felons. For example, our son was an outstanding athlete prior to opting for booze/drugs. When sober (and before his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)) I suggested that he sign up as an ump or referree to get training for a possible future job that he would enjoy...and, of course, to keep him away from difficult child friends. Felons are not allowed. Sigh.
I feel really really strongly about the subject of felony convictions for young people. Seriously if you did a poll (even here on the CD Board) asking "Would you hire a Felon?" chances are at least eighty percent would say No. The word brings visual pictures of rapist, molesters, gun toting drug dealers, robbers, murdurers etc. Sadly I imagine I know thirty young men who are "felons" that were so designated at 18 or so for non-violent offenses. Some are difficult children through and through but others were easy child's who messed up their lives before they even matured. It is, in my humble opinion, very sad.
In Florida it used to be that after a specific number of years a Felon could apply to State law enforcement to get the felony conviction removed from their record. Governor Rick Scott was elected and in less than six months I think got that provision removed from State Statute. Some say it was a move to limit likely voters who would not agree with his Party stance. But, sigh, meanwhile thousands of Floridians are denied the right to vote or hold public office or be teachers etc. etc. etc. because (often) of youthful indescretions. DDD