Drug Related Felonies Will Not Deter Me From Living MY Dream

by James
(Nashville, Tn. 37217)

I just served 6 years on a 20 year sentence. I paroled out of prison last May as a rehabilitated man. I don't drink, smoke, use or sell drugs. I have been clean for over 6 years. During my time in prison I bettered myself by entering and fully participating in 24 months straight therapeutic community, higher education, and faith in God. In case you've never heard of therapeutic community I will shed some light on the program in general. Therapeutic community is a highly structured and intense 3-phase and usually 9 month or longer drug rehabilitation program designed to use cognitive thinking and self realization to treat drug abuse and criminal thinking within a closed and highly structured community.


The TC program that I participated in is called Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program or "RDAP". This Intense program was started by the Bureau of Prisons over 20 years ago, but has been constantly adapting and evolving to newer treatments and strategies. The success of the program speaks for itself as recidivism rates for persons completing the program are considerably lower... nearly 60% over a three year period vs a person without therapeutic community treatment. That means that the person without the TC treatment is 60% more likely to re-offend.


I also became a Christian in prison...yeah, I know...many incarcerated people find religion for a short time on the inside for whatever reasons, and often times it is only until they get out. I am not going to tell you that I am a preacher or a saint, but I will tell you that I am a very spiritual man...true faith is like a suit of armor to a believer...it protects you from criticism by non-believers and godless men. I also bettered myself by earning a certification as a paralegal.

All of my accomplishments on the inside I did on my own through sacrifice and dedication and commitment to changing myself. Do I believe a convicted felon can't drive a truck? Am I wasting my time at TTC by taking the CDL Truck Driver course? If I truly believed the answer was yes to either one of these questions I would be as negative and pessimistic as many of the guys who wrote the articles above. I have ambition, determination, and faith and that will guide me and suffice me until I find a job.

Comments for Drug Related Felonies Will Not Deter Me From Living MY Dream

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 29, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It can be done NEW
by: Anonymous

I know for a fact a drug felon can drive a tractor trailer and some major carriers accept drug felons. Plus there are enough independent companies that will put you to work and you better then the Major Carriers does. CR England will hire you but they pay ahhhhh I cant lie its shakey but you you will be able to drive and get your foot in the door and learn the business inside out
May 08, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ti can happen for you NEW
by: Anonymous

keep your head up I spent the better part of a month looking for a R.T.R. job Then today got 3 or 4 offers keep looking!!!!!!!
Dec 18, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		felons need work 2 NEW
by: king james

I know where yall can get hired
May 27, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		fresh out the FEDS
by: Anonymous

I am 36 and Ive wanted to b a trucker since I was 5! Ive callef ova 50 companies I am determined to get a job. Ive never been more passionate about anything in my life. I will sit at truck stops if I have to. I will b a trucker Im working everyday @ trying to convince someone that I got what it takes!!!
Apr 22, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Living MY Dream
by: Anonymous

Its a shame that society must continue to punish those that have paid there debt in full and want to be good honest people and live life a second chance. It may feel you will never have that chance, but eventually you will. It seems that you do have more to prove,
Companies are looking for drivers with a history of job stability, and clean motor vehicle record. Just keep on trying I believe there are many small and big companies that are really felon friendly that would sure hire you and will give a break..
Good luck!

Apr 22, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Living MY Dream
by: Anonymous

Its a shame that society must continue to punish those that have paid there debt in full and want to be good honest people. It may feel you will never have that chance, but you will! And when you do please don't mess it it up.
You do have more to prove, it seems its not that easy and many competitions just keep on trying! it will get better.
Should you try first the small or friendly local company that will give you a good break but there are also Good and Big companies that hires felons, just try your best.
Good Luck!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Felony Truck Drivers.