UFCW Local 1529
Standing strong for working families
Powering · Labor Education
Back To Work.
A real second chance.
Coming home and finding good work shouldn't be a maze. Tennessee makes it harder than it should be — so we built the roadmap: know your rights, clear your record, restore your vote, and walk straight into a union apprenticeship or a second-chance employer. A steady paycheck is the surest path away from going back.
Know Your Rights
Your record is not a life sentence on work.
- An employer generally cannot deny you a TN occupational license based SOLELY on a past conviction — they must consider you case-by-case.
- If your case was dismissed, no-billed, or ended in not guilty, you can usually expunge it at NO cost.
- A Certificate of Employability can protect employers from negligent-hiring claims — making them more willing to hire you.
- Your right to vote can be restored — a conviction is not always permanent. (See the voting section below.)
Clear Your Record
Expungement & Certificate of Employability
Dismissals are free to expunge. Some misdemeanors and Class E/C/D felonies qualify (DUI does not). You must finish your full sentence and pay all fines, fees, and restitution first.
Generally 5 years after completion for eligible misdemeanors & Class E felonies; 10 years for eligible Class C & D felonies. Limits: up to two misdemeanors, or one felony + one misdemeanor.
Go to the clerk's office in the county where the case happened and pull your case record.
File a petition for expungement in that same court. Conviction expungements often have a ~$100 fee; dismissals are free.
Petition the circuit court in your county for a Certificate of Employability — it helps with jobs and licensing even without expungement.
General Tennessee guidance — rules vary by offense and county. Confirm with the TBI, your court clerk, or free legal aid (listed below).
Need an attorney? Start here.
Carlissa A. Shaw, Esq. — The CASE FIRM
Memphis attorney and Labor Education community partner handling expungements, record clearing, and criminal defense across Shelby County. One cleared record can reopen the door to a CDL, a license, or a union career. Call or text — it's free.
Restore Your Vote
Get your voting rights back.
Rules depend on your offense, conviction date, and whether your sentence (including court costs, restitution, and child support) is complete. Some offenses are permanently barred.
Most people must first get a pardon or a court order restoring full rights of citizenship — OR have the conviction expunged.
Then complete the Certificate of Voting Rights Restoration and submit it (or your certified court order) to your county Administrator of Elections.
Once restored or expunged, register to vote. If expunged, you may answer 'No' to the felony question on the registration form.
The Union Pathway
The trades hire second chances — and pay you to learn.
- The building & construction trades are one of the best second-chance paths — apprenticeships pay you while you learn, with no college debt.
- Many apprenticeships review applicants individually; a record does not automatically disqualify you.
- Pre-apprenticeship programs (like MC3) build the skills and habits to get accepted and succeed.
- Union wages, benefits, and a pension give returning citizens real stability — the strongest defense against recidivism.
The Tri-State Apprenticeship Resource Guide is published by the Memphis & West TN Building & Construction Trades Council — every registered trade apprenticeship in one place.
Job Readiness
Walk in ready.
- Get your documents in order: state ID, Social Security card, birth certificate.
- Build a simple resume — focus on skills, reliability, and any training earned inside.
- Practice talking about your record honestly and briefly, then pivot to your goals.
- Ask about second-chance employers and registered apprenticeships first — they expect to hire people with records.
Local Resources
Trusted reentry resources
Job Readiness
TN.gov Second Chance Employment
Tennessee
Statewide program connecting formerly incarcerated Tennesseans to stable employment.
Shelby County Office of Re-Entry
Memphis / Shelby County
Memphis-area reentry support and a jobs site curated for justice-involved individuals.
Lifeline to Success
Memphis, TN
Memphis nonprofit offering job-readiness training and placement for formerly incarcerated people.
HopeWorks — Hope 2 Hire
Memphis, TN
Work readiness, life skills, and training paths (construction, forklift, culinary) for justice-involved people.
Legal & Record Clearing
The CASE FIRM — Carlissa A. Shaw, Esq.
Memphis & Shelby County
Memphis attorney & Labor Education partner — expungements, record clearing, and criminal defense. Call or text (901) 519-6793 — it's free.
West TN Legal Services — Expungement & Certificate of Employability
West Tennessee
Free legal help on expungement and Certificates of Employability.
TBI — Expungement Information
Tennessee
Official Tennessee guidance on diversions and expungements.
Need help getting back to work?
You don't have to figure this out alone. Reach out and we'll help point you to expungement help, a second-chance employer, or a union apprenticeship.
Email Us for Helpbradshawsolutions@gmail.com
Back To Work is an informational reentry guide for Tennessee. It is not legal advice. Laws and eligibility vary by offense, date, and county — confirm details with the TBI, your court clerk, your county election office, and licensed legal aid.
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