Welcome!

Welcome to the X-Offender Success Spot!! My hope is that this space will be a source of information, encouragement, and support that can help you be more successful in your lives.

First, let me say I dislike labels. The word "offender" or the words "ex-offender" are very negative. I feel that the use of them places one in the past and focuses on the mistake, rather than the potential the person really has.

We have all made mistakes; we don't need to be defined by them. Daily we can choose a different path that will get us more positive results.

In this blog I will share bits of information that I have learned working with those with criminal records. I hope you will find what I share to be useful and refreshing!

I look forward to your comments as we grow together.

Thanks for reading!!

Criminal Records in the State of Wisconsin

This blog is written specifically for those with records in the state of Wisconsin. Contact your state's department of justice for more information concerning how this works in your state.

Understanding Your Criminal Background

Different places use different records.  Many employers ask on their application if you were ever convicted of a crime, or they might word the question to ask whether you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Typically, the application says you do not have to divulge a case that was expunged or dismissed, or that was a minor traffic violation.

Reports Used

CCAP http://www.wcca.wicourts.gov/

            A court record maintained by the court system when cases are filed in

            Circuit Court.  Updated when court evens occur

                        Caution!

·   Easy to mix people up

·   May say more than you want it to

·   Easy for people to access and misunderstand

CIB (Crime Information Bureau) www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib

            Is a police arrest record AND is what the law requires employers to use.

            Are listed in cycles – a cycle is started for each arrest

            Updated when police or courts send info the state – Wisconsin Dept. of

            Justice

      Caution!

·   There is no legislation stating this information must be accurate – no accountability

·   Sometimes there is duplicate information making it look like there are more events than there actually are

·   There are fees to access record. The amount of the fee depends on who you are.

·   Contains too much information, including personal information

·   Easily misunderstood

·   Includes expunged cases

FBI Report  http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

            Good to check if you have cases in other states

Driving Record  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/index.htm

Request a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, especially if you are applying for a job that involves driving.  Don't be confused. An OWI conviction is not considered a minor traffic infraction. Applicants with an OWI who have not checked "yes" on a job application may be denied employment for falsifying the form -- even when the incident occurred only once or happened many years before. The employer perceives this as dishonesty, even though the applicant might only have been confused by the question.