There was a recent discussion[1] on Reddit, about how a guy with a criminal record could get a job and what-not. It was a somewhat different situation, but I expect some of the discussion there might be applicable here as well.
My own comment included the sentiment that having a criminal background doesn't mean you'll never get a job (even a good job), but that it definitely makes it harder, so you have to find ways to compensate for that. I mean, for at least certain classes of crimes, I'd hire someone with a criminal record, and I know there are other people out there who feel the same way.
[1]: http://www.reddit.com/r/jobs/comments/16jqz3/i_have_a_crimin...
My own comment included the sentiment that having a criminal background doesn't mean you'll never get a job (even a good job), but that it definitely makes it harder, so you have to find ways to compensate for that. I mean, for at least certain classes of crimes, I'd hire someone with a criminal record, and I know there are other people out there who feel the same way.