In an “informal discussion” letter, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Office of Legal Counsel responds to a query from a convicted auto stripper about employment eligibility in the auto industry after prison release.

Stating that it provides “general guidance on the legality of considering a felony conviction record in an employment decision,” the letter outlines the factors an employer should take into consideration in using conviction records in an employment decision. These factors include: the nature and gravity of the offense for which the person was convicted; the amount of time that has passed since the offense or conviction; and the nature of the job held or sought. Since tow truck drivers are typically responsible for seizing and transporting cars that are abandoned, illegally parked, broken down, or being repossessed, a tow truck company could probably justify a policy that rejects those who recently completed a sentence for auto-stripping, the letter says.