People who have committed crimes are many things.  Mainly they are people.  Human beings.

I know a man who once stole a car while high on drugs.  He was 23.  Was caught, spent a few months in jail.  Convicted of a felony.
He is now 55.  He has grown children.  Has worked construction for 25 years.  Helps his neighbors, is nice to puppies.
How shall we label him?  Is he a "criminal?"  A roofer?  A father?  A human being who once made some stupid decisions and did some bad things??
I know another man who hit his girl in college.   She did not charge him.  He became a naval officer, a good man.
What defines YOUR life?  The bulk of what you have done, or the worst, most horrible time of your life?  Years of hard work and service, or a moment of stupid anger??
We dehumanize people with labels like "criminal" or "felon" or "ex-con."  We lump diverse people with diverse problems into one easily discarded box.   
My convict friend has never judged another person as unworthy of redemption.