I have no problem hiring ex-offenders. But they’re being let down

I don't care if a candidate for my company's open position has a criminal record. But I do care about something more important

My company is hoping to hire a part-time person to implement and support some of the software applications we sell. Like most small business owners, finding someone isn't easy in this tight labor market, despite all the recent tech industry layoffs. I can't afford to pay what some of these people earn - or were earning - in Silicon Valley and therefore my choices are limited. So, what to do?

How about hiring someone with a criminal record?