A criminal conviction can have long-term consequences for your personal relationships, employment opportunities, housing options, and psychological health. If you were recently convicted of a crime and are currently employed, you may be anxious about the possibility of losing your job. Whether or not you lose your job following an arrest depends on several factors, including the nature of the crime, the type of profession, your employment contract, and company policy.
A conviction can cause difficulty not only in the hiring process, but before that in the licensing process for some careers. Police officers, civil servants, medical professionals, cosmeticians, social workers, and attorneys all may have to disclose convictions on license or certification applications which could flag you. Additionally, if the conviction directly affects your ability to perform the job or damages the employer’s reputation, your job may be in jeopardy. For example, if you were convicted of driving under the influence and you are a truck driver, you have a higher likelihood of losing your job.
It is important to note that employers may react differently to a criminal conviction. While some employers may have a zero-tolerance policy for criminal convictions, others may have rehabilitation policies implemented as a first effort before termination.
Avoiding a conviction is the best way to avoid adverse consequences of a conviction- but if that’s not a possibility you can still benefit from the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney.. They will help you understand the consequences of the conviction, your rights under state and federal law, and how you should proceed. A lawyer may also review your employment contract and company policies to ensure your legal rights are being protected.
To protect your long-term career aspirations and ensure future job opportunities, a criminal defense attorney may request the court to seal or expunge your criminal record after a certain period of time has passed, typically three to five years. This makes it more difficult for potential employers to access your conviction records.
The best way to protect your career is to avoid criminal charges altogether, but if convicted of a crime, it is essential to understand how to minimize the long-term consequences. Just because you made a mistake does not mean your career should forever be damaged. If you were recently convicted of a crime and have lost your job or suspect you may lose your job, contact Mark Sherman Law today to speak with a qualified attorney. Pick your lawyer with confidence by reading up on our over 300 five star reviews here.
