Finding A Job After A Criminal Conviction
Since 1992, the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has generally risen. Although some defendants think that they can “beat the system” on their own, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is the best way to prevent becoming another statistic.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney In Texas
Defend yourself against serious criminal charges that could affect you for the rest of your life. Attorney Frank Jackson has over 50 years of criminal law experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. He can defend people charged with drug crimes, sex offenses, violent crimes, property crimes, white collar crimes and other serious criminal charges. Based in Dallas, he defends people throughout North Texas, including those in Fort Worth, Plano, Allen, Denton, Frisco and McKinney.
Contact the Law Offices of Frank Jackson for a free initial consultation about a state or federal criminal charge. No matter what criminal charge you may be facing, you have the right to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Finding A Job After A Criminal Conviction
If you have been convicted of a crime, you may wonder if you will be able to find employment. Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about whether applicants have criminal records. Part of this fear stems from large jury verdicts that have been rendered against employers for negligently hiring people with criminal histories who subsequently cause harm to others while on the job.
Another worry for employers relates to whether they will have to disclose their employees’ criminal convictions to others. For example, if a company is trying to raise capital, it may need to make certain disclosures to a bank. Will the company have to disclose that an employee has been convicted of a white collar crime like embezzlement or money laundering?
The laws about which criminal records an employer may access, what an employer may ask a potential employee about their criminal record and what the job applicant must reveal vary widely from state to state. If you have a criminal record and are looking for a job, then the criminal law attorney at Law Offices of Frank Jackson in Dallas can help ensure that you go into the job search fully informed of your rights.
Conflicting Public Policies
On the one hand, the public wants to reintegrate into society those people who have done their time and are now rehabilitated. A routine schedule and regular income through gainful employment significantly decreases the chances of recidivism in many cases, but a person with a criminal record may face prejudice during the hiring process. On the other hand, it is important to protect the public from prior offenders who may have propensities to commit crimes in the future. For example, convicted sex offenders should not be hired for jobs in which they will be in contact with children or vulnerable adults.
How Much To Reveal
Depending on the state, an applicant may only have to reveal some – if any – potentially damaging information, such as arrests not resulting in convictions or convictions for minor matters. Some states also have procedures to judicially “erase” a criminal record through the processes of expungement or the sealing of records. A criminal defense lawyer can help determine whether you may be eligible to get a conviction sealed, expunged or otherwise legally minimized.
Tips For Workplace Reentry
- Be honest: Employers are interested in employees they can trust, and almost all information on job applications can easily be checked and verified. Even if it may close the door to certain positions, telling the truth is the best way to get a job that the applicant can keep over the long haul. Remember, in some states, not all convictions must be revealed, and potential employers can’t ask for certain information.
- Seek employment with someone you already know: Start the job search with family, friends and acquaintances who may be more likely to take a chance on hiring someone they know, despite their criminal record.
- Do not expect the first job after a conviction to be your ideal job: It is more important to get started somewhere and create a new track record, since employers know that a good indicator of future job performance is past job performance. Consider temporary or entry-level positions to build your résumé.
- Understand where the employer is coming from: An employer has to balance its legal and ethical obligations to you, its employees and the public.
- Investigate employment services: Most states have public agencies that administer programs to help people find employment, and sometimes, they’re specifically designed for those with criminal histories. There are also private staffing companies that will work with applicants who have a criminal past.
- Refrain from alcohol and drug use: Because some employers require employee drug testing, it is best to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Of course, abstinence from these substances may already be a condition of probation or parole.
- Consider the nature of your past offense: Apply for jobs where that kind of offense is less likely to be an issue of concern.
Contact A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Completing a prison term or paying a fine can be just part of the price of a criminal conviction. The conviction can also affect post-conviction employment opportunities. That being said, some employers are willing to give those with criminal records chances in appropriate circumstances. One job – any job – can be the first step toward rebuilding a career and a life. Attorney Frank Jackson in Dallas can talk to you about various options and offer advice on planning for your future. Call his firm at 214-663-2811 or toll-free at 214-663-2811, or contact him online.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.