How Can a Felony Conviction Affect My Career?

If you’re facing a felony charge, it’s crucial to recognize the far-reaching implications that such a charge can carry. Beyond the potential consequences of hefty fines, imprisonment, and even the loss of certain rights, a felony conviction can disrupt one’s life far beyond the court-imposed sentence. Whether embarking on a new career or pursuing an education, a felony conviction can derail all you’ve been working towards. As such, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a seasoned Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help you combat your charges and defend your rights. Please continue reading to learn how a felony conviction can have severe ramifications on your career. 

Will I Lose My Job?

Unfortunately, it’s possible that you will face the immediate termination of your employment following a felony conviction, especially if your court-imposed sentence involves serving jail time. This is because you must take a substantial amount of time off. In most cases, this occurs when an employee is convicted of a crime directly related to their job or reveals a moral problem. Even if you are not terminated immediately, you may lose your job eventually because of the time off of your career during your sentence or while you attend legal proceedings to handle your legal troubles.

Will I Have to Disclose My Felony Conviction To Potential Employers?

In today’s society, most companies perform background checks before extending an offer of employment. Employers are allowed to ask you if you have any criminal convictions. You must disclose felony and misdemeanor convictions, regardless of how long ago they were. If you do not disclose your conviction, the employer will discover it when reviewing your criminal history. If you do not report the conviction on your application, you can be fired for cause due to misrepresentation. Although the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) disapproves of companies having blanket policies prohibiting hiring those with a criminal history, companies can sidestep this policy by showing that the applicant’s conviction in some way relates directly to the job they would be performing.

Will I Be Prohibited From Entering Certain Professions?

Depending on the specific criminal offense you’re charged with, you may be excluded from entering certain professions. For instance, many schools will not hire individuals with felony convictions. If you’re convicted of sex crimes, you will not be able to work in professions involving children as you raise a safety concern. If you received a felony conviction related to drugs or alcohol, you may not be able to find employment as a commercial truck driver because you raise a safety concern to operate such equipment. Ultimately, a felony conviction can severely limit your career choices.

If you’re facing a felony conviction, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated attorney from The Law Office of Carl Spector, who can help shield you from your charges and avoid harsh penalties that can haunt you for the rest of your life. Allow our firm to represent your interests today.