How Can a Violent Crime Charge Affect Your Future Employment?
If you’re facing a violent crime charge in Tennessee, the potential consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. As Attorney Zak Newman of Zak Newman Attorney at Law in Chattanooga, Tennessee, explains, a conviction or even an accusation of a violent crime can significantly impact your life, particularly when it comes to your future employment prospects.
Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney like Attorney Zak Newman can make a substantial difference in protecting your rights and minimizing the repercussions on your career.
Immediate Effects on Employment Opportunities
A violent crime charge can immediately affect your ability to find or keep a job. Many employers conduct background checks during the hiring process, and even a pending charge can raise red flags. Employers may view an accusation of violence as a risk to their workplace safety and reputation, making them hesitant to extend an offer or continue your employment.
Background checks and disclosures
Tennessee law allows employers to conduct background checks on potential hires. These checks often include:
Arrest records: Even if you’ve not been convicted, an arrest for a violent crime may appear on your record.
Pending charges: Employers can see if you’re awaiting trial, which might influence their decision.
Convictions: A violent crime conviction will likely be a permanent mark on your record.
In some cases, you may be required to disclose criminal charges during the application process. Failure to do so can result in immediate disqualification or termination if the truth comes to light later.
Industries Most Affected by a Violent Crime Charge
While any job could be impacted, some industries are particularly sensitive to violent crime charges. These include:
Education and childcare: Schools, daycare centers, and educational organizations often require clean records to protect the safety of students and children.
Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics typically mandate thorough background checks to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
Law enforcement and security: Agencies prioritize trust and integrity, making a violent crime charge a significant barrier.
Finance: Positions involving financial responsibilities often require a high level of trustworthiness, which could be questioned by a violent crime charge.
In these sectors, the consequences of a charge can be particularly severe, often resulting in an inability to secure or maintain employment.
Long-Term Career Challenges
Even after the legal process concludes, the repercussions of a violent crime charge can linger for years. A criminal record can create ongoing obstacles to career advancement and professional opportunities.
Limited Job Prospects
Having a violent crime on your record can:
Restrict licensing opportunities: Many professions, such as nursing or real estate, require licenses that may be denied to individuals with violent crime convictions.
Hinder promotions: Employers may hesitate to promote someone with a criminal history, especially for leadership roles.
Narrow job options: Some employers may outright refuse to hire individuals with any criminal background.
Reputation and Trust Issues
In addition to formal restrictions, a criminal charge can damage your professional reputation. Colleagues and employers might question your judgment and reliability, leading to a lack of trust in the workplace.
The Importance of Expungement
For some individuals, expungement offers a path to minimize the long-term consequences of a violent crime charge. In Tennessee, certain offenses may be eligible for expungement, effectively removing the charge or conviction from your public record.
Steps to Pursue Expungement
If you’re considering expungement, here are four key steps:
Determine eligibility: Not all charges qualify for expungement. Consult a criminal defense attorney to verify your eligibility.
File a petition: You’ll need to file a formal request with the court that handled your case.
Pay associated fees: Tennessee law requires a fee for processing expungement petitions.
Await approval: If your petition is approved, your record will be cleared of the charge or conviction.
Expungement can provide a fresh start, allowing you to pursue opportunities without the burden of a criminal record.
Legal Protections for Job Seekers
Tennessee law includes some protections for individuals with criminal records, aiming to reduce discrimination in the hiring process. While these protections don’t eliminate all challenges, they can help mitigate the impact of a violent crime charge.
Ban-the-box Legislation
Tennessee’s “ban-the-box” law prohibits public employers from asking about criminal records on initial job applications. This legislation gives candidates a chance to present their qualifications before discussing their criminal history.
Anti-discrimination Measures
Employers are encouraged to consider the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the incident, and its relevance to the job when evaluating candidates. While these measures aren’t mandatory for private employers, they can help reduce bias during the hiring process.
Challenges for Entrepreneurs With a Violent Crime Record
A violent crime charge doesn’t just affect traditional employment opportunities; it can also present challenges for those looking to start their own business. Entrepreneurs often face unique obstacles when trying to build a business while managing the consequences of a criminal record.
Securing Funding
Many lenders and investors conduct background checks on potential borrowers or partners. A violent crime charge or conviction can:
Limit access to loans: Financial institutions may view individuals with criminal records as higher-risk borrowers.
Reduce investor confidence: Investors may hesitate to fund a business led by someone with a criminal background.
Building Trust With Clients
Entrepreneurs must also work to establish trust with potential clients, partners, and employees. A criminal record can make this process more difficult, requiring extra effort to demonstrate reliability and professionalism.
How Social Media and Public Records Can Impact Your Job Search
In today’s digital age, employers often conduct online research on job candidates. This means that a violent crime charge or conviction can surface through online searches, even if it doesn’t appear in formal background checks.
Managing Your Online Presence
To mitigate the impact of a criminal record on your job search, consider these strategies:
Review your social media profiles: Remove any posts or content that could be viewed negatively by potential employers.
Request corrections to inaccuracies: If incorrect information appears online, contact the relevant websites to request updates.
Highlight positive achievements: Use your online profiles to emphasize professional accomplishments and community involvement.
Sealing public records
In some cases, you may be able to have certain records sealed or restricted from public access. This can prevent employers from finding details about your charge through online searches.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
When facing a violent crime charge, working with a criminal defense attorney is one of the most effective ways to protect your future. A skilled attorney can provide:
Case evaluation: They’ll assess the details of your case and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Representation in court: Having professional representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges where possible.
Guidance on expungement: If eligible, they’ll assist you in pursuing expungement to clear your record.
Contact Zak Newman Attorney at Law Today
Continuing with your life after a crime charge can be difficult, but trained professionals are ready to assist you. If you’re facing a violent crime charge in Tennessee, don’t let it derail your future employment opportunities. Seek assistance from a criminal defense attorney like me.
Zak Newman Attorney at Law serves clients in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and across the region. Contact me today to discuss your case and take the first step toward protecting your career.