We like to believe that our personal lives will not affect our job performance or employment prospects. Unfortunately, having an arrest or conviction on your criminal record can severely limit your job opportunities, housing options, custodial rights, and many other of your rights and responsibilities. Even though our criminal justice system maintains an individual’s right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence is rarely extended to those accused of domestic violence or abuse. A domestic violence allegation, however exaggerated or unfounded, can derail your reputation and negatively affect your employment prospects. Moreover, having a domestic violence conviction on your record may make it nearly impossible to find a job in your preferred field.
California prosecutes domestic violence cases aggressively, and an accusation or conviction can carry serious and lasting consequences. If you are facing domestic violence charges in Los Angeles County, contact a highly qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options for obtaining the most fair and favorable outcome possible, given the specifics of your case. In the meantime, let’s take a look at how domestic violence allegations and convictions can affect your employment prospects, as well as the steps you can take to keep your future as bright as possible.
Understanding Domestic Violence Crimes in Los Angeles County
In an effort to address the widespread problem of domestic abuse, California imposes strict penalties on domestic violence crimes and prosecutes these cases aggressively. It’s important to recognize that there is no particular “domestic violence” criminal offense under California law. Instead, a defendant usually faces one of several domestic violence-related charges: Domestic battery, inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner or criminal threats. Essentially, these offenses involve the infliction of physical harm (or the threat of physical harm) between current or former intimate partners, spouses, dating partners, or cohabitants. If convicted of a domestic violence crime in Los Angeles County, you may be sentenced to serve time in jail, pay costly fines, attend mandatory anger management counseling, or fulfill other sentencing requirements. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a domestic violence-related incident, contact an experienced domestic violence attorney right away to ensure your legal rights remain protected at every opportunity.
What Happens If You Are Convicted of Domestic Violence?
After you complete the terms of your sentence for a domestic violence conviction, you can begin to get your life back on track. Unfortunately, the consequences of a domestic violence conviction often extend far beyond a jail sentence or legal fines. Having a conviction on your criminal record can severely affect your job opportunities and career prospects. For example, a prospective employer may run a background check on you and decide not to hire you because of your criminal history. Or, if you are already employed, the company may terminate your employment over a criminal conviction if it violates their employment policies. Moreover, a criminal conviction for a domestic violence-related crime could negatively affect your professional licensure (i.e., teachers, nurses, etc.). Although criminal convictions can impact your career and job opportunities in dramatic ways, you do not have to go through this challenging process on your own. With a dedicated Los Angeles County domestic violence defense lawyer by your side, you can fight hard to keep your future as bright as possible.
Employers and Domestic Abuse Convictions or Arrests
Under California law, employers must adhere to several rules when conducting background checks on applicants. For example, an employer cannot ask an applicant about any arrest that did not result in a conviction. Additionally, employers cannot ask applicants about any arrests or convictions that are more than seven years old. Once an employer has given an applicant a conditional offer of employment, the employer may ask the applicant about convictions, or they may run a criminal background check. If the results turn up a conviction, the employer cannot deny you employment solely based on your record. Instead, they have an obligation to evaluate the details of the conviction in order to determine whether hiring you would threaten the safety of the workplace. Moreover, your current employer cannot fire you based only on an arrest or pending charge against you. However, an employer has the right to conduct their own investigation into the matter to determine whether you pose a threat to the workplace environment.
Navigating Domestic Violence Convictions in Los Angeles County
Once you have completed the terms of your sentence, it’s time to start rebuilding your life. Unfortunately, you will likely face several obstacles as you search for a job. When it comes to domestic violence, you may struggle with potential employers who discriminate against you because they are concerned about workplace safety or how your “anger issues” could be too risky. As you start to fill out job applications and attend interviews, it’s often in your best interest to attend anger management classes or therapy to show potential employers that you are committed to your rehabilitation and self-improvement. Some employers are willing to overlook domestic violence allegations or convictions if they see evidence that you are attempting to learn and grow from your mistakes. In some cases, you may be able to explore whether expunging a domestic violence conviction is possible or if a domestic violence conviction can be overturned. Every case is different, so it’s highly advisable to discuss your options with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney for customized legal guidance.
Regain Control of Your Future Today
Whether you have just been accused of domestic violence or you have already served the terms of your sentence for a domestic violence conviction, you deserve high-quality legal advocacy. Navigating the criminal justice system can be an intimidating and isolating experience, but you do not have to go it alone. Now is the time to give yourself the best chance of securing a fair and favorable outcome—reach out to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who will answer your questions, address your concerns, and support you at every opportunity along the way.
Don’t let an accusation of domestic violence derail your career or damage your reputation. Reach out to the highly qualified and experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wegman & Levin today at (818) 980-4000 to arrange a free consultation with a dedicated Los Angeles County legal professional.
