Having a history of criminal activity can, unfortunately, impact your ability to get a job. While there are laws in place to prevent discrimination based on your criminal record, having a domestic violence conviction on your record could mean you will have a hard time getting a job. If you’re reading this article before your case has gone to trial, you still have a chance to protect your future prospects. But even if you have already been convicted and served your sentence, read on to find out what you may be able to do to get the job you need.
Only Answer What Is Being Asked
Almost every job application you come across will have a question about your criminal history. While it is important that you answer this question honestly, it is also important that you answer only the question that is being asked.
Does The Question Ask About Arrests Or Convictions?
If you were charged with domestic violence in the past, but never convicted, you could honestly answer no to a question about criminal convictions.
Does It Ask About Any Criminal Conviction Or Specifically About A Felony Conviction?
Domestic violence is sometimes charged as a misdemeanor, so you may not have to offer this information, even if you were found guilty.
Do not offer additional information. If you are asked to explain an affirmative answer, do so as succinctly as possible—just the facts. If the employer is asking the question, he is probably going to run a background check and will be able to confirm the information you have given, so don’t try to hide anything.
Understand Your Criminal Record in Florida
You can’t answer job application questions accurately if you don’t know what’s on your record. In Florida, domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on what you were accused of doing. A felony is clearly the most serious charge and will significantly impact your ability to get a job. However, a first-degree misdemeanor is also a serious offense and could bar you from certain types of jobs in Florida, such as the following:
Working For The State, Or A City Or County In Florida, If The Conviction Is Related In Any Way To The Work You Will Be Doing
For example, a domestic violence conviction could prevent you from working with children, the elderly, or disabled people.
Work That Requires A State Or Federal Professional License
Licensing boards can deny applications and renewals of licenses based on a first-degree misdemeanor if the conviction is related to the type of license being issued. For example, if you are convicted of domestic violence, your teaching or child care license could be denied.
Work That Requires You To Be Armed
You may not be able to get a license to carry a weapon if you have been convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, which would bar you from jobs that require you to be armed.
Understanding these restrictions can help you avoid applying to the kinds of jobs that will consider your history of domestic violence.
Why You Should Always Fight the Charge
If you have been arrested for domestic violence, it is important that you hire the best defense attorney you can afford to represent you. This will give you the best chance of avoiding a conviction that could affect your future. A skilled domestic violence defense attorney will:
- Gather evidence that proves your innocence and gets you exonerated
- Argue to lower charges from a felony to a misdemeanor, or from a first-degree misdemeanor to a less serious misdemeanor
- Appeal an unjust conviction
- Advise you on ways to protect your future
Have You Been Accused Of Domestic Violence In Florida?
You and your partner may not be at a good point in your relationship right now, but if your partner takes that a step further by accusing you of domestic violence, you need to fight back to protect your freedom. If you are frustrated about a domestic violence charge that is disrupting your life you need to speak with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact me online or call my Miami office directly at 305.707.7345.
I also recommend that you download a free copy of our special report "He Said, She Said: Three Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Domestic Violence Case In Florida". The sooner we talk, the sooner we will be able to help you fight the charges that could change your life forever.
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