How Criminal Convictions Can Affect Your Career

 Posted on November 29,2023 in Criminal Defense

A criminal record can follow you for many years. In Connecticut, a person cannot be denied employment simply because of a prior criminal record. However, a state agency or board is allowed to take a felony conviction under advisement in issuing credentials.

If you have a criminal record, our Stamford criminal defense lawyer would like to discuss what information employers can find out about you and ways that a criminal conviction can affect your career.

Background Checks: What Can My Employer Find Out?

When you apply for a job, the employer must ask your permission to conduct a background check on you. Your criminal record will come up on a background check, along with your schooling and past employment.

From your criminal record, your employer will have access to:

• Arrests from the past seven years 
• Any convictions

However, employers will not be able to access records that are expunged (erased), sealed, or pardoned or arrested from more than seven years ago.

Public Policy on Hiring Employees with a Criminal Record

Connecticut public policy encourages employers to hire ex-offenders to help them re-enter society. According to Connecticut General Statute § 46a-80, state employers are not allowed to discriminate against ex-offenders based on a criminal conviction alone. 

Even though a person cannot be denied a job based on a criminal record, other closely related factors may be considered to justify denying employment. Under Connecticut law, an employer can reject a job candidate based on the nature of the crime, the level of rehabilitation, and how much time has lapsed between the individual’s release from prison.

Credentials That May Be Affected

State agencies and licensing boards are permitted to consider a criminal conviction as a factor in their decision to renew or issue you a license or certification.

Certain professions may deny, revoke, or suspend your credentials, such as:

• Police officers
• Chiropractors
• Physical therapists
• Optometrists
• Veterinarians
• Massage therapists
• Professional bondsmen
• Barbers, hairdressers, cosmeticians
• Social workers
• Attorneys

Hiring a felon may put a business’s state license in jeopardy, so many business owners are weary of placing themselves in that precarious position.

Avoid a Conviction to Protect Your Professional Life

The best way to protect your job and future career is to avoid criminal convictions altogether whenever possible. Getting a case dismissed or acquitted is highly challenging without the right legal representation. 

Presenting the strongest defense possible is essential. You should hire a Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer to ensure your rights and professional life are being preserved.

Is a Criminal Case Threatening Your Employment Opportunities? Hire a Stamford, CT, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

A criminal conviction requires you to put your life on hold. After your sentence is served, you should be able to move on with your life, including your professional ambitions. If you have been denied employment or a promotion due to a criminal conviction, our Fairfield County, CT, criminal defense lawyer wants to hear from you. Contact Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today online or by calling 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.