While securing gainful employment can be hard for anyone, it can be twice as hard for those with a criminal record. Employers often perform criminal background checks on job applicants to determine whether they are a good fit for their company. Despite being extremely qualified for a job, if you are a convicted felon it will decrease your chances of receiving a job offer. This is because they believe it’s better to hold out than to take a huge risk and face potential liability for your actions. If you are facing a felony in Texas, it’s in your best interest to connect with a determined Dallas County Criminal Lawyer who can help you explore your legal options during this difficult time. Please continue reading to learn the difficulties you can encounter when trying to obtain employment as a convicted felon.
Is Finding a Job as a Convicted Felon Difficult?
It’s important to understand that the effects of a criminal conviction can haunt you for years, even after serving your time. Unfortunately, being a convicted felon can significantly alter the way people perceive you. While you understandably want to move on with your life after serving your sentence, a felony conviction can make it difficult to start new as it can impact your career opportunities.
First, most colleges and universities require applicants to disclose any criminal history when applying. If you are being charged with a felony offense before attending a post-secondary institution or want to return to school for any reason after being convicted, you will need to disclose this information with admissions. Depending on the type of crime, it could negatively impact your admissions and prevent you from obtaining a degree that you may need for your desired position.
Could I Lose My Job?
If you are already employed, you should keep in mind that you could lose your job. This is because your employer is well within their rights to terminate you for various reasons after you are convicted of a felony. A felony conviction will likely involve jail time, which means you will need to take a leave to serve your sentence. Additionally, depending on the crime, it could expose a moral problem that the company takes issue with or the crime was related to your position at the company. Furthermore, a felony could prevent you from obtaining a job in certain fields. For example, if you were convicted of a crime involving sex or drugs you may not be allowed to work with children. It’s important to note that Texas employers can only look at the last seven years of your convictions if you are applying for a position that pays $75,000 or less.
As you can see, a felony conviction can limit your career options. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s crucial to connect with a qualified lawyer from the team at Spangler Law who can help protect you from an uncertain future. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help you fight for the best possible outcome.
