You may not know just how much a criminal record can impact your life until you have been arrested for the very first time. Suddenly, your future becomes uncertain. Not only do you worry about the outcome of your case, you worry about how a newly acquired criminal record will affect nearly every aspect of your life. If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime and you enter the job hunt, your criminal history stands to be one of your biggest obstacles in landing a position.
The Background Check
Not every company does it, but most certainly do. Each company has the right to conduct a background check on any and every potential employee. With your first and last name and your date of birth, any employer can find out if you have been arrested in Florida. A simple background check runs about $15 and is accessible from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s database. Federal court records can also be accessed via the PACER system.
There are many state laws that govern what employers can check. Some laws allow employers to look at a specific period of time, for example, the past 5 years. Others may allow employers to consider felony offenses during the hiring process, but not misdemeanor charges. In others, a juvenile record can be sealed.
In general, the degree to which the crime you allegedly committed, or were arrested for, impacts your chances of being hired is affected by the nature of the crime. If the crime you committed relates to the position you are applying to, the employer can consider it a factor when deciding whether to hire you. If the position you have applied to may tempt you to commit the same crime again, there is a good chance you won’t be considered for the position.
In several states, employers may not consider arrests. Some of these states may ask you about an arrest if you have yet to be tried. You should consider calling the Florida Department of Labor to ask about pre-employment screening laws. Employers may also conduct background checks annually. If you have been working for a while at a company and suddenly they detect you have been convicted of a crime, this can be grounds for termination.
Odds of Being Hired after a Criminal Charge
It is in the best interests of the employer to hire candidates who will ensure a safe environment. A recruiter can incur penalties for negligent hiring practices, which is why a person seeking employment with a criminal charge or conviction may encounter significant obstacles. If you want to know what your background check will reveal, you might consider hiring someone to perform a background check on you before applying to jobs you are interested in. This will help you prepare for the interview process. In addition, your best chance at cleaning up your criminal past is to consult with a strong defense attorney in Florida. An attorney may be able to help you expunge or seal your record so that these charges do not show up in a background check.
Quality Criminal Defense in West Palm Beach
The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel proudly seeks justice for the criminally accused. When you work with Attorney Brian Gabriel, who has over 30 years of criminal defense experience, you can be sure that everything that is possible will be attempted to ensure your charges are dropped or significantly reduced. If you have already suffered a conviction, be sure to inquire about record sealing and expungement in West Palm Beach. Call 561-622-5575 for a free legal consultation.
