Although misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, they can still incur negative consequences when it comes to your employment. If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor crime in Riverside, it’s important to understand how to handle your conviction and how to approach the job search so that your past doesn’t hurt your future career aspirations.
What Misdemeanors Can Prevent You From Being Hired?
In general, you can still get a job with a misdemeanor conviction on your record. There are no laws that prohibit people with criminal pasts from being employed. However, certain offenses might make it more difficult for you to get hired in certain fields. For example, if you have a DUI conviction within the past 10 years, you cannot drive for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. If you have a drug-related crime conviction, you may have a hard time finding a job in the medical field. Additionally, if you have been convicted of a crime involving violence, you may not be able to become a law enforcement officer.
Do I Have to Disclose a Misdemeanor Conviction?
All employers reserve the right to run a criminal background check on you, meaning your conviction will probably show up even if you do not disclose it. In some instances, an employer will ask upon application whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. Fields such as education and law enforcement require that you report all crimes, including misdemeanors. When applying and interviewing for a job, you should always be honest about any past criminal activity. By taking initiative and disclosing your misdemeanor, you are showing the employer that you have taken responsibility for your actions and have since grown into a law-abiding citizen.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances?
Some misdemeanors can be expunged from your record. Expungement is the process where a court orders that a criminal conviction be destroyed or sealed from your record. This makes the conviction as if it had never occurred, removing it from your record and the public record. When your past conviction is expunged, you no longer have to disclose it on an employment application or interview, even if you are asked. If your conviction isn’t a barred offense, you should consider consulting an attorney to try to have your conviction expunged.
If expungement is not an option for you, not all hope is lost. Many people still get jobs with misdemeanors on their records, and there are tools at your disposal. First, your probation officer can be a great resource for guiding you back into the workforce. He or she may be able to help you secure a job with a company in your area that is known for hiring rehabilitated people with criminal records. In addition, it may be useful for you to gather some personal references that can attest to your good character. A reference may help to persuade employers that your conviction does not define you.
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor in Riverside, contact Wallin & Klarich as soon as possible to see how we can help. With 40+ years of experience, Wallin & Klarich is your best choice amongst Southern California criminal defense firms. Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients expunge their records, and we have the skills and resources to help you avoid disqualification from any form of employment you may wish to seek in the future.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Torrance, West Covina, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you are sure to find an available and convenient attorney near you.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.
