Is it possible to find work and rebuild your professional reputation after being convicted of a white collar crime? Here’s what you need to know about employment after conviction.
When you’ve been convicted of white-collar crime, the residual effects of the conviction can last long after you’ve paid your dues. For people with a white collar crime on their record, finding employment after a conviction can be a challenge. When it’s time to start rebuilding your life and moving beyond the mistakes of your past, here’s what you need to know about securing employment with a white collar crime on your record.
Employment after a White Collar Crime
The term “white collar crime” is frequently used to describe non-violent criminal acts which are almost always financially motivated. White collar crimes in a professional environment may include committing crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, bribery, and public corruption. Considering that the monetary amount involved in many white collar crimes is significant, a person can face serious penalties if convicted.
In most cases, white collar crimes are prosecuted as felony offenses. This distinction means when a person is convicted of a white collar crime, they may face incarceration and steep financial penalties. Once this is in the past, the challenge then becomes rebuilding your life — a major part of which includes reestablishing yourself in a career.
Unfortunately, this proves more difficult than anticipated when you have a criminal conviction on your record. This can be especially challenging for a person who has spent years building a career with one company or within a specific industry. Starting from scratch is intimidating, especially when you have a reputation following you.
The good news is it’s possible to rebuild your professional career; however, doing so will likely require patience and a willingness to explore different career paths. Before searching for a new employment opportunity, there are a few things you should know according to criminal defense attorney Mick Mickelsen.
Rebuilding Your Life When You’re Considered a White Collar Criminal
As you begin to rebuild your life, it may feel like the stigma of being a white collar criminal is interfering with your ability to move forward. When it comes to finding a job, you may not even know where to begin or if there are any limitations on your employment options post-conviction. Here’s what you should consider before seeking employment.
Is Honesty the Best Policy?
When you apply for certain professional positions, the employer has the legal right to ask about previous felony convictions. This is especially true in fields like medicine and education, among others. If an employer has the legal right to ask outright about your criminal record, you shouldn’t lie about your past.
However, in many professions, your criminal record might not come up until the employer has expressed interest and mentions a background check. In this case, you have no legal obligation to disclose your record but doing so at the right time can be advantageous. Regardless of their final decision, employers are going to appreciate the honesty.
Can You Seek a Job in Your Old Field?
This is a difficult question to answer and will depend significantly on the type of career you had previously. In most cases, a person who has been convicted of a white-collar crime would do best to explore new career options and take a fresh start approach with their professional life.
For instance, if you embezzled money while cashiering, you’re not likely to be hired in that type of capacity again. The same holds true for people who were previously employed in administrative positions. Consider your core skill set and think about exploring educational opportunities to take your career in a new direction.
You May Need to Start Small
As a person with a criminal record, you might find it easy to gain employment from smaller businesses rather than large corporations. Larger companies almost always conduct a thorough background check including your criminal record. Small businesses have a more personal approach and may be more willing to give you a second chance.
Get Help with a Dallas White Collar Crime Attorney
The best way to secure your professional future is by working with a Dallas white collar crime lawyer who can defend your case and help you avoid a conviction. It’s also important to understand your rights regarding employment after conviction. An experienced defense attorney at the Broden & Mickelsen, LLP in Dallas can answer your questions and help you start working towards rebuilding your life today.
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Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future case.
