
Being charged with a criminal offense can be incredibly nerve-wracking. However, when you’re facing a felony you can expect your life to change in many ways. One area in which you will encounter difficulties is in your employment prospects. However, the best way to navigate these issues is to connect with Houston criminal defense attorneys to explore your legal options during these complicated times. The following blog explores how your status as a convicted felon will make obtaining employment more difficult.
Will I Have Employment Protections as a Convicted Felon?
If you are convicted of a felony offense, it can feel like you only have to worry about spending time in prison. While this is an understandable concern, you’ll also need to consider what life will be like upon your release from prison. Generally, the most difficult thing for those who have been incarcerated is obtaining employment.
It’s important to understand that legally, you can be denied employment if you have a felony conviction on your criminal record. Though some states are pushing to remove questions about criminal convictions from applications, many states and employers utilize these questions to deny applicants regardless of their qualifications. In Texas, if you are applying for a job that pays $75,000 or less, an employer can only look at the last seven years of your convictions and charges.
Unfortunately, many employers will turn down applicants with a felony on their record as many run background checks when hiring. For some, this could be because of the job requirements. For example, you likely would not get hired as a bank manager if you’ve committed felony fraud. Other employers may not want to worry about the safety of their business customers.
You may also find that trying to find a new career path can be challenging, as you may be unable to receive grants or loans to go back to school for further education. However, it is possible to find employment as a felony, but it just may not be what you wanted.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
If you are facing a felony offense, it may feel hopeless to try to fight the charges. However, it’s in your best interest to do so.
Working with an attorney is critical to give you the best chance of fighting for a positive outcome for your circumstances. Your lawyer will examine your case to determine if there are any potential defenses you can utilize. If there are, they may believe fighting for an acquittal in court is your best option. However, they may also be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution for lesser charges that are not as severe as a felony conviction.
Regardless of your circumstances, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the Gonzale Law Group. Our firm understands how important your future is to you, which is why we will do everything in our power to assist you through these complicated matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can help fight for the best possible outcome for you.