People facing criminal accusations often worry about the potential consequences of those charges. Obviously, anyone accused of a crime has reason to worry about the penalties the courts might impose. The consequences of a criminal conviction can range from incarceration to fines and probation.
Many professionals facing criminal charges choose to plead guilty not because they admit they broke the law but rather because they want to rush through the criminal process. They worry that they might be at risk of life-altering consequences and major career setbacks if they take their case to trial. What they may fail to consider is that a guilty plea can cause lasting damage to their career.
How can a criminal conviction negatively impact someone’s career development and employment?
Penalties can affect attendance
The most immediate concern for those convicted of a crime is the possibility of the courts sentencing them to incarceration. Serving a sentence of imprisonment frequently means missing weeks of work if not more. Many employers do not accommodate extended absences, especially if they relate to criminal prosecution. The penalties imposed by the courts could cost someone their job because of how much work they have to miss.
Professional licensing may be at risk
Professionals ranging from healthcare providers to accountants often require state licenses to work in their chosen professions. The state licensing process validates someone’s education and allows professional organizations to screen out those who may not adhere to industry standards. Many licensing organizations suspend or revoke professional licenses previously granted to those with significant criminal convictions on their records. Even if a professional avoids incarceration, they may lose their job because they cannot maintain their professional license as required by the state.
Criminal records affect future opportunities
Those who avoid jail and do not require a professional license may still find that a conviction negatively affects their career development. New employers are likely to check their criminal record whenever they seek out a job. For many companies, a prior record might be the difference between the choice to hire one professional and the decision to go in another direction. The more serious someone is about their career, the more important it is to avoid a criminal record.
Choosing to fight criminal charges rather than pleading guilty is often the best option available for a professional who is facing allegations of criminal conduct. Defendants who defeat their charges don’t have to worry about criminal records or any other secondary consequences of a conviction.