How a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Job Opportunities in Texas

Many people facing criminal charges consider simply pleading guilty so they can move on with their lives, unaware of the potential long-term consequences. Sometimes, the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can long outlast the specific criminal penalties, such as jail time or fines. Here are some of the ways that a criminal record can affect your job opportunities in Texas.

Automatic Denial 

Most employers conduct background checks on new applicants. They may believe that these background checks can protect them from civil liability if the worker harms someone during their employment, or there may be a standard policy in place requiring these checks. If a potential employer locates a criminal record, they may automatically deny your application, especially if you are applying for a job that involves working with vulnerable populations, money, driving, or customer-facing work. 

Effects on Current Jobs

A criminal record may not only affect potential job opportunities; it may affect your current job, too. Your employer could learn of your offense, gossip could spread around the office, the case may have received media attention, or your employer may have a news alert set up with all of their employees’ names so that they are made aware of any arrests or convictions. Ultimately, your criminal record could cause you to lose your job or be denied a promotion, limiting your career growth and earning potential. Under some employers’ policies, a criminal conviction or even an arrest could be grounds for immediate termination.

Professional Licenses

Many professions require a license to work in the field. Here is how a criminal conviction could impact professionals subject to professional licensing standards:

Lawyers

Texas lawyers and legal professionals are subject to the Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. These are strict ethical requirements. If they are found to violate them, they can lose their license to practice law. 

Law school students must pass a separate ethics exam, in addition to the bar exam. They must also demonstrate good moral character and pass a stringent review of their background. They must disclose any criminal history during this process. Some types of charges may affect the applicant’s ability to pass this review, such as those involving dishonesty, violent conduct, or substance offenses. 

Teachers

Teachers are held to a higher ethical standard than most professions. They are expected to be children’s role models, so they must fiercely protect their reputations to protect their careers. Texas teachers are subject to a professional license process. Texas licensing boards and school districts often review criminal records when making decisions about certification and hiring. 

If you have been convicted of certain offenses, your license could be suspended, or you could be disqualified from employment in education, potentially including administrative roles or work as a principal.

Doctors and Nurses

Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and others, are also subject to professional licensure. Convictions for certain crimes, including those involving illegal drugs, can result in the loss or denial of your medical license. A criminal charge could also result in a Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses endorsement, which could also interfere with your ability to get, keep, or change jobs as a nurse. 

Real Estate Professionals

The Texas Real Estate Commission sets licensing standards for real estate professionals. If you have been convicted of certain offenses, especially those involving deceit, fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust, your license could be denied, or you could be subject to disciplinary action.

Business Owners

Even if you are self-employed, a criminal conviction could still affect your career. You could have trouble securing necessary professional certifications, financing, or partnerships. 

Other Professionals

Professions that impact public health, safety, and welfare generally require state-issued professional licenses. This includes skilled trades, like electricians, plumbers, and general contractors. Licensing is managed by specific state boards and agencies, depending on the occupation. These agencies often evaluate criminal history when determining eligibility for a professional license. Additionally, some licensing boards may complete a regulatory review if you have pending charges against you, even if you haven’t been convicted of them. 

Mandatory Time Commitments

Criminal convictions can result in various types of penalties that can affect your schedule. If you don’t comply with these terms of probation or sentencing, you could have your probation revoked. For example, you might be required to do the following:

• Meet with your pretrial supervision or probation officer regularly
• Attend mandatory drug and alcohol counseling
• Complete many hours of community service
• Complete counseling
• Attend classes like a victim impact panel

Driving Record

Another way that a criminal conviction can affect your ability to work and retain a job is that it can cause you to lose your driving privileges. For example, if you are convicted of DUI, your driver’s license might be suspended for 90 days to a year. If aggravating factors were present, such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or a child in the car at the time of the criminal offense, the suspension period could be even longer. Without a driver’s license, you may have difficulty getting to and from work. 

Your driver’s license could even be suspended before you’re convicted, resulting in almost immediate consequences. Driver’s license suspensions are a separate administrative law process, so your driving privileges can be taken away if you don’t act quickly after an arrest for DUI or if you refuse a breath or blood test.

Losing your driver’s license is most impactful when you work a job that involves driving, such as commercial driving, delivery, transportation, or service work. Likewise, your application could be denied for you to work as a rideshare driver. 

Insurability 

A criminal record can also impact your ability to be insured or the amount of insurance coverage to cover you as an employee. Some jobs require workers to be licensed, bonded, and insured. Others require special SR-22 coverage, which can significantly raise insurance rates, and your employer may refuse to pay it, or you might not be able to afford it. 

Travel Restrictions

A criminal record could also affect your ability to travel. Your terms of probation might limit you from leaving the state or require you to seek acceptance well before a planned trip. If you have to travel for work, this could give your employer grounds to terminate your employment. 

The problem can be even more complicated if you need to travel internationally for work. Many countries require individuals with criminal records to obtain special permits or visas before they are allowed to enter the country. Some countries completely preclude non-citizens with criminal convictions from entering their borders.

Security Clearance

Some jobs, including those involving public service, law enforcement, government positions, and security work, require people to receive security clearance. A criminal conviction could preclude you from obtaining your clearance (or losing your existing clearance), preventing you from getting or keeping a job in these industries. 

Immigration Status

The commission of certain crimes can affect immigrants’ status in the country. Some criminal offenses can result in removal or refusing to grant a visa or other lawful immigration status. 

Sex Offender Registration

Being convicted of certain sex offenses can result in the obligation to register as a sex offender. Many jobs will automatically deny applicants who are listed on the sex offender registration list. 

Location Effects

Beyond appearing on a background check, having a criminal record could affect you in other ways. For example, if you must reside within a certain area or on the property where you work, you may not be able to obtain the necessary housing because of your criminal background.

Education Restrictions

Some types of criminal convictions can also preclude you from obtaining a college degree. Many colleges and universities require applicants to disclose criminal convictions during the application process. You could be kept out of certain programs or denied acceptance into the college at large.

You could also be denied scholarships, student loans, or other forms of financial aid. These restrictions can limit your educational opportunities and career pursuits.

Reputation Damage

Arrest records, pending charges, or criminal convictions can damage your professional reputation. Employers might question your judgment or ability to handle stress. Clients or customers might worry about your and the company’s trustworthiness, safety, or professional conduct. If you are in a client-facing role or a leadership position, a criminal record could cause even more disruption to your career.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to Protect Your Career

A criminal conviction can influence your career, potential job opportunities, licensing, and professional reputation. Early legal intervention can help protect your rights, challenge the allegations against you, and identify your long-term objectives. 

The criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of Mike Howard have extensive experience protecting the rights of the accused. We also offer expunction and record sealing legal services so that one mistake doesn’t dictate the rest of your life. Contact us today for your 30-minute case evaluation.