Not only can domestic violence charges have severe penalties in terms of the law, but there is also a stigma attached to such convictions. Many employers could be reluctant to either keep or take on an employee with a violent criminal record.
Of course, being charged with an offense does not automatically mean that you are guilty. You remain innocent until proven guilty and have a right to build a case for your defense. Defending yourself from domestic violence charges is not only vital from a personal point of view, it could also protect your career.
Could you lose your job?
In theory, you have the presumption of innocence. However, New York is an at-will employment state. This means that employers can fire you without warning for essentially any reason. There are situations where you would be protected, such as if you were fired based on your race, religion or creed. Nonetheless, being fired because your employer has been made aware of pending charges would not fall into this category.
Can a conviction prevent you from getting a job in the future?
The state of New York has implemented laws that make it illegal for an employer to ask about the criminal record of an applicant prior to making an offer. Nonetheless, a business can retract an offer by going through the appropriate channels. A domestic violence conviction will show up on your criminal record, which may provide employers with the justification for ultimately not taking you on.
It is in your best interests to defend domestic violence charges with maximum effort. Having sound knowledge of your legal rights in New York will help with this process.
