If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, you have a lot on your mind – but you may not have yet begun to realize just how devastating a conviction can be to your career.
Domestic violence is a crime that (despite the way the legal system is supposed to work) tends to automatically taint the alleged perpetrator’s reputation. Here’s how this can ultimately affect your ability to gain or keep your employment:
You could be dropped by clients over the optics alone
Actor Johnny Depp was famously dropped from several lead roles and found his prospects for work limited after allegations of domestic violence surfaced against him – and he wasn’t even charged with a crime. If you’re in a high-profile career and you do any type of contracting gigs, your clients may not want to take the risk of being associated with you.
You could lose your current job and find it hard to get new ones
Your employer has to try to mitigate the risks to their customers, clients, business associates and other staff members. If you are convicted of a crime of violence, the odds are very high that you may be let go from your position over safety concerns.
You could also lose your job because of your inability to carry a firearm after a conviction. If your current profession involves using weapons (military, police or security, for example), you may have to find a new career pretty fast – and that might not be easy. Background checks will reveal your conviction to the world, and employers may think twice about trusting you.
Are you facing domestic violence charges? It’s time to start strategizing your defense. A proactive approach can minimize the fallout on your life today and in the future.