Having a criminal record can make it difficult to get employed. It is common knowledge that people convicted of felonies have a hard time finding employment, but getting charged with a misdemeanor can have negative effects as well. Here are some ways that a misdemeanor can affect your search for employment in Colorado.
Can you get rejected because of a misdemeanor?
It is extremely common for jobs to do background searches before hiring a new employee. When doing a background search, an employer will more than likely end up finding out that you have a criminal record. When interviewing for the job, it is important that you be transparent and honest about your past, including your criminal record.
If the misdemeanor wasn’t something major or it happened a long time ago, it may not stop you from getting hired. If you are honest and own up to your mistake, the employer may choose to not hold it against you. However, some misdemeanors will hurt your chances of working in certain occupations.
Jobs where misdemeanors could affect you
If you have a misdemeanor related to familial violence or domestic abuse, it might stop you from getting hired at an occupation where you would work with kids. Similarly, if you have a misdemeanor related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it may hold you back from getting hired at a job that requires you to drive a company vehicle.
It all depends on the details and severity of your crime as well as the outcome of the charge after hiring a criminal law attorney to defend you. For example, whether you were sentenced to jail time or community service might affect the employer’s decision. It will be up to your employer’s discretion to decide whether or not to hire you.
Having a misdemeanor on your record doesn’t mean that you will end up jobless. You can still find employment, but certain jobs may be hesitant to hire you depending on the details of misdemeanor you were convicted of.
