Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights
Take Responsibility For Your Actions
Michelle Garrett
If an admission of guilt has you concerned about what type of sentence you will be handed when it is time to face a judge concerning your DUI impairment, your lawyer may advise you to take alcohol classes and participate in counseling or group sessions that are geared toward alcoholics. All of these suggestions may seem overbearing, but they could influence the outcome of your case and prevent you from serving time in jail.
Court-Mandated Requirements
Your court case may not be scheduled for a few months and this will leave you with the uncertainty of what to expect. If you have retained a DUI law attorney, they can let you know what the normal course of action is, concerning the same type of charge that you have incurred.
If no bodily injury was involved in your situation and you did not damage anyone's vehicle, you probably won't receive as stiff of a penalty as someone who has been deemed a repeat offender or has been involved in a vehicular accident that caused severe injuries and damage. Still, it is necessary to take responsibility for your actions.
If your lawyer thinks that it is in your best interest to seek help with your alcohol addiction, they will provide you with contact information that will connect you with the overseer of an alcohol education course or counseling arrangement.
Your Dedication To Changing
Even though you are seeking help for your drinking problem, you must face what you will deal with during your scheduled court appearance. You may be handed a fine, which will need to be paid in full prior to being eligible to resume driving. You may also endure a suspension of your license. A suspension is a temporary punishment that may begin immediately from the date that you appear in court.
All of the extra activities that you have participated in prior to this point can be presented to the judge who is overseeing your case. During the months that lead up to your court hearing, update your lawyer about what you have been doing to better yourself.
If you receive a certificate of completion upon finishing an alcohol education course or a recommendation from a counselor who has aided you in recovering from your addiction, provide your lawyer with copies of this information so that it can be shared with the judge who is ruling on your case.
For more information, contact a firm like The Kaiser Law Group.
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I'll be up front: I have a criminal record. As someone who's spent lots--and lots--of time looking for a job in my life, I've gotten used to being up front with this fact. It's difficult to get hired with this on my record, and frankly, it never gets less scary to have to tell an interviewer about it. But that doesn't mean I'm unemployable. I'm a hard worker who can bring a lot to any company. And I also know what an employer needs to do for me. I know my rights. There's no federal law protecting me from discrimination due to my record, but there are plenty of state laws that make it a little easier for me. If you're looking for a job and you have a criminal record, read through this information. Protect yourself during a job search. Know your rights.