If you are reading this blog, then it is very likely you or your loved one is facing allegations of sexual misconduct. If this is the case, you need to understand that the situation must be taken very seriously, considering the potential consequences of conviction.
A person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to charges involving a sex crime is at risk of ruinous penalties. You may already realize that it can mean a prison sentence and a stain on your criminal record, but it can do much more damage in terms of how and if you are able to provide for yourself and your family now and in the future.
In accordance with state laws, job applicants can be subjected to one of two levels of background checks. If the employer finds that you have been found guilty of or pleaded to charges involving sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, solicitation and similar acts, he or she can decide that such are grounds to deny or discontinue employment.
In some cases, an employer will be required by state law to disqualify people who have had sexual offenses come up in their background checks.
What all this means is that even if you are qualified in every other way for a particular job, you can be denied that opportunity because of a previous criminal conviction. This can make it an incredible challenge to find a job and earn enough money to support yourself and your family. Further, it can make it all but impossible to put a previous mistake behind you and focus on your future when you are regularly denied opportunities because of that mistake.
However, you should understand that you have options when it comes to avoiding these costly penalties. These options include sealing a criminal record, having the offense expunged or avoiding conviction in the first place.
Considering how much damage can be done by a criminal conviction, it can be crucial that you discuss your eligibility for the above-mentioned remedies with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Failure to protect yourself, your career and your future could cost you much more than you realize.