Each and every day, thousands of people are arrested, with charges ranging from minor misdemeanors to more serious offenses and felonies such as murder. When strolling through shock sites or crime news blogs such as Hoodsite and US CRIME, it’s safe to assume that crime is a prevalent part of society. With daily gruesome gore videos, street fights and shootings, it seems as if criminal activity knows no rest.
That being said, out of the thousands arrested daily, many of these people hold jobs, and it’s important for employees to report these charges to their employers. It’s important for employees to know their rights by speaking with an attorney on the proper steps to take and how best to inform their employer.
Employers are required by law to conduct background checks on prospective employees, and they must be informed of, or have access to, criminal records. In most states, an employer can only find out about a charge if they have appropriately advised their employer of the charge. Unfortunately, many people fail to provide their employers with complete and accurate information about criminal charges. It can result in an employer believing that the person is guilty of the crime when, in fact, they are innocent.
1. People who inform their employers of their criminal charges are less likely to lose their jobs than those who do not. Although some employers will terminate a person upon hearing of the charged offense, others will keep the employee on staff. This is especially true if the employee was charged but not convicted of the crime or a minor crime.
2. By informing your employer about a charge, you can work out any potential problems that may arise from your arrest before getting hired by another employer or being involved in a lawsuit. If you find out that your employer will not allow you to work for them, you can decide for yourself whether the job is something you want to do. The majority of employers will hire an employee who is not guilty of the crime they are accused of.
3. People who inform their employers of their criminal charges are less likely to get sued or arrested for a crime committed without the employer’s knowledge. If the employer was aware of the possibility that a person hired may be charged with a crime, they could choose to terminate that employee rather than risk legal action from an innocent employee. The employer is then protected from false accusations.
4. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime but not convicted, you should find out if your employer knows about this charge before disclosing it. It will make it less likely for your employer to take legal action against you. The employer will be unable to terminate you under most circumstances if you have not been convicted of the criminal charge.
5. Many employers and individuals who know that a person has been arrested assume that the person is guilty of the crime when in fact, they are innocent. By telling your employer about the charges, you can show that you are innocent and demonstrate to potential employers that you are trustworthy. It will also help you avoid being fired or sued by co-workers, customers, and clients.
By informing employers that you have been charged with a crime, you can help them to see the situation from your point of view. You will also avoid trouble in the future by working out problems with an employer before they become a severe problem. Notifying your employer of your charge is a common-sense approach that can benefit you in the long run.