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Top Tips for Job Searching With a Texas Criminal Record

Admin • Jun 18, 2018

Looking for a Job With a Texas Criminal Record

 

If you are searching for a job and have a Texas criminal record, chances are good a prospective employer will discover it. More and more employers are turning to commercial background checks to quickly screen applicants that may be a “liability.” This makes their job of assessing candidates easier and lower risk. In reality, they could be denying highly qualified applicants due to an indiscretion of theirs in the past. Therefore, if you are job searching with a Texas criminal record, you could face undue discrimination. To help you overcome any barriers to employment you might face with a criminal record, keep these tips in mind.

 

Know What’s On Your Record

 

Request a copy of your Texas criminal record so you know what employers can see. It is not uncommon for people to discover inaccuracies on their criminal background check. Unfortunately, they often don’t find out until they’ve lost a job opportunity.

 

Know What You Have to Disclose

 

Another essential tip is to be 100% honest when applying for jobs. If a prospective employer requires you to disclose a criminal conviction at some point in the application process, do so truthfully. If you lie on an application and the employer finds out, you probably have zero chance of getting the job. Please note employers must gain your permission to run a criminal background check on you. You have a right to deny them that liberty, but they have a right to not offer you the job as a result.

 

Know Your Protections

 

Federal law provides job applicants certain protections. In general, federal law limits when and how an employer may use information about an applicant’s criminal background in the hiring process. Blanket policies that automatically discriminate against applicants with a criminal record are illegal for most private employers. Similarly, an employer may not use an arrest that did not end in a conviction as reason alone to deny you a job, a promotion or fire you.

 

Work With an Attorney to Counter Discrimination

 

There is no way around it; if you have a Texas criminal record, you could miss out on great job opportunities. But with a little bit of knowledge and a few extra steps, you can help counter discrimination and overcome the odds on your job search. Consult with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney if you are facing charges or are looking for a job and have a prior conviction. An attorney can help you explore your options for cleaning your record or keeping it clean before it’s too late.

 

 

If you have a Texas criminal record and are looking for a job in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys will advise you on the best course of action to clear your name and protect your rights. With law offices in Dallas and Denton, our attorneys provide compassionate legal services to Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall and Tarrant counties. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of criminal cases including DWI/DUI , assault/family violence, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Call (214) 329-9433, email team@jbabblaw.com, or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.

 

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