How May My Violent Crime Conviction Affect My Career in Nevada?

First, you must understand that any criminal conviction will, and usually does, negatively impact your future employment, housing, professional licensing, and more. If your criminal history includes being convicted of a violent crime, the negative impact could be made worse.

When a person is arrested for any reason in Nevada, it is natural for them to think about the consequences they might face if convicted. Depending on your charges and the severity of your crime, you may be facing incarceration, fines, and other penalties. However, at first, you may not consider the negative that your criminal record might have as you attempt to move on and achieve various objectives in life.

Even after you have been convicted, served your debt to society, completed parole, and more, there are usually still severe obstacles that can hinder you.

One of the main parts of your life that is highly problematic is seeking new employment, furthering your career, professional licensing, and more.

Most states now allow potential employers to do background checks on new employees. In most instances, any criminal record (a misdemeanor or a felony) will show up on most of these investigations, possibly their details and the severity of your crime.  

Nevada is one of the states that allow employers to legally check on an applicant’s criminal history, specifically if they have convictions. Additionally, if your background investigation doesn’t show your criminal history, and you don’t tell them upfront, you could be terminated if your employer finds out about it later. Any non-disclosure of such information, especially if your crime was violent, if your employer asks, will lead to termination.

However, as your skilled violent crimes lawyer will explain, you do have rights, and in many cases, having a past criminal history should not bar you from being employed. However, if your conviction and crime were somehow related to your present job, you may not be chosen for that position.

If you were charged and convicted of a violent crime, it may even be worse as your employer may feel that you could contribute to an unsafe work environment. So, if you were hired and started work, your employer may still have the right to fire you.

Each case differs, but if you feel that you’ve paid your debt to society and are being unduly punished for your past offenses, the advice and guidance of an experienced, knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense lawyer is mandatory.

Can I Lose Some Of My Civil Rights After a Criminal Conviction in Nevada?

Many people don’t realize that when you’re convicted of a felony offense, such as a violent crime, your consequences may extend far beyond jail time. Most states, Nevada included, have the power to strip you of specific rights.

This is done so that justice is served, and if you break the law, you may never enjoy some of the privileges that other citizens do.

However, your lawyer will explain that, in most cases, your civil rights are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society. These rights define our freedoms and establish us as equal citizens under constitutional law. But, if you’ve committed a crime (especially of a violent nature), the consequences of a criminal conviction are profound and often will lead to you losing many of these rights.

In Nevada, some of the rights you could lose are:

  • Your right to vote in any state, or federal election.
  • Your right to hold any state or federal public office (and possibly a government job).
  • The right to serve as a juror.
  • Your right to own a firearm, or any possibly lethal weapon, and more.

Losing your civil rights can often lead to a long-lasting and sometimes permanent stigma. This is especially true if you’re convicted of a violent felony; here, the consequences can last for the rest of your life.

Most Employers Now Use Background Checks; Will My Criminal Conviction Appear on It?

Under previous Nevada laws pertaining to background checks, it was illegal for CRAs (Consumer Reporting Agencies) to report almost all criminal convictions older than seven years.

However, this law was amended several years ago, and the new law removed the seven-year limitation on reporting criminal convictions.

The current law now only provides the following limitations on reporting criminal convictions:

  • Any bankruptcy that occurred more than ten years ago.
  • Civil judgments that were filed seven or more years ago.
  • All criminal proceedings older than seven years, except for any convictions you may have incurred.

Additionally, Nevada’s law does not have a salary limit (under that previous limit, your crime wasn’t reported), so your criminal history can be reported regardless of your pay.

So, no matter what job you are applying for or whatever you are paid, the CRA can report all criminal convictions to your employer.

Each case differs, but if the circumstances allow it, your skilled, experienced criminal defense lawyer will always advise you on the best legal path to follow when dealing with this dire issue.

Can I Get a Job in Nevada With a Violent Crime Conviction on My Record?

If you’ve been convicted of a violent crime, or any crime, in Nevada, it’s the harsh truth that your chances for obtaining employment could be significantly hampered and difficult. This is especially true if your employer does a background check.

The current Nevada law permits employers to request and gain access to any past criminal justice agencies’ information that may be on file,

These criminal records will usually include the following:

  • Any past convictions you have had, whether it was a criminal or misdemeanor offense.
  • Any record in the justice system that pertains to your crime, including facts on your parole and probation requirements.

So, what’s the best path to take? You might feel that disclosing a conviction will undoubtedly stop you from being hired, but be assured that’s not always the case.

It is a fact, however, that not disclosing a conviction when asked will mark you as dishonest and make an employer much less likely to hire you. Also, under the current Nevada law, any sentence you may have had will appear on your background check.

As stated, you do have rights. For example, your skilled and well-versed criminal defense lawyer will tell you that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises employers to consider specific facts when deciding whether your offense should be disqualifying.

They may consider such things as:

  • The details and severity of your criminal offense.
  • How long ago did your conviction and sentence occur?
  • The type of job you are applying for, where it will be performed, whether it will be under supervision, how you must interact with other employees, and more.

Whether you are just re-entering the workforce after your sentence or applying for a new and better job, you should discuss this situation with your violent crimes lawyer and decide the best way to proceed to get the job you want.

Work with your lawyer and be prepared to offer a detailed record of what occurred, the circumstances involved, and all mitigating information as to why you should not be excluded from their consideration for the job.

Applying for a job with a previous violent crime on your record is a challenging task. However, by obtaining the guidance of your Nevada criminal defense lawyer, they can advise you on whether you are required to disclose a conviction and how to do it most effectively.  

I Am Applying for a Job With a Past Criminal Record; How Should I Proceed?

This situation can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming, and the help of a professional criminal defense lawyer is mandatory. Your lawyer can correct errors on your criminal record if needed. Additionally, they can professionally and thoroughly advise you on when and how to disclose your past infractions to your employer.

The Las Vegas-based Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, has a long, empathetic, and extensive history of helping clients not only stay out of jail but also advise them on how to lead meaningful and productive lives when they return to their families.

Call them today at 702-819-8242 for a free consultation on your case, and they will tirelessly assist you in moving forward to a bright and rewarding future.