Can I Be Fired If I’m Convicted of Domestic Violence?

Sep 15, 2017, by Martin Drias in Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Legal Blog

Domestic violence crimes are considered very serious in the state of Michigan. If you are convicted of this crime, you will face severe legal penalties and additional consequences that can affect you for years. If you are currently facing a charge of domestic violence, you may be asking, “can I be fired for domestic violence?” It’s important to understand the severity of such a charge and the consequences come with being accused of a domestic violence crime.

The Detroit domestic violence lawyers at Drias Law Group understand what is at stake if you are currently facing a domestic violence charge. It’s our goal to help you minimize the potential consequences you are facing by fighting vigorously on your behalf to defend your rights within the criminal justice system.

If you need legal help, call us today at (313) 944-0236, or send us a message online to request a free case consultation.

Definition of Domestic Violence

Under Michigan law, the crime of domestic violence encompasses a broad range of actions, and includes the following:

Placing a member of your family or household in fear of mental or physical harm
Causing attempting to cause mental or physical harm to a member of your family or household
Taking any action toward a family or household member that would cause them to feel intimidated, frightened, or threatened
Using the threat of force or using actual force to make a family or household member to participate in sexual activity

Potential Loss of Employment Consequence

If you are convicted of a domestic violence crime, you need to realize that you may lose many of the privileges that you now take for granted. The answer to the question “can I be fired if I’m convicted of domestic violence” will be answered with an affirmative “yes.” You may face dismissal from your current position and find it difficult to find and obtain other employment with similar pay or status.

A Matter of Public Record

The main reason your current and future employment prospects may be threatened in the wake of a domestic violence charge and conviction is that these cases stand as a matter of public record.

Loss of Public Employment

In the aftermath of a domestic violence conviction, you may suffer the loss of any public service job you currently hold. This may include positions in the field of nursing, teaching, public office, firefighting, or law enforcement.

Loss of General Employment

If you face a domestic violence charge and/or are convicted of a domestic violence crime, there is a serious possibility you could lose your job. This is especially true if your position requires the handling or transportation of ammunition, weapons, or explosives. Additionally, you may lose your job if it involves handling hazardous materials – especially positions in the construction, mining, and truck driving industries.

Loss of Professional Licenses

Another consequence of a domestic violence conviction that can result in the loss of your current job is the required forfeiture of any professional licenses you hold. This can translate into losing a teaching position, a job in the medical/health field, or even a career in finance.

Additionally, your conviction may prevent you from obtaining any of these licenses in the future which can prevent you from gaining future employment in these fields.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Domestic Violence Attorney

Unfortunately, if you’re asking, “can I be fired if I’m convicted of domestic violence,” the answer is “yes.” If you’re facing a domestic violence charge, don’t hesitate to obtain the experienced legal counsel you need to defend your rights and minimize the negative consequences. Our team of domestic violence attorneys at Davis Law Firm is highly capable of providing you with the strong legal defense you need.