I was arrested for domestic abuse. Will this affect my job?

No matter who you are, where you live, or with whom you reside, everybody gets angry. The stresses of life weigh on our shoulders and sometimes feel insurmountable. Childcare, employment, finances, health, and the political climate, are just some of the issues many of us struggle with from time to time. Unfortunately for some, there are moments when tensions rise, and frustrations are difficult to contain. None of us want things to escalate, but when they do, they have to be addressed.

Have you read our newest article, Am I Going to Lose my Job Over a DUI Arrest?

What is Domestic Abuse?

According to California state law, domestic abuse or domestic violence can occur between parties who are or have been married, live or previously lived together, or had or have children together. Domestic abuse can also occur between siblings, parents and children, partners, and anyone with whom you share your residence. The law states, throughout its subtexts and definitions, that intent is key. If you have fallen on to someone and slapped them as you landed, that is not considered domestic abuse. If you knowingly and intentionally slapped them, it is.

Domestic violence pertains to actions inflicted upon a victim that result in bodily hard where the aggressor and victim share one or more of several familial and/or romantic relationships. Such intimate relationships, whether current or former, may include: those where the victim is the aggressor’s spouse, cohabitant, fiancé(e), someone with whom the offender has or had an intimate relationship or engagement, or one where the victim is the parent of the aggressor’s child.

How Will Domestic Abuse Affect My Job?

Domestic violence does not only hurt the alleged perpetrator or victim in the moment, but affects every aspect of their lives, as well. If you are accused of willfully or intentionally trying to harm someone with whom you live, there is a possibility that you will lose your job. Many jobs have codes of conduct that look unfavorably upon violent or aggressive behavior, even when such behavior occurs outside of work. It is important to remember too, that everything we do or are involved in, exists now and forever, online. Even if you do not disclose to your employer that you have been arrested or accused of DV, they may find out anyway. Whether or not to disclose such information if you are not legally bound to, can be a very difficult decision.

For those seeking employment, a charge of domestic abuse can easily quash any potential job opportunities. Positions in healthcare, childcare, or teaching are as good as ruled out, as are jobs in law enforcement or the judicial system.

Those already employed are likely to struggle with job retention.if they are charged. If, for example, you are charged and work in security, you will no longer be allowed to carry a firearm. If you work with the person who accused you of domestic violence, an order of protection will be issued and therefore, make it impossible to go to work.

If you are fired from, for example, a healthcare position that requires the achievement and maintenance of professional licensure, you may not be able to keep your job, renew your license, or ever apply for a new one in the same field. Careers that require professional licensing look negatively upon individuals who have even an accusation of domestic violence on their record.

What do I do if I have been accused of Domestic Abuse?

If you are charged with domestic violence, you must secure a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and help you achieve the best legal outcome. That is why you need to contact the The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc. We have successfully defended individuals who have been accused of domestic abuse and will work closely with you to make sure that you are well represented and given your legal due. If you have been accused of domestic abuse in the Los Angeles area, call The Hurwitz Law Group, Inc today.