How to Handle An Arrest So It Does Not Impact Your Career
|The first thought on a number of people’s minds when being arrested is their job. The ability to get to work the next day depends on your charge, the ability to see a judge to set bail, and your schedule. There are just some times where you will have to have a family member call off for you when arrested. Once you have been arrested and have been bailed out, you need to take proactive steps to deal with the charges if filed by the state. The following are tips to handle an arrest so it does not impact your career.
Get The Right Attorney
The right criminal defense attorney can make a huge difference in how your case is handled. If there are issues with the prosecutor’s case, an experienced attorney could lead the charges to be dropped. A public defender is going to be overloaded with cases and may not have the same time to thoroughly review the case. An established firm has attorneys and paralegals along with financial resources to help.
Bail Bondsman vs a Lawyer
Understanding the difference between a bail bondsman and a lawyer is crucial when dealing with an arrest. A bail bondsman can assist in posting bail so you can be released from jail quickly, but they do not provide legal representation. A lawyer, on the other hand, is essential for defending your case in court. While both play vital roles in the process, knowing when to utilize each can significantly impact the outcome of your situation.
Ask For Court Dates Off
Requesting time off is important when you have court as this can take much longer than you think. There are frequent delays and social distancing has led to a number of virtual hearings being done. Court dates might be able to be done virtually. There are also opportunities in some places to get jail time on the weekends or certain days of the week to avoid losing a job. The right attorney will understand the different avenues your case can take. You might be put into a drug diversion program and the charges dropped for a first-time offender.
Remote Work Opportunities
Remote work opportunities are great and can keep your arrest under wraps. If you are working remotely permanently, an arrest might not be as large of a concern to an employer. A DUI might not impact a job if you are not regularly driving to the office. Working remotely can also make it easy to schedule out time to make it to court. Most employers simply care if the work is being done versus tracking exact time hours are worked.
Only Tell Your Employer If Convicted
There could be substantial proof that you have committed a crime. Do not tell your employer until you are convicted of an arrest unless it is in the company handbook. A conviction will be proof that a USA crime was committed while charges being dropped acknowledges a crime cannot be proven. Some states have quite private mugshots and arrest records. Most companies are not going to do background checks of their current employees although it could be a risk not to tell them. This is your decision as you could be automatically terminated for an arrest.
Handling an arrest so it does not impact your career all starts with the right legal representation. Take time to thoroughly weigh your options related to informing your employer about an arrest. Waiting is important as charges could be dropped and this is not relevant to anyone at this point.