A conviction for domestic violence can have a ripple effect on your life in numerous ways. It can impact your freedom, resulting in jail time or probation. It can cost you your right to own or carry a firearm. It can lead to hefty fines and legal fees. And it can have potential repercussions for your job.
Background checks on job applications
When you’re applying for a job, there’s a good chance your prospective employer may run a background check. A domestic violence conviction (legally called “domestic battery” in Illinois) will show up. Depending on the type of job and the qualifications involved, you could get rejected on that basis.
Careers you can’t pursue
A domestic battery conviction could also block you from certain career paths, including:
- Law enforcement
- Security services
- Social services
- Education and child care
- Health care
Any job that requires you to carry a firearm will be off-limits because a conviction triggers a federal lifetime ban on firearms. Many professional, trade and business licenses will also be unavailable to you with a domestic battery conviction. If you already have a job in one of these fields, you could lose it.
Do you have to disclose the conviction?
Depending on your situation, you might not be obligated to disclose a domestic battery conviction to your employer, sparing yourself a difficult conversation that could lead to disciplinary action or termination. Talk to your lawyer about the specifics of your employment.
Avoiding the harsh consequences of domestic battery charges
As you can see, a domestic battery conviction carries a host of harsh consequences that can affect your livelihood. The best way to mitigate or avoid those consequences is to work with a seasoned attorney from the outset to build a strong defense.