Blue-collar workers (electricians, truck drivers and other occupations) can have their livelihood more threatened by a criminal charge than white-collar professionals. Apart from the reputational damage, blue-collar workers often face immediate, structural barriers that can end a career before a trial even begins.
Employment hurdles and background checks
Texas is an “at-will” employment state, which means that employers have a lot of freedom in taking decisions. Most blue-collar sectors, particularly those involving entry into private homes or secure worksites, require strict background checks that can cover the past 20 years for felonies and the past 10 years for misdemeanors. In this context, a pending charge or a conviction for a crime like theft or assault can be troublesome for an employer, even if the charges are eventually dismissed. This means that evidence of an arrest record can mean termination or the withdrawal of a job offer.
Licensing and certification risks
There are many trade professions that require state-issued licenses, and under Texas Occupations Code, a licensing authority can suspend your credentials if the charge you faced directly relates to your job. For instance, if you are a commercial driver and you were charged of DWI, your license can be disqualified.
Financial strain
Due to this legal consequences, you can lose your source of income temporarily or even permanently. This can quickly deplete your savings accounts and derail any future plans. Do not let this happen and contact an attorney, so they can create a defense strategy that aims to dismiss and even expunge these charges, if possible.