Our Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Maintain a Career After a Theft Conviction
Having a theft conviction on your record can make a new job search an uphill battle, and it can make it difficult to maintain necessary professional licenses. Whether you’ve been convicted of grand theft, petit theft, or shoplifting, putting the pieces of your career back together after a theft conviction is difficult—but it’s not impossible. Broward County criminal defense attorney Dave Simmons has seen just how a theft conviction can impact your professional life. Read on to learn what you might expect and how to protect your livelihood.
How a Theft Conviction Affects Your Professional Life
A theft conviction can impact your professional life in different ways—we’ll cover some of the most common issues you might face.
Employment Background Checks
Most employers now conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. A theft conviction can raise red flags, particularly for positions involving financial responsibilities or access to valuable assets. Some companies have blanket policies against hiring individuals with theft convictions, while others evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Licensing
Many professional licenses require disclosure of criminal convictions. Failure to disclose can result in automatic denial or later revocation. A theft conviction may lead to license suspension or denial in fields such as:
- Real estate. Real estate licenses may be temporarily suspended or permanently revoked. License holders may undergo a waiting period of up to seven years before reapplication.
- Insurance. Insurers convicted of theft may face high scrutiny because of their access to sensitive financial information. Both sales and adjusting licenses may be affected, and it can impact their ability to carry multiple companies.
- Health care. A theft conviction can affect various health care licenses, including nursing, pharmacy, and medical. If convicted, you may be subject to additional supervision and increased background checks.
- Education. Educators with theft convictions face intense scrutiny due to the sensitive nature of teaching credentials and their work with minors. State boards of education carefully review each case, potentially restricting not only teaching and administrative positions but also alternative educational roles.
- Financial services. Those in financial services positions face extensive background checks for securities licenses. FINRA and SEC regulations impose strict oversight on banking licenses, potentially restricting an individual's ability to handle client funds or serve in a fiduciary capacity.
- Security Clearances. Government positions and contractors often require security clearances. A theft conviction can make obtaining or maintaining these clearances significantly more challenging.
How a Theft Conviction Affects Future Employment
You can still get a job in Florida with a theft conviction, though some limitations and considerations will apply.
Many employers hire individuals with theft convictions. Each case varies by employer, but factors a hiring manager may consider are the severity of the offense, time passed since conviction, and an individual’s qualifications and work history.
Florida also has protections in place during the application process. Broward County has a “ban-the-box” law, which prohibits government employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history. Private employers are exempt from the law.
If you’ve been convicted of theft, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has several arrest and conviction resources related to employment.
Mitigation Strategies
Several key mitigation strategies can improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome when addressing professional licensing concerns or attempting to secure employment following a theft conviction.
First and foremost, obtain comprehensive court documentation to demonstrate transparency and compliance with legal requirements. Ensure full completion of all sentencing obligations, including probation, fines, and any mandated programs. Develop a clear, concise narrative explaining the circumstances, emphasizing lessons learned and positive changes made.
Build a strong support network by gathering character references from employers, community leaders, and professional colleagues who can attest to your rehabilitation. Thoroughly document all rehabilitation efforts, including continuous employment, volunteer work, and additional education or training. Finally, maintain absolute honesty in all licensing disclosures, as any omission or misrepresentation can result in automatic denial.
You don’t have to go it alone. Qualified legal counsel experienced in professional licensing matters can guide you through the application process and support your efforts at rehabilitation. Retain a criminal defense attorney who will stand up for your rights and create an effective plan to protect your employment rights.