Getting a job with a misdemeanor drug charge on your record may seem impossible. After all, it can be hard enough to land a good job with a perfect resume and a pristine record. But can you get a job with a misdemeanor?
Yes, you can get a job with a misdemeanor drug charge on your record. While some employers may be hesitant, many companies are willing to hire individuals with misdemeanors. However, it’s important to understand that while a misdemeanor won’t necessarily prevent you from getting hired, it can make your job search more challenging and may limit some employment opportunities.
If you’re facing a misdemeanor drug charge, don’t wait to hire an aggressive drug offense lawyer in Houston. The experienced attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm understand how a conviction can impact your future employment opportunities and will work to protect your rights and potentially get charges reduced or dismissed, helping preserve your career prospects.
Call Thiessen Law Firm at (713) 864-9000 or contact us online today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
How do different misdemeanors affect employment?
When it comes to getting a job with a misdemeanor charge on your record, not all misdemeanors are created equal. How a potential employer reacts to discovering that you have a misdemeanor depends on the person, the company they work for, the type of job you’re applying for, and much more, including:
- How many misdemeanors do you have? If it’s just one, people are more likely to look over the infraction. The more misdemeanors you have to your name, however, the more likely they are to think that you’re not trying to avoid criminal actions.
- What kind of misdemeanor(s) do you have? Were you charged with disorderly conduct or petty theft? Were you charged with DWI or drug possession? Society views these different infractions with varying levels of disdain and understanding.
- How long ago was your misdemeanor? Did you get a misdemeanor as a teen, but now you’re in your mid-40s? Or are you still on probation or doing community service? The more time between now and your misdemeanor(s), the more likely a potential employer is to chalk up the charge to the foibles of youth.
For example, theft-related misdemeanors might prevent you from working in financial institutions, while drug charges could affect opportunities in healthcare or transportation. DWI convictions often limit jobs involving driving or operating machinery.
Being aware of these potential misdemeanors that prevent employment early on can help you focus your job search on industries where your specific misdemeanor may have less impact or take steps to address the charge through legal channels before it affects your career path.
What about misdemeanors for drug charges specifically?
Drug-related misdemeanors present unique challenges in the job market. Employers often view these drug charges in Texas with particular scrutiny due to concerns about workplace safety, liability, and employee reliability. Industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and transportation typically have strict policies regarding drug-related offenses, even misdemeanors, due to safety regulations and access to controlled substances.
However, the impact of a drug charge can vary based on several factors:
- The specific substance involved: Charges involving marijuana might be viewed differently than those involving harder drugs, especially in states where marijuana laws have changed.
- Whether it was possession or distribution: Simple possession charges are generally viewed less seriously than charges involving sale or distribution.
- Completion of rehabilitation programs: Evidence of completed drug treatment or counseling programs can demonstrate responsibility and commitment to change.
Remember that certain jobs might be temporarily or permanently off-limits with a drug charge, but many fields — particularly in technology, skilled trades, and creative industries — often focus more on your current abilities and character than past mistakes.
What jobs can I get with a misdemeanor?
There are plenty of jobs that accept misdemeanors. How hard it is to get that job will mostly depend on the will of the job applicant. If you have the required skills and are a good candidate, it’s still entirely possible to find employers that will accept applicants with misdemeanors and view you as more than your criminal record.
At the same time, this world isn’t a utopia, and getting a job with a misdemeanor drug charge in Texas on your record does present several hurdles you need to jump. Here are some of the keys to getting hired.
1. Apply for the right job
To be blunt, once you get a misdemeanor, you will have a much, much harder time getting a job in education, healthcare, government work, childcare, finance, or law enforcement. However, there are plenty of jobs that hire employees with drug charges on their records, including construction, creative industries, self-employment, and even the military (under certain circumstances).
2. Understand how background checks work
Most employers run criminal background checks going back 7 – 10 years, though some states limit checks to the past 7 years. Misdemeanors will show up on these checks, but your chances improve if you’re honest about your record upfront and can explain how you’ve grown since the incident.
If your potential employer doesn’t run a background check and doesn’t ask you about your criminal history, you’re not obligated to bring up the fact that you have a misdemeanor.
3. Know your options and your rights
Getting your record expunged or sealed in Texas can be a game-changer when job hunting with a misdemeanor, as it either erases the charge completely or limits who can view it. Even after expungement, it’s wise to verify with county records that your data was properly updated.
Remember that employers cannot legally use background checks to discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
So, you’ve been charged with a drug offense. Now what?
If you’ve recently been charged with a drug-related misdemeanor in Texas, first understand that a charge is not the same as a conviction. There may be opportunities to have your charges reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstances of your case. Many first-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or alternative sentencing that can help minimize the impact on their employment future.
Consider taking these proactive steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of your arrest and all interactions with law enforcement.
- Seek legal representation: Work with an experienced drug offense lawyer who understands Texas drug laws.
- Consider treatment programs: Voluntarily entering a drug treatment or counseling program can demonstrate responsibility to both the court and future employers.
- Maintain employment: If you’re currently employed, try to keep your job and get character references if possible.
- Explore expungement options: Learn if you might be eligible for expungement or record sealing in the future.
Many successful professionals have overcome similar charges early in their careers. The key is taking appropriate action now to minimize the impact of the charge on your future employment opportunities.
Drug charges in Texas — FAQs
Can a felony drug charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, and having your felony drug charge reduced to a misdemeanor can significantly improve your job prospects, as many employers are more willing to hire candidates with misdemeanors than felonies. Working with an attorney to reduce charges through plea bargaining or drug court programs can be crucial for protecting your future employment opportunities, especially since charges like psychedelic mushrooms in Texas can severely limit career options.
Does a misdemeanor go on your record?
Yes, misdemeanors go on your record and appear on background checks that employers commonly run, typically showing up for 7 – 10 years, depending on the state and type of check. However, many companies are becoming more open to hiring candidates with misdemeanors, especially if significant time has passed and you can demonstrate professional growth.
Do first-time drug offenders go to jail in Texas?
First-time drug offenders often qualify for probation or diversion programs instead of jail time, which can help preserve their current employment and future job prospects. These alternative programs typically allow individuals to continue working while completing their requirements, making it easier to maintain career stability.
Should you disclose a misdemeanor in an interview?
You should disclose a misdemeanor if the application or interviewer specifically asks about criminal history, as honesty can demonstrate integrity and give you a chance to explain the circumstances. However, if you’re not asked about your criminal history and there’s no background check requirement, there’s no reason to volunteer this information.
Working on getting a job with a misdemeanor drug charge on your record? Call us.
Having an aggressive, experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference when you’re asking, “Can you get a job with a misdemeanor drug charge on your record?”. A skilled legal team can work to minimize the impact of charges on your employment future, potentially through charge reduction, dismissal, or expungement.
When you work with an experienced attorney from Thiessen Law Firm early in your case, you have an advocate in the courtroom long before you’re even convicted of a misdemeanor drug charge. We can help protect your future employment prospects while addressing immediate legal concerns like “Can a DWI be expunged in Texas?” and “What should I do if I’m facing drug charges and child custody battles?”
The last thing you need after dealing with misdemeanor drug charges is to face yet another hurdle. If you’re ready to get back into the job market and get on with your life, call our team at the Thiessen Law Firm at (713) 864-9000 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
More Helpful Articles by Thiessen Law Firm:
- Is a DWI a Felony in Texas?
- How to Win a DWI Trial
- How to Build a Strong DWI Defense
- What Is the Statute of Limitations in Texas for DWI?
- What to Expect During a DWI Case in Texas
