How Can an Assault Charge Affect Your Employment Status in California?

Posted on: October 15th, 2023 by Dod Law

Assault Charge

Am assault charge can cast a long shadow over various aspects of one’s life, none more prominent than employment status. Individuals may find themselves grappling not only with the legal implications but also with the potential impact on their current and future employment prospects. 

Upon being arrested and as the legal process unfolds, you may not know if this incident could jeopardize your livelihood and employment. Our team at Dod Law, can help you determine your legal implications after an assault charge. 

What Constitutes an Assault Charge in California?

Assault is an attempt to violently injure another person, coupled with present ability. Such charges encompass a range of actions, from threats of violence to physical harm. They are classified into different degrees, like simple assault or aggravated assault, each carrying varying degrees of penalties. Some examples of this include:

• Simple Assault: This involves intentionally attempting to cause physical harm or making someone fear immediate bodily injury. It’s a misdemeanor offense and doesn’t necessarily involve actual physical contact. 
• Assault With a Deadly Weapon: This occurs when someone uses a weapon or object that could cause severe injury or death to another person. It’s a felony offense and can lead to more serious penalties than simple assault.
• Aggravated Assault: This is a more acute form of assault that involves causing grave bodily injury to another person. It may result from the use of a weapon or from intentionally escalating the situation.
• Sexual Assault: This involves non-consensual sexual contact or activity. It’s a serious crime with substantial consequences and can lead to criminal charges and civil lawsuits.

Employers often take such charges seriously due to concerns about workplace safety and employee behavior. Anyone accused of these assaults may find themselves entangled in legal proceedings, affecting their ability to fulfill work obligations.

Immediate Impact of Assault Charges on Employment

Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for their employees. They value trust, reliability, and professionalism in their employees. When facing assault charges, your reputation may be tarnished, leading to a loss of confidence from your employer and colleagues. Depending on the severity of the charges and the nature of your job, you might be suspended, placed on leave, or even terminated.

Certain professions require background checks, such as education, healthcare, federal jobs, and positions involving financial responsibility. These background checks are conducted to ensure safety and trustworthiness in sensitive roles. Having assault charges on your record could hinder your chances of getting hired. Future job prospects might also be affected due to a tainted personal record.

Can I Get My Assault Case Reduced to a Misdemeanor

Possible Defenses Against Assault Charges

An assault conviction can have lasting repercussions on employment prospects. This tarnished record can create major barriers to entering into the job market, and it may even limit career options for those with assault convictions. An assault charge in California can have far-reaching consequences beyond legal penalties, remarkably affecting an individual’s employment status. Luckily, several possible defenses are available that individuals can consider. 

A possible defense is self-defense. To establish this, one must show that the use of force was reasonable and proportional to the threat faced. Another defense is the shielding of others. In this case, the accused may claim they used force to protect another person from being hurt. Like self-defense, the key is demonstrating that using force was necessary given the circumstances. 

Working with a skilled assault defense attorney early on can help you protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Contact a Skilled Assault Defense Lawyer at Dod Law, Today

Employers often consider criminal charges when making hiring or retention decisions. A conviction could lead to a tarnished reputation, which can make it challenging to get new employment or maintain your current job. Some employers might choose to let you go to protect their company’s image. Always take appropriate legal steps to address the charges and minimize their impact on your employment prospects.

Our seasoned assault defense attorneys from Dod Law, can provide their expertise when navigating assault charges to potentially reduce penalties or secure favorable outcomes. Our team will work tirelessly to build a solid defense to help minimize the impact of the assault charges on your job. Call us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Vista office 760-814-6025 or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form to discuss the best way forward.