Your employer or organization likely has its own reporting and disciplinary procedures for employees convicted of a crime. You should check your employee handbook for specifics on when and whom to notify. Some employees only need to report a criminal conviction, while others must tell human resources of an indictment or arrest.
Disciplinary actions can vary depending on the crime allegedly committed and the type of work that you do. Some employers will take no action until the case is concluded, while others may decide to suspend you or terminate your employment as soon as you’re arrested. If your career is on the line, you must contact a Florida criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.
Will I Lose My Job After a Criminal Charge in Florida?
Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning your employer can fire you for any legal reason. You also can’t keep the arrest or conviction a secret since many companies and licensing boards require employees to report legal troubles to human resources.
A criminal charge or conviction can be career-ending for:
- Teachers and other certified educators. Public school teachers and certified educators in Florida may receive notice of a misconduct investigation from the Florida Department of Education. If the allegations against you are founded, you could face permanent revocation of your Florida Educator Certificate.
- Health care professionals. While no Florida law requires the loss of your professional license, the organization that issued your medical license has the right to revoke it. A Department of Health (DOH) investigator may be sent to assess doctors, nurses, and other licensed health professionals who have been charged with a crime.
- Commercial drivers. The Florida CDL licensing board evaluates commercial truck drivers who are charged with a crime to determine if the driver is a liability to the company and whether corrective measures might ensure the behavior does not happen again.
Don’t Speak to Your Employer or the Board Without Your Attorney’s Advice!
You should never make a statement to a co-worker, supervisor, or disciplinary board without your criminal defense attorney’s sign-off. An experienced defense lawyer will know how to protect your ability to practice your chosen profession after a criminal accusation. Call Flaherty and Merrifield today at (850) 403-6835 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We offer free consultations and convenient payment plans to our clients.
Contact an Okaloosa County Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in Okaloosa County, call Flaherty & Merrifield today at (850) 243-6097 for a free consultation.
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