Criminal Convictions Can Have a Far-Reaching Impact
Obviously, no one wants to be convicted of a crime. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, a criminal conviction subjects you to possible incarceration, substantial fines, victim restitution, community service / labor and, of course, stigma.
But in addition to these obvious concerns, you face employment and housing discrimination, loss of livelihood, and familial and social devastation. And if you are a California employee or hold a California professional license, a conviction will almost certainly result in discipline.
Criminal convictions directly impact California state employees. If you are a state employee convicted of a felony, you will likely be disciplined, if not fired. The same goes for a misdemeanor offense that involves “moral turpitude”…that is, a crime that involves dishonesty or immoral behavior.
The good news is that as a state employee, you have procedural rights to ensure that a criminal conviction doesn’t directly impact your California state employment without a fight. There are a number of hearings that you may attend to try to prove why your conviction should not subject you to discipline. But before you attend these hearings or present your case, it is advisable that you consult with an experienced attorney to secure the most comprehensive defense possible.
