If you are convicted of sexual assault in Colorado, you can face significant jail time and fines. However, some of the longest-lasting effects of a sexual assault conviction are those on your future opportunities. Your criminal history may continue to follow you for years and affect the jobs you can work. You should understand the potential impact of an SA conviction on your future before you accept a plea deal.
Megan’s Law and the Impact on Jobs
Megan’s Law is a federal law requiring all states to maintain a registry of sex offenders and make the registry available to the public. In most states, sex offender information includes names, pictures, addresses, and the nature of the offenses that are available on readily accessible websites. Even though information regarding sex offenders is generally available to employers and credit reporting agencies, individual states have imposed restrictions on how this information can be used. In most situations, sex offender registry information cannot be used as part of a hiring decision. However, there are exceptions for certain types of employers and jobs.
Exceptions to Not Using Sexual Assault Convictions for Employment Purposes
Although sex offender registry information cannot generally be used in hiring decisions, there are exceptions for certain industries, including:
- Education: K-12 positions generally cannot involve anyone convicted of a sex crime.
- Jobs involving minors: Jobs that involve direct interaction with minors are typically exempt from the hiring decision rule, such as preschools, daycares, adoption agencies, and community care centers.
- Healthcare: Jobs that require patient care or access to sensitive health information might be banned.
- Financial services: Job positions that involve a fiduciary responsibility may be prohibited.
- Government jobs: Many government positions, especially those that require a higher security clearance or housing authority jobs, are banned for sex offenders.
Employers who hire registered sex offenders in restricted occupations can face fines and other penalties.
Additionally, there may be certain jobs that prohibit hiring a registered sex offender because the individual would come in contact with people in vulnerable positions or would have to enter others’ private homes.
Additionally, even when employers are prohibited from using sex offender registry information in contemplation of a hiring decision, they can still consider the criminal record itself and use it in the hiring decision.
How Sexual Assault Convictions Can Affect Employment
Registration as a sex offender or a conviction of sexual assault can affect employment in various ways, including:
- Conviction records popping up on routine background checks
- Missed days leading to job loss if you are behind bars
- Limiting your ability to obtain a professional license
- Being prevented from working in certain types of industries or positions
Many people convicted of sexual assault find it challenging to overcome the social stigma associated with their conviction.
Contact The Law Office of Elaine E. Lukic for a Confidential Case Review
A criminal conviction for sexual assault can potentially end your career and limit your future career prospects. The legal team at The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic will focus on preventing a conviction and these negative consequences. Call us at (888) 565-2217 or contact us online to request a confidential consultation.