[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”Innocent until proven guilty” is one of the most commonly misunderstood phrases in the law.\u00a0 It is true that the government must prove to a judge or jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused committed a crime (or plead guilty to a crime) before being found guilty and until that happens there is a presumption of innocence.\u00a0 But “innocent until proven guilty” does not necessarily apply to the rest of society, including friends, family, the media, and employers.\u00a0 Society can not imprison the accused, but it can damage reputations, relationships, and employment status.\u00a0 A pending felony charge can affect your employment and employment prospects, even before being declared guilty.<\/p>\n
California employment law<\/a> provides some protections for applicants previously arrested and\/or charged with a crime.\u00a0 If you were previously arrested and charged with a crime but found to be innocent or had the charges dropped, you cannot be asked about that event by a current or prospective employer.\u00a0 The employer also cannot seek that information from other sources or use any knowledge of the incident to determine whether to hire or fire you.<\/p>\n Pending criminal charges, however, are not subject to that protection.\u00a0 If you are facing criminal charges, be they misdemeanor or felony, your current or prospective employer can ask you about those charges.\u00a0 They can also use that information to make employment decisions.\u00a0 If your current or potential employer discovers you are facing criminal charges, they can legally decide to fire you, not hire you, or take other measures.\u00a0 This is the case even if you are innocent of the charges and eventually cleared by a court of law.<\/p>\n The best action to take if you are facing a pending felony charge is to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense law firm<\/a>.\u00a0 Your career can hang in the balance after being charged with a crime.\u00a0 A criminal defense attorney can take decisive action on your behalf to fight the charges against you and protect your freedom and career.\u00a0 Concluding pending charges against you can help you pursue employment opportunities.\u00a0 Our attorneys can take quick actions to pursue a not guilty verdict or dismissal of the charges against you.<\/p>\n