Can I Get a Job With a Domestic Violence Conviction?

If you’re like many people, you’re worried about the consequences of a domestic violence conviction. In fact, you’re probably wondering, “Can I get a job with a domestic violence conviction?”

And you’re right to be concerned. Having a domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery conviction on your record can be tough to live with.

Here’s what you need to know.

You can get a job with a domestic violence conviction on your record, but obviously, it’s better if you’re never convicted in the first place. Every employer is different, and in some cases, having a domestic violence conviction will prevent you from getting a job. For example, some professions – like those in the healthcare and childcare industries, as well as those in law enforcement or the military – won’t hire you if you have a domestic violence conviction on your record.

Some employers will hire you with a domestic violence conviction, though. However, you have to be aware that domestic violence can be a misdemeanor or a felony – and the type of conviction you have might have an impact on whether an employer will hire you.

Can You Expunge or Seal a Domestic Violence Conviction?

You can’t expunge or seal a domestic violence conviction. If you’re convicted of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery, it’ll stay on your criminal record forever unless you get a pardon from the governor of Illinois (and that’s a long shot for most people).

Domestic Violence as a Misdemeanor

Domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor. That means if the court convicts you, you could go to jail for up to a year and pay up to $2,500 in fines. However, there are some instances in which domestic battery becomes a Class 2 or Class 4 felony.

Domestic Violence as a Felony

Domestic violence can become a Class 4 felony (with a penalty of up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000) if you have a previous domestic battery conviction.

Aggravated domestic battery is a Class 2 felony (with a penalty of up to 7 years in prison). The state can charge you with aggravated domestic battery if you knowingly cause great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to the victim, or if you strangle the victim while committing domestic battery.

There’s more, though. If you have a previous domestic battery conviction on your record, you could go to prison for up to 14 years.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Your Options?

If you’ve been accused of domestic battery, you need to know that a conviction could hurt your chances of getting a job in the future. However, you have the right to hire an attorney – and if you need to talk to a lawyer about your options, we’re here to help.

Call us at 847-920-4540 now (or fill out the form below) to tell us what happened. We’ll be happy to review your case for free and give you case-specific legal advice.

Can I Get a Job With a Domestic Violence Conviction?