When you think about what consequences you may face if you are convicted of battery in Illinois, you might come up with fines, probation, or even jail time. However, you may not think about the other collateral consequences of such a violation of the law. Remember, even after a criminal case is resolved, that doesn’t mean the impact of a conviction on your life will end.
Understanding the potential consequences of an Illinois battery conviction can help you make informed decisions when facing such criminal charges. A Chicago battery defense attorney at Glasgow & Olsson can thoroughly explain to you the full breadth of implications that can come with a battery conviction.
Employment Challenges Following a Battery Conviction
It is not uncommon for an employer to conduct a background check as part of the hiring process. If you are a job-seeker and you have a battery conviction, this will appear on your criminal record. An employer that sees this could become very concerned about your ability to be trusted and be able to do any work with the public, handling sensitive information, or interacting with vulnerable populations.
Despite Illinois laws generally prohibiting employers from automatically disqualifying applicants solely because of a criminal conviction, employers must still consider whether the offense will be a risk for the nature of the job. In other words, if there is a substantial relationship between the offense and the job duties, an employer may determine that there is an unreasonable amount of potential liability to property and the safety and welfare of others to take the chance in hiring a candidate with a battery conviction.
As a result, it can be much harder for an individual with a battery conviction to obtain employment in the following fields:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Security
- Law enforcement financial services
Why Legal Representation Matters
Your ability to secure gainful employment will affect every aspect of your life. If you are unable to be hired for a good-paying, consistent job, then you are going to experience many other hardships. Paying for housing, paying for food, supporting yourself and your family are just a few of the challenges that you will face. Navigating a dire financial situation can be, in itself, very stressful.
When you have the assistance of an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney, you have someone on your side who can evaluate the facts of your case, identify strategic defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and work towards the best possible outcome. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to help their client avoid a conviction altogether, which can significantly reduce the widespread consequences of a battery charge.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
For more information on defending yourself against a battery allegation in Illinois, please speak with our Schaumburg criminal defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.
Our law firm is widely recognized as a leading authority in criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When your rights and freedoms are on the line, having an attorney on your side with an excellent reputation and unimpeachable experience matters.