It can be tough to find gainful employment with a criminal background. Depending on the circumstances surrounding why your record is blemished and what your violation of the law was, it can be next to impossible. If you were convicted of an Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) charge in Illinois, then you likely understand the hardships that come with job hunting.
A weapons-related conviction carries its own unique stigma that can affect all aspects of your life, including your success in the job market. This is because, unlike some other offenses, a UUW conviction can make you look like a huge risk in the eyes of employers who want stability and do not want staff who could be dangerous. As a result, individuals who have a UUW conviction often find that there are steep challenges when applying for jobs both in the immediate aftermath of a conviction and for many years after.
Since having reliable work and income is essential, especially for individuals who want to get their lives back on track, struggling to find it can make life stressful with extra hardships to bear. Therefore, if you are arrested for UUW in Illinois, you should arm yourself with the best protection against such future turmoil. You can do this by calling an attorney immediately and securing experienced, proven, and resourceful legal representation. When you need sound legal advice and guidance, you can call our Schaumburg weapons charge defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson.
A UUW Conviction Can Disqualify You From Certain Careers
There are some careers where a weapons offense cannot and will not be tolerated. Industries that rely on strict background checks and compliance will typically not employ someone who has a weapon-related conviction. This is true even if you only have a misdemeanor. Examples of jobs that would be affected include
- Security and private protection
- Law enforcement or corrections
- Government agencies
- Military service
- Public safety or emergency management
Some Jobs Screen Out Applicants with Weapon-Related Convictions
Even if you are not interested in a career associated with the government or law enforcement, you may apply for jobs that use automated screening tools that look for red flags in applicants. Industries that commonly screen out applicants who have weapon-related convictions include
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transportation and logistics
- Financial services
- Retail management
Why Employers Judge UUW Convictions So Harshly
It is not uncommon or unusual for employers to value safety when choosing an employee.
When they see a weapons offense, this could weigh heavily on their decision in who they hire. UUW offenses tend to be more serious for employers, and they can cause great concern. Being associated with a weapon violation, even a misdemeanor, can make employers question an applicant’s judgment and temperament, not to mention the issue of possible liability that can come with someone who was convicted of illegal use of a weapon. All of this combined can be the thinking behind why an employer chooses a candidate with a clean record over one who has been convicted of a weapons offense.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
A UUW conviction in Illinois affects far more than your immediate legal situation. It can threaten your quality of life and your wallet if you are unable to get a job.
If you’ve been charged with a weapon offense, reach out to the trusted Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson. We are known for our strategic approach, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering support from the moment we take your case through any necessary appeals. Our attorneys regularly contribute legal insight to major news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News—an acknowledgment of our skill and credibility. With decades of Illinois defense experience and thousands of successful outcomes, we stand ready to defend you.