When police officers witness the aftermath of an altercation or people embroiled in a domestic dispute, they may assess the situation and choose to arrest one of the people involved. Those accused of domestic violence often feel deep shame about their charges.
They worry about their friends, employers and extended families learning about their arrest. Some people rush to plead guilty in the hopes of avoiding a criminal trial. They may hope to receive a lenient sentence. What they may have overlooked is the long-term impact that a conviction could have on their career and their family circumstances.
How domestic violence affects a career
Criminal background checks have become a standard component of modern employment screening. Determining if a candidate has a problematic criminal background is often part of the hiring process or part of the vetting process when an internal candidate seeks a promotion.
Companies sometimes overlook minor offenses, such as a teenage shoplifting conviction or minor drug offenses from years ago. However, violent offenses tend to have a profound chilling effect on people’s opportunities. Domestic violence represents a breach of trust, which can affect people who want to pursue certain types of careers, such as government work.
A criminal conviction can also impact eligibility for higher education and financial assistance. Some people may not be able to continue their chosen professions after a violent criminal conviction, while others may find that their career development stalls out because of a criminal record.
How domestic violence affects a family
Allegations of domestic violence can have a ripple effect on not just the defendant but their entire family unit. In some cases, they may have to leave the family home. Particularly if the other party involved in the incident seeks a protection order, relocating after a domestic violence conviction may be mandatory.
The record of aggressive conduct can also potentially influence custody proceedings in the future. Judges try to create custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of children, and leaving them in the care of someone with a history of volatility may not seem appropriate.
A parent who has become violent toward their children or who has abused a partner in front of the children may find that they have an uphill battle when seeking shared custody in family court. The only way to prevent the professional and social aftermath of a domestic violence conviction is to assertively respond to pending charges.
Fighting domestic violence charges requires careful planning and support from a professional familiar with court proceedings. People who respond assertively may be able to avoid convictions or negotiate plea arrangements that result in less problematic criminal records.