Does a domestic violence charge affect employment? The truth is that, yes, it can impact it. Your job may not disappear overnight, but the consequences can creep in—an interview that goes nowhere, a long-term contract never gets renewed again, or a sudden coldness that emanates from your manager after human resources gets involved. But this story does not have to end in silence or shame. You have more power than you think, and it starts with understanding your options and getting the right legal support.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge and wondering how it might affect your job, you are not alone, and you are not out of options. At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we have helped countless Californians navigate the legal and professional fallout of a domestic violence accusation. Whether you are terrified of losing your job or trying to find work with a criminal record, we are here to help you reclaim control of your future.
Let us guide you. With a free consultation, you can understand what’s at stake and how we can protect your name, work, and peace of mind.
Can I Get a Job with a Domestic Violence Charge?
Many facing this situation wonder: Can I get a job with a domestic violence charge? Some consequences of a criminal charge are obvious, but others are harder to name yet just as damaging. Whether or not this criminal charge will impact your employment depends on several variables.
- Your current job’s policies—union protections, company size, and your HR department’s discretion;
- Misdemeanor or felony charges—felony charges can affect law-enforcement officers, childcare workers, and others often face mandatory reporting or licensing review;
- Background checks—unless you take steps to seal or expunge them, arrests can show up on a background check even if you didn’t get convicted; and
- Employment gaps—time spent in jail, on house arrest, or attending court dates can cause unexplained absences that employers scrutinize.
Even if you are never convicted, the charge alone can raise red flags with potential employers. That’s why taking action early is critical before the mark becomes permanent.
Are There Jobs That Hire Domestic Violence Offenders?
Despite the hurdles, there are jobs that hire domestic violence offenders, but the road to them may look different than before. Fields that can be more open to second chances include the following:
- Construction and trades. Many unions and contractors focus on skill and reliability over totally clean background checks. Some employers in these industries are open to hiring applicants with prior convictions, especially if the offense wasn’t related to workplace behavior or job safety.
- Self-employment and gig work. Building your own business or working independently can give you more control over your livelihood. If you start your own enterprise, you won’t have to worry about background screenings.
- Hospitality and food service. Smaller restaurants and hotels may focus more on skills and references than court records.
- Tech and creative fields. Freelance developers, designers, and writers often work contract-to-contract and face fewer formal background checks.
- Nonprofits focused on reentry. Some organizations actively seek to hire people with records to help decrease the stigma of a criminal record. They help people move on after serving their sentence by allowing them to support themselves and move on with their lives.
Still, even in open-minded fields, success often hinges on how you present your case and what steps you’ve taken to address the situation legally.
What Can I Do to Help Myself?
If you’re looking for guidance on how to get a job with a domestic violence charge, know this: your record does not need to define your identity. But it can shape how you move through the world unless you take action.
Here’s where to start:
- Hire a defense attorney early. The right lawyer can fight for a dismissal, a diversion program, or a charge reduction. The sooner they get to work on your case, the better your odds are of getting an advantageous result.
- Explore expungement or record sealing. In California, Courts can expunge many misdemeanor charges and some felonies. Your lawyer can inform you of the requirements and help you pursue this goal when the time comes.
- Practice your explanation. When explaining your record to a potential employer, be honest, brief, and future-focused. Take responsibility where appropriate, but don’t overshare.
- Gather character references. Employers want proof that you’re more than your past. Ask mentors, clergy, or past supervisors for support and recommendations.
- Stay proactive. Attend therapy or anger management if ordered to do so. Follow court terms to the letter.
The job market is competitive, and the stigma around domestic violence is real. But so is the potential for redemption, especially when you have the right advocate by your side.
Does a Domestic Violence Charge Affect Employment? The Bottom Line
You came to this article asking an important question: Does a domestic violence charge affect employment? The answer is yes, it can. But now you know that’s only part of the story. What is the rest of the story? We’ll help you write it.
At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we understand the professional, emotional, and reputational weight that comes with a domestic violence charge. We’ve seen it ruin careers, but we’ve also helped hundreds of clients protect their futures and restore their good names. Collectively, we’ve tried nearly 100 criminal cases, never backing down when someone’s future is at stake.
Our domestic violence lawyers enjoy these distinctions:
- Selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2014 to 2019, including the Top 50 in San Diego;
- Honored as a Top Attorney by both Los Angeles Magazine and the San Diego Business Journal;
- Board certified in criminal law, a lauded distinction;
- Recognized with the Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Award for 2024; and
- Featured by national news outlets for work on high-profile criminal cases.
At The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, we don’t just see a criminal accusation. We see the person behind it—the goals they have, the work they want to do, the life they’re trying to get back. And we bring the legal knowledge, courtroom skills, and human compassion to help make that happen. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Kerry L. Armstrong
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