Whether you face charges for a misdemeanor or a felony offense, the consequences of a conviction may have long-lasting effects. Simply doing your time and paying fines does not necessarily mean your freedoms will return to you. Your ability to pursue a career of your choice is one of several liberties you stand to lose.
In Wisconsin, some penalties for a criminal conviction include the termination or suspension of certain work licenses. Many of these professional roles are those that include public interaction or customer service, though such penalties are not restricted to those types.
What job types will a criminal conviction impact?
Among the long list of jobs that may be compromised by a criminal conviction are the following:
- Nurse
- Barber
- Interior designer
- Cosmetologist – this includes electrologists, manicurists and aestheticians.
- Real estate broker or salesperson
- Private detective or private investigator
- Juvenile martial arts instructor
Some may argue that the refusal to hire or to renew a work license may fall under employment discrimination. However, Wisconsin state law acknowledges this possibility and argues otherwise on the grounds that if the criminal offense relates to the role, the career board may refuse or terminate their license.
Additionally, employers may refuse you simply for a felony conviction and with no other reasoning and the same goes for a licensing board – depending on the job. Know, however, that there are resources that can help. And understanding the ways criminal law affects your life may help you in the fight for your freedom.
