Will I be able to get a job if I am convicted of a federal offense?

It depends on what type of job you are trying to get.

In general, federal crimes are seen as more serious than state crimes, even though many of the crimes involve the same offenses. If your job requires a background check, no matter what the position, a federal conviction will probably keep you from getting the job.

A conviction of a federal crime can disqualify you from military service, federal jobs, jobs with law enforcement and some positions that require professional licensing.

If the conviction is for fraud, it is very likely that you would not be able to obtain employment in fiscal positions. This means jobs that involve the handling of money or property held in trust.

If the crime is a sex offense then you will be prohibited from working in positions that bring you into contact with children.

Each company is free to hire who they choose. So while a federal conviction does not automatically mean that you can’t get a job, it does make the search much harder.

Posted in: Federal Offenses