An altercation with another person can cascade into an event that could leave lasting marks on your professional life. This article covers what an assault charge could mean for your career.
Is your professional license at risk?
If you hold a professional license in Texas, an assault charge may cost you that license. Under state law, licensing authorities may deny, suspend or revoke a license if you are convicted of an offense that directly relates to your profession. This applies to a wide range of licensed occupations.
It is important to note that Texas licensing boards often treat “deferred adjudication” the same as a conviction. You do not need a final verdict of guilt in criminal court to lose your professional standing.
Different boards handle assault allegations differently; and some professions face stricter scrutiny than others. For example, Healthcare workers, such as nurses and physicians, often face immediate investigation. In many cases, you must self-report to your board within a specific timeframe (often 30 days) to avoid further penalties.
The licensing board will typically consider the nature of the offense and how much time has passed. Their primary goal is to determine if the crime directly relates to your specific job duties.
Will this incident impact your future employment prospects?
Your employment situation may change quickly after an assault charge. Texas is an at-will employment state, meaning your employer can fire you for almost any reason not prohibited by law such as discrimination.
If you are looking for work, you do have federal protections. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) explicitly states that an arrest alone is not proof of criminal conduct.
Employers who automatically reject applicants based solely on pending cases—without investigating the specific circumstances—may be violating federal anti-discrimination laws.
What defense strategies can you use?
Self-defense claims can be effective if you act to protect yourself from harm. Under state law, you are justified in using force as long you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself against another person’s unlawful force. Your defense can also challenge the evidence presented against you or negotiate for reduced charges.
In some cases, deferred adjudication may also be an option. This allows you to complete a probation period without a formal conviction on your record. Successfully completing deferred adjudication can help preserve your professional standing.