Shoplifting & Employment
Criminal records can be a significant obstacle to finding employment
Employment Issues & Shoplifting
Having a criminal record for shoplifting can be a significant obstacle to finding employment.
Many employers conduct background checks on prospective employees, and a criminal record can be a red flag that raises concerns about an individual’s trustworthiness and reliability.
The impact of criminal record and how a conviction for shoplifting conviction affects your employability can be avoided for most people. Call today and speak to our criminal lawyers for free.
Criminal Records Can Be a Barrier to Employment
Many jobs in Ontario require a high degree of trust and integrity. With many occupations a criminal record may prohibit you from that field of work and be can be a significant barrier to employment. Some examples of these types of jobs include:
- Finance and accounting
- Healthcare and nursing
- Teaching and education
- Law enforcement
- Childcare and social work
- Banking and financial services
- Government and civil service
- Insurance and real estate
- Security and law
In addition to these fields, many employers are prohibited by law from hiring individuals with certain types of criminal records, such as those related to theft or fraud. This can make it challenging to find work in areas such as retail and hospitality, where there is a high risk of theft and fraud.
Shoplifting & Theft Under
Employment Stigma & Discrimination
Advancement not just employment may be affected
Even if you manage to find a job in a field that does not prohibit individuals with criminal records, you may still encounter stigma and discrimination.
Some employers may view individuals with criminal records as liabilities or risks, and may be hesitant to hire them. This can make it difficult to even get your foot in the door, let alone advance your career.
Another issue you may face is discrimination in the workplace. Managers and colleagues may consider view the criminal record with distaste or otherwise, reducing opportunities for advancement and promotions within the company.
This can lead to a toxic work environment and frustration to you personally.
Protect Your Future
Although you’ll be told that shoplifting is a minor offence and it won’t affect your livelihood, having any criminal record is a serious issue.
Speak to our lawyers and take the steps to protect your livelihood and future to avoid the employment consequences of a criminal record.
As criminal lawyers many times, we see unrepresented people leave court with criminal records that could have been avoided. Persons who appear unrepresented put themselves, family and employment opportunities at risk.
The crown attorney is not at court to help you, give you advice or assistance. Nor, is it the crown attorney’s job to worry about your job and whether you receive a criminal record or not. The Crown’s job is to prosecute criminal matters brought before them by the police.
When charged with shoplifting and any criminal offence, speak to one of our criminal defence lawyers. Ontario Shoplifting Lawyers provides quality a legal defence that will help you at an affordable one time fee.
As lawyers we have one goal, to drop your charges without a criminal record. Give us a call today, let’s discuss your case and make sure your employment is not affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my current employer find out about the charge?
No. No one is going to call your employer, but your employment contract or the rules of your profession may require that you notify your employer.
When you apply for a job the employer can ask for a criminal record check, or ask you to declare if you have a record or not.
How do I know if I have to notify my employer?
Where you have a obligation to notify your employer that you’ve been arrested and charged. We suggest you read any employment contract you have or the rules of your profession. Most occupantions that deal with people, money or trust will have some guidelines about how to deal with a criminal charge.
Can employers discriminate against job candidates with criminal records?
In Canada, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against job candidates on the basis of a criminal record. The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of “race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered.”
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Employers in certain fields, such as law enforcement or working with vulnerable populations, may have specific requirements related to criminal records. In these cases, an employer may be permitted to refuse to hire a candidate with a criminal record if the offence is related to the job duties and responsibilities.
It is also worth noting that while employers are not allowed to discriminate against job applications with criminal records, they may still require candidates to undergo a background check as part of the hiring process. However, the results of the background check must be directly related to the job requirements and the candidate’s criminal record cannot be used as the sole basis for denying employment.
Is it possible to obtain a job in a field that requires security clearance with a criminal record?
Obtaining a job in a field that requires security clearance with a criminal record can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Each case is unique, and the security clearance process can take into account a variety of factors, such as the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and any steps taken to demonstrate rehabilitation and change.
The security clearance process typically involves an assessment of an individual’s background, including their criminal history. This assessment is conducted by a government agency or contractor, and the criteria used to determine eligibility for security clearance vary depending on the level of clearance required and the sensitivity of the job duties.
It is important to be honest and upfront about your criminal record during the security clearance process, as providing false information can be grounds for denial of clearance. You should also be prepared to explain the circumstances of the offense and any steps you have taken to address the issue and demonstrate your rehabilitation.
Some employers in fields that require security clearance may be willing to hire individuals with criminal records if they can demonstrate that they have taken steps to address the issue and are committed to turning their lives around. This may include completing education or training programs, participating in volunteer work or community service, and maintaining a positive record since the offense occurred.
The important thing to remember is that it is important not to get the criminal record in the first place by speaking with one of our lawyers today!
Discuss your case with a shoplifting lawyer | Call today
Being charged with a criminal offence is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call and speak with a shoplifting lawyer and learn how we can help you. We provide effective and affordable legal representation for all individuals facing these charges throughout Ontario.
Invest in your future by keeping your record clear. Yes you might be able to appear by yourself, but if something goes wrong, then what? Call today and let’s just talk about it.
