If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense in NJ, you have a criminal record, even if the charge was later dismissed. A criminal record or a failed drug test can be grounds to terminate employment, and can impact the availability of certain types of federal loans and subsidies. Before you decide how to resolve a criminal charge, make certain you understand what the options are for getting your record cleaned of the charge/conviction. If you have a criminal record, you should get it expunged as soon as possible, and if you have a drug use issue, get counseling before it results in criminal charges or the termination of employment. In a recent case, my client was fired from his job seven years after he pled guilty to a low-level drug possession charge – when the employer ran a background check. No current drug use, just the criminal record and the implication of ‘drug use’ was sufficient to result in his termination. Understanding the potential collateral consequences of your actions is just as important as understand whether you are going to go to jail. Contact my office if you feel you need to clear your record, or if you have an issue that relates to a criminal record that needs review or attention. The consultation is free.
SPECIALIZING IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE THROUGHOUT NEW JERSEY
Howard W. Bailey, Esq.
24 Commerce Street, Suite 1000
Newark, NJ 07102
973-982-1200