If you’re facing criminal charges in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, one of your biggest concerns is probably your job. Can your employer fire you just because you’ve been charged? Do you have to tell them? What if you miss work for court?
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve represented hundreds of working people across southeast Louisiana who are dealing with the same worries. The good news? With the right legal strategy and some careful planning, you may be able to keep your job after being charged with a crime in Louisiana.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. You Haven’t Been Convicted… And That Matters!
First, remember: being charged is not the same as being convicted. In most cases, employers cannot legally terminate you based solely on an arrest or pending charge, especially if you haven’t missed work, and it doesn’t directly impact your job duties.
This is particularly true for employees in larger companies or government agencies in places like Covington, Franklinton, Hammond, or Denham Springs. But at-will employment laws in Louisiana do allow some flexibility, so you still need to tread carefully.
2. Be Smart About What You Share
One of the most common questions we get is: Do I have to tell my boss I’ve been arrested?
The answer depends on:
- Your company policy
- The nature of your job
- Whether the charges relate to your work (e.g., theft, DUI for commercial drivers)
- If you’re required to pass background checks or hold a specific license
If your charges are likely to come up in a background check, or if your job involves working with children, driving, or handling money, you may be required to disclose the arrest.
Before you say anything, talk to an attorney. At James & Bradley Law Firm, we help clients figure out when and how to notify employers without hurting their case or job security.
3. Keep Showing Up and Keep Performing
The best way to protect your job while facing charges? Be a model employee. That means:
- Show up on time
- Don’t miss work unless necessary
- Give advance notice for court dates
- Avoid office gossip or drama related to your charges
Suppose your case is in St. Tammany or Tangipahoa Parish, and you’re scheduled for court during work hours. In that case, we can often help you get a continuance or request to appear virtually or by affidavit to minimize disruption to your schedule.
4. Document Everything
If you feel your job is in jeopardy because of your legal issues, start keeping detailed records:
- Emails or texts with your employer
- Company policy documents
- Written requests for time off
- Any performance reviews or positive feedback
This documentation may become important if your employer takes adverse action against you based solely on an arrest.
5. Ask Your Lawyer to Help You Navigate It
When you’re a client of James & Bradley Law Firm, we don’t just focus on the courtroom; we focus on your real life. That includes helping you:
- Draft letters to explain pending charges (if needed)
- Get court dates moved to avoid work conflict
- Explore diversion programs that lead to dismissal
- Seek expungement later to clean your record
We’ve helped teachers, contractors, healthcare workers, offshore laborers, and retail employees across southeast Louisiana keep their jobs after being charged with everything from misdemeanors to felonies.
6. Long-Term Strategy: Avoid a Conviction if Possible
The best way to protect your career is to avoid a conviction entirely. Depending on your charge and history, we may be able to:
- Enroll you in a pretrial diversion program
- Negotiate a dismissal or reduction
- Pursue expungement after your case is resolved
- Fight the charges at trial
In Livingston and Washington Parish, for example, we’ve successfully kept first-time offenders out of jail and in the workforce through creative sentencing alternatives and aggressive early intervention.
Don’t Let a Charge Cost You Everything You’ve Built
Being arrested is scary, but it doesn’t have to cost you your career, your paycheck, or your peace of mind. The most important thing you can do is get ahead of it, with smart legal guidance and a plan that works for your situation.
Need Help Protecting Your Job and Your Future?
If you’re facing charges in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, the clock is already ticking. Let James & Bradley Law Firm help you build a defense that protects not just your legal rights, but also your livelihood.
Call us today at 985-276-4740 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.