Can a Pennsylvania Employer Place You on Leave Over Pending Criminal Charges?
When someone is arrested and formally charged with a crime, the worst punishments often do not come from the criminal court. Instead, the most devastating consequences tend to come from the court of public opinion and the massive collateral consequences that follow, even if you are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty. One such example is that you can be disciplined and fired at work purely for having pending criminal charges.
When you face the full weight of the justice system, word spreads fast. Your case details and charges are public information. If your employer hears about the accusations, they can take immediate action. If you are a licensed professional, both your employer and your licensing board may act against you.
The LLF Law Firm understands how important it is to clear your name and resolve the criminal charges quickly. Our team focuses on fighting the charges as efficiently and effectively as possible, helping minimize the fallout.
Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or reach out to our attorneys online.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s At-Will Employment Framework
Pennsylvania, like most states, is an “at-will employment state.” As the courts have described it, at-will employment means that employees can be terminated “any time, for any or no reason ― literally on a whim.” Employees have very little protection against being fired by their employers.
In summary, at-will employment means you can be fired or disciplined for practically any reason whatsoever, even in situations that seem completely absurd. Exceptions to this general rule include being discriminated against for your race or sex. Unfortunately, “charged with a crime” is not a protected status. As a result, you can be disciplined or even fired by your job if you have pending criminal charges.
This is especially common for those charged with white collar crime. Because so many white collar crimes are allegedly committed against businesses or even the accused’s own employer, many employers will not accept the risk that you potentially pose to the company.
The LLF Law Firm Team Protects Your Career and Legal Rights
The LLF Law Firm has many years of experience defending clients against serious accusations across Pennsylvania. Their team understands the devastating intersection between criminal court and professional life. We work diligently to challenge the prosecution’s case, negotiate with prosecutors, and seek dismissals or reductions before your employer takes permanent adverse action. Our team will help protect your due process rights and your future.
Additionally, criminal charges and verdicts can follow you long after the case is closed. Our team can help you seal and expunge your records, which can help prevent future employers from taking adverse action against you.
Do not let a pending charge derail everything you have built. Call the LLF Law Firm immediately at 888-535-3686 or submit a message to our experienced attorneys online.