If you’re already employed when convicted of a crime, you may lose your job due to:
Employer’s Policies
Some employers have strict policies regarding criminal convictions. These policies might require the termination of employees who are convicted of certain crimes, particularly if the offense is related to the nature of the job. For example, a financial institution may have zero tolerance for employees convicted of theft or fraud.
Nature of the Job
As we indicated above, certain jobs in Texas are more sensitive to criminal convictions. A criminal conviction could lead to immediate termination if you work in a position of trust, such as in education, healthcare, or law enforcement. This is especially true if the conviction is related to the duties of the job, such as a healthcare worker convicted of drug-related offenses.
License and Certification Requirements
Many professions in Texas require licenses or certifications that can be revoked or suspended due to a criminal conviction. For example, a teacher, nurse, or lawyer may lose their professional license, making it impossible to continue in their career.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and other licensing boards can act against professionals with criminal records.
At-Will Employment
Texas is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for almost any reason, including a criminal conviction, as long as it’s not discriminatory (e.g., based on race, religion, or gender). This means that even if your job doesn’t specifically require termination for a criminal conviction, your employer may still choose to