Even a single criminal charge can cast a long shadow over your career, education, or professional licensing. Whether you're currently employed, applying for school, or planning to enter a licensed field, the effects of a charge,  let alone a conviction, can be lasting. 

 

But there is hope. With the right legal strategy and experienced representation, you can protect your record and preserve your future.

 

At Stephens & DiRado, LLP, we help clients across East Tennessee navigate not only the criminal justice process but the ripple effects that come with it.

 

Impact on Current and Future Employment

 

In Tennessee, many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and in some industries, they're required to do so. Education, healthcare, finance, and law enforcement employers may disqualify applicants with certain records. What’s more, arrests alone , not just convictions, can appear on a background check and raise questions.

 

However, there are limits. Employers must still comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and their own internal policies. If you’re already employed and facing a criminal charge, speak with an attorney before discussing your case with anyone including your employer . In some cases, a charge may not legally require disclosure, and how or when you share this information can affect your job security.

 

Security Clearance and Sensitive Roles

 

If you’re employed in a government role or a job requiring security clearance , a criminal charge can present additional challenges. Clearance investigations typically review:

• The nature and seriousness of the charge,
  
  
• The timeframe of the offense, and
  
  
• Whether you’ve been honest about your history.

If you’re applying for clearance or are asked to self-report, it’s critical to seek legal guidance before responding. A defense attorney familiar with clearance protocols can help frame your situation properly and advise on how to minimize damage to your eligibility.

 

College Admissions and Student Careers

 

Colleges in Tennessee, including the University of Tennessee system, commonly require disclosure of criminal convictions during the admissions process. Some may even request information about pending charges. While disclosure doesn’t automatically disqualify you, admissions committees can deny entry based on the nature of the offense .

 

In addition, certain criminal convictions may make students ineligible for federal financial aid . Programs in healthcare, social work, and education may also require background checks for clinical or internship placements.

 

Applicants are advised to be honest, cooperative , and to seek legal help early. An attorney can help craft a disclosure that accurately explains your situation and highlights efforts toward rehabilitation or resolution.

 

Occupational and Professional Licensing

 

Tennessee law allows licensing boards to deny or revoke licenses if a conviction is “directly related” to the occupation . However, boards cannot enforce blanket bans on unrelated charges, thanks to reforms such as the Fresh Start Act and House Bill 1859 . These laws give applicants a chance to:

• Receive a preliminary determination about whether their record is disqualifying,
  
  
• Understand the board’s criteria upfront, and
  
  
• Present evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances.

Still, professions such as teaching, counseling, accounting , and others have more rigorous standards. It’s wise to consult an attorney before applying to any licensure program if you have a past or pending charge.

 

Legal Strategies to Protect Your Future

 

If you’ve been charged with a crime, the sooner you speak with a defense attorney, the better your chances of avoiding long-term consequences. Stephens & DiRado works with clients to:

• Challenge charges or negotiate reduced offenses,
  
  
• Pursue alternate options such as Judicial Diversion that lead to dismissal,
  
  
• Explore options for expungement or sealing of records, and
  
  
• Craft a defense that considers career, education, and licensure goals , not just the courtroom outcome.

We understand that the effects of a criminal charge don’t stop at sentencing. That’s why we focus on comprehensive, future-focused advocacy tailored to your situation.

 

Hope, Advocacy, and Next Steps

A criminal charge doesn’t have to end your career or derail your educational goals. With knowledgeable, responsive legal representation, you can take steps to protect your name, your record, and your future.

 

At Stephens & DiRado, LLP, we help clients throughout East Tennessee face these challenges with clarity and confidence. If you're worried about how a criminal charge could affect your life, we’re here to help. Contact us today or reach out via Facebook or LinkedIn to get started.