Being charged with a harassment offense will change your life. Everything about you is likely to be challenged—your relationships; your career; your residence; your reputation; and more. If you are convicted, there are many hoops you will be forced to jump through for the rest of your life that will affect these same areas in a more profound way.

In other words, you will no longer have the freedom to do what you want, where you want. Your crimes will be made public in Washington so it may become difficult, or impossible to retain your life as you know it. In many situations, employment may become difficult to maintain. Non-sexual harassment can happen anywhere. It can happen in the workplace, at a recreation location, in a neighborhood or apartment complex, or anywhere. Activities that fall into this category include using offensive language, taunting, insulting a person's physical or mental disabilities, making fun of a person's physical attributes, or creating hostility in the workplace.

What Options Do I Have to Overcome Barriers to Employment?

All harassment crimes are not created equal. Some are more serious than others and are regarded differently by different industries. You could be immediately fired when you are charged, or you could be fired after a conviction. Either way, these charges may be with you through the remainder of your work. While options are limited, there are steps you can take to improve employ-ability after a conviction.

Take Responsibility

In the world of employment, it can be a forgiving place when you take responsibility. In other words, if you have been charged and/or convicted with a harassment offense, seeking and following through with accepting responsibility and apologizing goes a long way. Being proactive rather than waiting to be reprimanded is also a good strategy.

Deal with Your Problem

Get help. After you have taken the first step of being accountable for your actions, the next step in regaining your stature is to seek the assistance of counseling. Depending on the crime and situation, professional help can give you a fresh perspective, help you choose goals, and help you to manage whatever employment hardships you face.

If you are in the beginning of dealing with your harassment offense charges, gaining the best advice possible in preparing your defense is your best hope for your future. Worries about keeping your job may be only the beginning of your problems. As a former prosecutor, Steve Karimi knows how to navigate these cases from start to finish having been on both sides of the courtroom. Wherever you are in the process, having just been arrested, or recently charged, or restarting your life after a conviction, we can help you. Call us today.