{"id":357789,"date":"2025-04-10T10:40:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T15:40:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/losing-a-job\/can-i-lose-my-job-if-i-get-arrested.html"},"modified":"2025-04-10T10:59:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T15:59:10","slug":"can-i-lose-my-job-if-i-get-arrested","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/losing-a-job\/can-i-lose-my-job-if-i-get-arrested.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Lose My Job If I Get Arrested?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Can I Lose My Job If I Get Arrested?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can lose your job if you get arrested, particularly in states with "at-will" employment laws. However, the impact of an arrest on your job can depend on the nature of the offense and your job type. For roles requiring clean records, like those involving children or sensitive information, an arrest could be more consequential. Background checks can reveal arrests and convictions, which might influence employment decisions, especially if not disclosed upfront.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Most people don’t plan on getting arrested. You can go your whole life without law enforcement contact if you’re careful (and lucky). On the other hand, many people make mistakes or do foolish things when they’re young and have encounters with police for speeding, driving under the influence, or petty theft.<\/p>\r\n

What should you do if you get arrested? Can you lose your job if you get arrested over the weekend? Do criminal background checks show all your arrests and convictions? Before you panic about a DUI ticket, learn the answers to your questions here.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing criminal charges, you’ll want to get help from a criminal defense attorney<\/a> right away. They can help you protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.<\/p>\r\n

At-Will Employment and Arrests<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

With the exception of Montana<\/a>, all states in the U.S. follow "at-will" employment rules.<\/a> This means employers generally may terminate employees at any time, for any reason. As long as that reason is not discriminatory<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In an at-will state, the only protections against random termination are:<\/p>\r\n