How can a criminal record impact your professional reputation?

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 Posted on August 30, 2023 in Uncategorized

# How can a criminal record impact your professional reputation? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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# How can a criminal record impact your professional reputation?

On Behalf of The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart](https://www.michaelaustinstewart.com/ "Posts On Behalf of The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart") | Aug 29, 2023 | [Criminal Defense

CNN reported that almost 70 million people in the United States have a criminal record. While there have been pushes at various levels of government to offer leniency when it comes to past convictions, having a record can still cast a shadow over your professional reputation.

Understanding how a conviction could impact your career can help you as you navigate the challenge of fighting a criminal charge.

Makes you look untrustworthy

Trust is the foundation of any professional relationship, and a conviction can significantly undermine that foundation. Colleagues, supervisors, clients and business partners may view you differently once they become aware of your criminal record. It could make it more difficult to build business connections or even secure jobs where trust is an essential factor.

Violates ethical standards

Some professions have stringent ethical standards and codes of conduct. A criminal conviction might violate these standards, leading to consequences such as license revocation or disqualification from practicing in your field.

Reduces your employability

Many employers conduct background checks during the hiring process. A criminal conviction could lead potential employers to question your suitability for the role, regardless of your qualifications. This can limit your job prospects and hinder your ability to secure new opportunities.

Hurts the employer’s image

Public perception matters in business. Your conviction could become public knowledge, affecting how others perceive you and your employer. If your criminal record creates a public relations hassle, your employer may feel the only answer is to let you go.

A criminal conviction carries the potential to cause significant damage to your professional reputation. It could impact your ability to make a living and make it very difficult to secure employment.

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The first few hours after an arrest can be incredibly stressful, but they may also be incredibly important for your case. Anything you say during questioning could be used against you in court, even if police appear sympathetic to your circumstances. During this time, protecting your rights is absolutely critical. If you have been accused of a crime, do not hesitate to get in contact with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on how to respond.

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has decades of experience representing clients throughout Pierce County and the South Puget Sound in serious felony cases. When you work with our firm, your case will receive close attention from a seasoned trial attorney who will explore all of your options to fight the charges in court.

Proven experience representing clients in high-stakes criminal matters

When your freedom, reputation, or career is at risk, you need a respected and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart's successful case results speak to his diligence and willingness to fully investigate a charge. Across his 30-year career, he has obtained favorable outcomes for many clients, routinely securing sentencing terms well below the government's request as well as dismissals and not guilty verdicts.

Past case results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Instead, they show the lengths we are willing to go to protect our clients. You only get one chance to protect your freedom and your name in a criminal case, so you should not settle for anything less than the best when looking for the right attorney.

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Case Results

Our firm has a demonstrated history of successes in criminal defense cases, frequently securing ideal outcomes through our fierce advocacy.

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

More Case Results

Reputable criminal defense trusted by local communities

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has a reputation for being extremely tough in the courtroom while being approachable and personable with his clients. His main goal is to set you at ease while providing aggressive representation in court, taking a stand to protect your rights. We are available 24/7, as we remain in close communication with our clients in every case.

Our firm has also been recognized with many awards for our excellent client service and strong representation. Some of these accolades include placement in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, recognition as a Super Lawyer, and a 10.0 Avvo rating. We have also earned many 5-star reviews from clients we have personally helped through difficult situations, highlighting the trust we have built up across Tacoma and the wider community.

Strong counsel when you need it most

You can trust our firm to handle your case with the tact and care that it deserves. We know how to manage the media in cases that garner public attention—having taken on cases featured in CBS, The Washington Times, The Seattle Times, and other outlets—working to protect our clients' privacy as we build a careful defense. We also know how to navigate communication with police and prosecutors to minimize any possible risks.

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The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Whether you are facing property crime charges, allegations of violent crime, or sex crime accusations, our firm will seek the best possible outcome to your case. To accomplish this, we carry out in-depth investigations to uncover all of the relevant facts, allowing us to build a nuanced argument to present to the court. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart is a trial-tested criminal defense lawyer with the skills and legal knowledge to present a strong case on your behalf.

If you have any questions about how we can help with your situation, do not hesitate to reach out. Seeking early legal counsel is critical for making sure that you are fairly represented during the criminal proceedings.

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Verdict Spotlight

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

See More Verdicts

Award-Winning

Our firm has been honored with many awards for our exceptional criminal defense.

30+ Years of Experience

Attorney Michal Austin Stewart has decades of courtroom experience defending clients accused of felony crimes.

Free Consultations

We offer free consultations to any prospective clients with questions about a pending criminal case or investigation.