How to Answer Employers’ Questions About Your Criminal Record

When you have a criminal record, whether misdemeanors or felonies, it can be intimidating interviewing for jobs. Many people assume they cannot get a job because of their criminal history, and although it can certainly be a challenge, it is never impossible. It is important to learn how to properly disclose and discuss your past criminal records so that you are not misjudged by a potential employer. Continue reading for tips on how to do just that.

Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514


Employers’ views on criminal records vary, so your outcome will differ from others depending on where you apply and the industry you are pursuing. Although it can never be promised that your interview will end with a job hire, there is a method to answering questions about your criminal history during a job interview that can help you land the position you’re after. So when the question arises at your next job interview, you can be prepared to answer it in a way that is most complimentary to your character and capabilities.

Disclosing Your Criminal Record in a Job Interview:

FIRST – Describe what happened, but be brief. You do not need to give away too much information or go into details. Do not make excuses for your own choices, and instead, describe the situation in a way that shows you have insight. Employers simply want to see if you accept responsibility for your crime.

SECOND – Briefly discuss your rehabilitation process. You can tell them how long you were incarcerated, as well as, any court orders you completed, such as alcohol and drug classes, rehabilitation, anger management, therapy, victim impact panels, community service, and more. Employers want to see how you went about bettering yourself after you were convicted of a crime. They want to see that you jumped at the opportunity to make the best out of a bad situation.

THIRD – Tell them what you are doing now. Discuss all the positive accomplishments, hobbies, organizations, and initiatives you are currently involved with. Show them that you have moved on from your criminal history, and that there is no chance of receding back to old behaviors. Employers want to see if you have learned from your past mistakes and if you are living a socially acceptable lifestyle now.

Criminal Record Expungement

These are some of the best methods for disclosing criminal records during a job interview. If you still have trouble getting hired, you should consider criminal record expungement or record sealing. There are new laws in Indiana that allow those who qualify to conceal their criminal background from the public, including employers.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to seal arrest records in Indiana. Our services start as low as $850, so virtually anyone can afford to clear their criminal records or petty crimes and arrests. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer you can trust.

Can You Get in Trouble for Ignoring a Subpoena?

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

A subpoena is a legal document that legally requests a person to provide information, testimony, and/or evidence to the court regarding a criminal or civil matter. There are two types of subpoenas, one that requires your appearance in court to provide testimony, and another that simply requires you to provide records, physical evidence, or documents to the court. They are serious legal documents that require some serious attention. Continue reading to learn more about subpoenas, and what happens if you
fail to respond to one.

Court-Ordered Subpoenas

Although most commonly used for civil cases, such as divorces, accidents, and custody disputes, subpoenas are also used for criminal cases. They are used by both the prosecution and the defense to gather evidence and build a case. If the law believes that a person has information that can help prove or defend a criminal case, the courts can issue a subpoena to legally order that person to provide the information they need.

Example 1: Brenda is a cocktail waitress at the local sports bar. She witnesses a bar fight that results in serious injuries to one of the regular patrons. The regular patron files an injury lawsuit against the other participant in the fight. Later, she is served with a subpoena mandating her to provide testimony in court regarding her narrative of the incident.

Example 2: Archie is Brenda’s employer at the bar she works at. She is getting a divorce, so he is subpoenaed by the court to provide her employment and paycheck records.

Managing a Subpoena

If you are served with a subpoena, never ignore it. Failing to respond to a subpoena on time can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty fines, criminal charges, and imprisonment. If you are being represented by a lawyer, and you are served with or issuing a subpoena, your lawyer will generally handle all of the associated needs. If you are representing yourself, you can request a blank subpoena document signed by the court clerk and fill it out there.

Subpoenas must be served in-person or by registered mail. Neither yourself nor lawyers can deliver or issue subpoenas. Lawyers will appoint a process server to deliver the subpoena to the recipient since it is not allowed to have anyone involved with the case handle this part of the process. If they are not properly delivered, they cannot be enforced by law.

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you were served a subpoena in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer that is eager to help you with your legal matters. He offers free initial consultations and even provides criminal record expungement services for those looking to seal their criminal history. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal attorney, today.

Comprehending Arrest Warrants and Other Types of Court Issued Warrants

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

When a person commits a crime, or is guilty under penalty of law, they are expected to obey their court orders and instruction until they have fulfilled their obligations to the court. If a person who is under court ruling disobeys their rules and regulations, such as failing to appear for a court hearing or violating their probation orders, they will be issued a warrant for their re-arrest.

When this happens, the local police are notified, the Department of Motor Vehicles is alerted, and online databases are updated to inform the public of the notice. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you need to turn yourself in to authorities at the local police station; otherwise, you are considered a fugitive of the law.

Arrest Warrants

A person with a warrant out for their arrest can expect to live with a great deal of paranoia. This is because they can be picked up by the police and arrested on the spot at any place. They can be arrested at work, at home, in the gym, and anywhere else they might be noticed or discovered. Having a warrant is a serious, but resolvable situation. A person needs to contact a criminal defense warrant lawyer and turn themselves into law enforcement before they get in more legal trouble.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is another term used for arrest warrant. Specifically, a bench warrant is intended to flag someone for violation, and call them to the judge’s “bench” for sentencing. They are generally issued when a person fails a court ordered drug test, skips a probation meeting, misses a court date, fails to pay a speeding ticket, or commits other similar court violations and minor infractions. Same as any other warrant, it is advised to turn yourself in before your legal situation escalates into something bigger.

Indianapolis Criminal Attorney

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a crime in Indianapolis and need professional legal defense you can trust. Our criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations and information about retaining legal counsel for criminal charges and convictions. We even offer services for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 to secure your rights and preserve your freedoms, today.