Can I be fired from my job because I was arrested for domestic violence?
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Can I be fired from my job because I was arrested for domestic violence?
I work for a pharmac. I was arrested for domestic violence on my soon to be ex-husband and I was worried that I might lose my job over it.
Asked on May 16, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Tennessee
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you work for anyone without a guaranteed contract, you can be fired at any time in most states, with or without cause. This is typically called at-will employment. Conversely, you can walk away at any time, as well. Here, if your employer finds out about the arrest, it is truly arguable. It could potentially fire you but arrests in and of themselves are not considered "bad acts" but if the employer feels strongly that you pose a threat to customers or other co-workers, then it can certainly let you go. Continue as you are and try to get this hiccup in your life quietly done away with (see if you can hire a lawyer to have this matter dismissed).
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