Facing a child pornography charge in Ohio can have a life-altering impact. It is not just the criminal consequences that can cause disruption, but also the effect such charges can have on your career. A child pornography charge can tarnish your reputation, limit your employment opportunities, and make it extremely difficult to move forward in your professional life. While the legal process can be challenging, it is important to understand the potential impact this charge may have on your career and how it can affect your future. At, Sabol & Mallory Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Dan Sabol
Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.
Chase Mallory
Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Meet the lawyers who make up the legal team at Sabol Mallory LLC. Read their individual bios and get to know more about their education, experience and accolades.
Learn more about our teamHow Child Pornography Charges Affect Employment Opportunities
If you are charged with possession or distribution of child pornography in Ohio, one of the most immediate consequences is the potential loss of your job. Most employers do not tolerate any kind of criminal activity, especially when it comes to crimes involving children. Even if you are not convicted, the accusation alone can be enough to jeopardize your employment. Employers may view you as a risk to their company’s reputation or as a threat to the safety of others in the workplace.
Ohio law does not prohibit employers from firing employees due to a criminal charge. Many workplaces, particularly those that involve interaction with children, healthcare, education, or law enforcement, are especially strict when it comes to charges of this nature. Losing your job can lead to financial struggles, making it even more difficult to navigate the legal system and support your family during this tough time.
If you are convicted, it becomes even harder to find a new job. Many employers conduct background checks before making hiring decisions. A child pornography conviction will appear on your criminal record, and employers may hesitate to hire someone with such a serious offense on their record. In some cases, licensing boards may revoke your professional licenses, meaning that certain career paths will no longer be an option.
The Long-Term Career Consequences of a Conviction
A conviction for child pornography can follow you for the rest of your life. It can be hard to move on when your criminal record prevents you from getting jobs that you are qualified for. In Ohio, like in many other states, a criminal conviction for child pornography can prevent you from working in specific fields. This includes jobs that require a license or certification, such as teaching, nursing, law enforcement, and childcare.
Certain employers may also have internal policies that automatically disqualify candidates with certain criminal backgrounds. This can result in a lack of job prospects, even for roles that you may feel qualified for. Over time, you may find yourself having to settle for jobs that do not align with your career goals or skills simply because of the difficulty in securing better opportunities.
The impact of a conviction goes beyond just the job search. It can also affect your relationships with colleagues, clients, and business partners. Colleagues may feel uncomfortable working with you, and clients may lose trust in you or your services. The stigma of a child pornography conviction is heavy, and it may take years to rebuild your professional reputation, if at all possible.
The Impact on Professional Licenses
In many professions, maintaining a clean record is crucial for holding onto professional licenses. If you are charged with or convicted of a child pornography offense, it is possible that your professional license could be suspended or permanently revoked. This is particularly true for individuals who work in fields like law, medicine, education, and finance.
In Ohio, certain licensing boards have strict guidelines regarding criminal convictions. For instance, the Ohio State Medical Board and the Ohio Department of Education require licensed professionals to report criminal charges or convictions. These boards have the authority to investigate the circumstances of your case and take disciplinary action, including revoking your license to practice.
Losing your professional license means that you may not be able to work in your chosen field anymore. For those who have spent years building their careers, this can be a devastating blow. Additionally, even if you do not lose your license, some employers may be unwilling to continue working with someone who has faced a criminal charge, especially one involving child pornography.
Reputation Damage and Social Consequences
Being charged with child pornography can damage your reputation in ways that go beyond your professional life. Even if you are not convicted, the stigma attached to such a charge can cause irreparable harm to your personal and professional relationships. Friends, family members, and colleagues may distance themselves from you, and the shame of the accusation can be overwhelming.
In the professional world, a damaged reputation can be particularly hard to recover from. Your ability to network, build relationships, and move up in your career may be severely limited. Employers and coworkers may view you as untrustworthy, and you may be left out of important opportunities. Word about criminal charges can spread quickly, especially in smaller communities, leaving your personal and professional reputation in ruins.
Rebuilding your reputation takes time and effort, and even then, it may never return to what it once was. For many people, the social stigma attached to a child pornography charge makes it nearly impossible to move forward in their careers or personal lives.
Effects on Future Career Advancement
Even if you manage to keep your job after being charged with or convicted of a child pornography offense, your chances of advancing within your company or industry may be severely diminished. Promotions often come with greater responsibilities, and employers may be reluctant to give additional responsibilities to someone with a criminal record, especially one involving a serious charge.
Your ability to apply for higher-paying positions, leadership roles, or jobs in other companies can also be affected. Employers may be concerned about the potential for negative publicity or legal liability, making it less likely that they will take a chance on someone with a child pornography charge. This can leave you stuck in the same position for years, with little opportunity for growth or financial improvement.
Additionally, if your job requires any kind of certification or clearance, such as security clearance for government jobs, a child pornography charge could disqualify you from those positions. This can limit your career options and make it difficult to pursue the kinds of jobs that offer upward mobility.
Defending Yourself Against a Child Pornography Charge
If you are facing a child pornography charge in Ohio, it is crucial to have a strong defense. While the consequences of a conviction can be severe, it is important to remember that you have the right to defend yourself in court. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights, review the evidence against you, and work to build a defense that protects your future.
Defending yourself against these types of charges can be a long and complicated process. It requires a thorough understanding of Ohio’s laws, the legal system, and the specific details of your case. A strong defense may include challenging the evidence, questioning the legality of the investigation, or negotiating for a reduced charge or sentence.
The earlier you seek legal help, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. The impact of a child pornography charge on your career and future is serious, but with the right legal representation, you can take steps to protect yourself and minimize the damage.
Client
Testimonials
Learn what our clients have to say about the work of Sabol Mallory. If you have any questions or need legal help for a criminal charge, please reach out to us right away.
Chase Mallory is incredible. He is wonderful to work with and knows exactly what to do to help his clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. I highly recommend hiring Chase to help fight your battles. Bless you!
- Erin R.
Dan Sabol is probably the best attorney I've ever worked with. Very professional and worked hard to get the best results possible. He will be the first person I call if I need a lawyer again. If you find yourself in a sticky situation make sure you give him a ring.
- Christopher R.
I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Chase and I am very grateful!! They did amazing work to help me on my case. They are very helpful and get back with you in a timely manner whenever I had questions for them, which was very nice and reassuring.
- Jessica H.
How a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Career for Life
In Ohio, once you are convicted of a crime, that conviction stays on your record permanently. Unlike some states, Ohio does not allow expungement of child pornography convictions, meaning that the charge will follow you for the rest of your life. This can make it incredibly difficult to move forward with your career, even if you have served your sentence and paid your debt to society.
Potential employers, licensing boards, and even landlords may look at your criminal record when making decisions about your employment or housing. With a child pornography conviction, it may feel like you are constantly facing obstacles when trying to improve your situation. This can lead to long-term unemployment, financial hardship, and feelings of isolation.
Even if you are not convicted, the arrest itself may appear on background checks, further complicating your efforts to find work. While it may be possible to explain the circumstances of your arrest, many employers may not be willing to give you a second chance, especially when it comes to charges related to child pornography.
If you are facing a child pornography charge in Ohio, it is important to take immediate action to protect your career and your future. The legal team at Sabol & Mallory Law Firm understands the challenges you are facing and is here to help you navigate this difficult time. With the right defense strategy, you can work toward the best possible outcome and protect your rights. Reach out to Sabol & Mallory today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.