Employment After a Domestic Violence Conviction in Texas

Job Search Strategies and Second-Chance Employers

A domestic violence conviction in Texas doesn’t just stay in the courtroom. It follows you — to job interviews, background checks, and online applications. Many people assume that once they’ve completed probation or served their sentence, they can start fresh. But in reality, finding stable employment after a conviction can feel like a second sentence.

That said, there are ways forward. Texas has a growing network of second-chance employers, and with the right strategy, it’s possible to find work, rebuild your life, and move beyond the past.

In this post, you’ll learn how a domestic violence record affects employment in Texas, which industries and companies offer second chances, and what steps you can take to regain stability and financial independence.

How a Domestic Violence Conviction Affects Employment

In Texas, a conviction for a domestic violence offense — even a misdemeanor — can show up in:

• Criminal background checks
• Licensing applications
• Public court records
• Internal HR screenings

Employers may disqualify applicants with:

• A conviction involving violence, assault, or abuse
• A pending or past protective order
• A family violence finding (even without a conviction)

Even if your charge was dismissed, the arrest may still appear unless the record was expunged or sealed.

Industries That Are Off-Limits or Restricted

Some jobs are legally restricted based on domestic violence convictions or protective orders:

• Law enforcement and corrections
• Security guard or armed security roles
• Healthcare positions requiring state licensure
• Teaching or childcare
• Government contracts or military service
• Any position requiring firearm access (due to federal restrictions)

Licensing boards may also deny applications or require disclosure in:

• Nursing
• HVAC and electrical contracting
• Cosmetology
• Real estate and insurance

Still, there are many fields open to individuals with a past — and ways to explain your situation honestly and professionally.

Second-Chance Industries and Career Paths

Many industries are more open to hiring people with criminal records, including:

• Construction
• Warehouse and logistics
• Manufacturing and assembly
• CDL driving (if license is clean and no violence in past 5 years)
• Food service
• Landscaping and labor-intensive trades
• Janitorial and commercial cleaning
• Sales and customer service (in certain settings)

Some companies openly support second-chance hiring practices. Others may do so on a case-by-case basis, especially if you demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and rehabilitation.

Second-Chance Employers in Texas

Texas has a growing list of employers that offer jobs to those with prior convictions, including:

• Goodwill Industries of Houston
• Salvation Army Employment Services
• Texas Workforce Solutions Reentry Programs
• Amazon (some fulfillment centers)
• Walmart (depending on position and background check results)
• H-E-B (case-by-case)
• Tyson Foods
• Koch Industries
• J.B. Hunt and other trucking companies (with time-based restrictions)
• Hospitality groups and local restaurants

You may also want to look into temp agencies and staffing firms with reentry partnerships. They can help you get your foot in the door and build a resume — even if you start at entry level.

How to Strengthen Your Job Search

Even with a record, you can make yourself a stronger applicant by:

• Completing any court-ordered programs (e.g., BIPP, anger management)
• Gathering letters of recommendation from supervisors, mentors, or counselors
• Volunteering to rebuild your work history
• Enrolling in a certification program (HVAC, forklift, food handler’s license)
• Preparing a short, honest explanation for your record — focused on growth and responsibility

You don’t need to tell your life story. Just acknowledge what happened, show what you’ve done to improve, and focus on your value as an employee.

When to Disclose Your Record

In Texas, employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. Some applications ask whether you’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving violence.

If you lie and they run a background check, they’ll know.

That said, many employers will consider:

• How long ago the offense occurred
• Whether it involved the workplace
• What steps you’ve taken since
• Whether the offense was a felony or misdemeanor

If your case was dismissed or sealed, you may not need to disclose it. But if the employer asks directly about family violence, speak with a lawyer to understand how to answer honestly without limiting your opportunities.

What If You’re Denied a Job?

If you’re denied a position due to your record, ask for:

• A written explanation (if provided)
• Whether the denial was based on a background check (which you’re entitled to see under federal law)
• The name of the background check provider

In some cases, denials are based on misinterpreted records, outdated charges, or records that should’ve been sealed. A lawyer can help you:

• Dispute inaccuracies
• File a motion to seal or expunge your record (if eligible)
• Draft a letter of explanation for future applications

(See: Can You Seal or Expunge a Domestic Violence Record in Texas?)

County-Specific Trends

Harris County

The Houston area has more second-chance resources and job training programs than most of Texas. Large employers are more likely to follow fair-chance hiring guidelines.

Fort Bend County

Smaller employer base. A strong reentry plan is critical. Local nonprofits and workforce programs can help connect you to employers open to second-chance hiring.

Galveston County

More conservative employer landscape. Seek out local staffing firms or programs run by the Salvation Army and Workforce Solutions.

Brazoria County

Some local manufacturing and construction firms hire based on skill, not record. Local contacts and referrals matter more than large corporate HR departments.

When to Talk to a Lawyer

If you’re having trouble getting work — or feel like your record is being unfairly used against you — speak with a lawyer about:

• Whether your case qualifies for sealing or expunction
• How to answer application questions legally
• How to clear up errors on a background check
• How to avoid future charges or violations

(See: What to Expect in Your First Legal Consultation)

Final Tip: Your Record Doesn’t Define You — But It Must Be Managed

Getting back on your feet after a domestic violence conviction isn’t easy, especially when work and stability are at stake. But with a clear plan, the right support, and a focused approach, you can move forward.

At Walker Law Office, we help clients across Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Brazoria Counties address the legal and personal challenges that come after a domestic violence case. Whether you need help sealing a record, handling a protective order, or planning your reentry — we’re here to guide you.

Call (713) 228-2611 or visit https://www.walkerlawhouston.com/contact to schedule your confidential consultation today.

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