How to Tell Your Boss About Your Arrest Safely

 Posted on May 01, 2019 in City Jails

If you've recently been arrested, we understand the last few days were tough. This is especially true if you missed work—and even worse if you didn't get to call your boss ahead of time. While it's a terrible thing to happen, it happens to the best of us. The folks at Doc's Bail Bonds fully understand the gravity of this scenario and have seen it play out thousands of times during our field of work—which is why we've decided to share some advice on how to keep your job after an arrest.

We're aware most bail bond companies don't have true concern for the overall well-being of their clients, perhaps feeding into the common stereotype of The Greedy Bailbondsman™️. However, there are many benefits when working with an honest, genuine, and reputable bail bond company—such as free advice. That's why we've compiled a short list of ways to tell your boss about your arrest safely.

First, what do we mean by 'safely?' This means it's done in a way that is both honorable and honest; two very distinct traits most celebrated by most employers in North Texas.

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Know Your Situation

This is the most important aspect for you in this moment: know exactly what's going on. Whether in Dallas, Denton, or Collin County, the first thing you need to do is contact your county's records office—and gather all your information. Before you can schedule a meeting with your boss, you need to know:

• What your formal charges are
• How long your probation is (if applicable)
• What courses you have to take (if applicable)
• When your court dates are

Your absolute best source of legal information is your county clerk's office; you can find your records either online or over the phone.

• Dallas County Clerk's office: click here to visit or call (214) 653-7099
• Denton County Clerk's office: click here to visit or call (940) 349-2012
• Collin County Clerk's office: click here to visit or call (972) 548-4185

Once you've gathered all necessary information on your legal status, you can proceed to the next step.

Are You Legally Obliged to Disclose?

Many don't realize this, but employers are actually legally obliged to be informed of their employees' illegal activity. While this may not necessarily apply to traffic tickets, it applies to any overnight stays in jail. This means if you were arrested for any crime whatsoever, you must inform them within a given set of hours (this time frame varies from employer to employer).

So, after all your information is gathered and handy, you can proceed with checking. Your employer's human resources department is the best place to call—you can (somewhat) retain your anonymity (you'll have to prove you're an employee, of course) by not having to speak to anyone you work with on a daily basis. Simply call your human resources department and ask about employees' legal obligation to disclose any legal charges. After you've received your answer, we can proceed.

Talk to Your Boss When it's Slow

When it comes time to make that appointment, keep some very important things in mind: your boss' schedule, and your workplace's typical busy hours. We highly recommend you choose either an evening hour (if evenings are slower), or a private one-on-one outside of business hours. A meeting such as this requires time, attention, and no interruptions.

Some (big) reasons why it's important to schedule this meeting during slow or private hours:

• You don't know how long it will actually take
• Uninterruption promotes calm, which promotes a clearer head
• When your boss is less stressed, they listen better
• Your courtesy will not go unnoticed

We really want to emphasize the word 'calm.' The more calm a situation is, the better our decision-making—which applies to your boss. However, this also applies to you; we explain further below.

RELATED: Why No Showing Your Court Date is a Horrible Idea

Remain Calm

There's a reason why this deserves huge recognition. Remaining calm is perhaps the most important factor when telling your boss about your arrest. Your boss has likely had thousands of interactions with people at work—whether colleagues or employees—who have failed to represent themselves properly. What do we mean by proper self-representation?

• Honesty
• Being direct and professional
• Not being overly-emotional
• Remaining calm during stressful moments

These are all vital aspects of an employee worth keeping around, and are all something you must keep in mind. Regardless of your charge, you must be honest, direct, and remain calm. These are qualities that don't go unnoticed by your employer, and may in fact influence their decision. During your meeting, keep reminding yourself to keep a level head, and your voice calm.

Another important aspect to keep in mind is something seemingly underrated—eye contact. It's okay to be nervous—and it's even more okay to share how you feel—but you must remain direct and keep proper eye contact. Your boss will recognize your bravery during this seemingly tough moment in your life, and who knows?—they may have once been in your shoes.

In addition to remaining calm, do not let your emotions get the best of you; while caring is okay, being overly emotional is not. When your emotions are leveled and you're direct, your point will be much more likely accepted and processed. However, keep in mind that anything can happen—including your termination of employment. Even during this scenario, you must remain calm and professional. Why? A key reason below:

Even in the Worst Case Scenario, There's Hope

Before you enter that office with your boss, make sure you're prepared for the worst. A good way to prepare for this is to pretend to hear the absolute worst thing your boss could tell you—and deal with it. Handle that rush of emotion, suppress your anger. Once you feel like you can handle the worst, you're ready.

In Texas, employers have the right to fire an employee for any reason (legally, of course; discrimination can't be a factor). If this indeed turns out to be the reality, you must remain calm and accept the news with your head held high. A professional reaction to news such as this is almost always appreciated by your boss, as no one enjoys firing someone (well, no sensible person, at least).

Additionally, there is one huge benefit to calmly accepting your termination: your chances of working with them in the future increase (if, of course, legally possible). This takes us to our next point:

SEE: How to Find a Loved One in the Plano City Jail, and What to Do Next

Keep Going and Don't Give Up

If you were in jail too long or your particular charge cannot keep you in your current job, don't give up. There are always opportunities in the future waiting to be seized, and the quicker you get back on your feet, the faster you seize them. Maybe your employer has a 6-month period before you can re-apply, or maybe there are other jobs you can start applying for. However, to properly get back into the workforce, you must put your legal issues behind you.

Complete your probation. Take (and pass) all your required classes or courses. If deferred disposition is an option, take it—clear your record of what you can. During this time, you need to focus on doing absolutely everything you can to get back into the workforce.

We understand that it's difficult to find good work in Dallas, Denton and Collin County for someone with a criminal record. However, you can rest easy knowing many employers and organizations are increasingly becoming accepting of hiring previously convicted individuals. In fact, you can find out exactly who is hiring individuals with your criminal record in your area online. The internet is a great resource for finding where good work opportunities are—such as Jobs For Felons in Dallas, Texas.

Believe in Yourself

Whether you were arrested on misdemeanor or felony charges, the folks at Doc's Bail Bonds are always available for a free consultation in person or over the phone. We understand when you're going through a tough period, and have the knowledge and experience to offer what advice we can. To speak with one of our experts, simply drop by our office or call us today—we're always on standby, ready to help.