How Arrests and Criminal Charges Can Affect Your Job—and What You Can Do About It

If you’ve recently been arrested in Missouri, one of your first questions may not be “What’s my court date?” — but rather, “Will my employer find out?”

It’s a fair concern. An arrest, even without a conviction, can send shockwaves through your personal and professional life.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near you have helped countless clients in Kansas City navigate the stress of criminal charges while protecting their jobs and reputations.

If you’ve been arrested in Missouri, call KC Defense Counsel today and find out how we can help our case.

IS AN ARREST A PUBLIC RECORD IN MISSOURI?

Short answer: Yes.

In Missouri, arrests and criminal charges are public record unless they’ve been sealed, expunged, or otherwise protected by court order. This means that:

Your booking photo (mugshot) may be publicly available
Your name could appear on court or law enforcement websites
Background check services can pull up arrest and charge information

If your employer runs routine background checks, uses monitoring services, or follows online court records, they may discover your arrest even if you never tell them.

CAN MY EMPLOYER FIRE ME JUST FOR BEING ARRESTED?

This depends on two key factors: your employer’s policies and your job role.

Missouri is an at-will employment state, which means your employer can terminate your employment for almost any reason—including an arrest—even before a conviction. This is especially true if:

Your job involves trust, money, driving, or working with vulnerable populations
The charge is relevant to your position (e.g., a theft charge for a cashier or a DUI for a delivery driver)
You’ve previously signed a conduct agreement or security clearance clause

On the other hand, some employers take a “wait and see” approach and won’t act unless there’s a conviction.

HOW MIGHT MY EMPLOYER FIND OUT ABOUT MY MISSOURI ARREST?

Here are a few common ways employers learn about criminal charges:

Routine background checks (especially for government, healthcare, or finance jobs)
Court notifications if you’re on probation or working under a government contract
Coworker gossip (arrests are sometimes published in local news or online blotters)
Self-disclosure, either voluntarily or because you’re required to report legal trouble

If your job requires mandatory reporting, you may be legally obligated to notify HR or a supervisor.

SHOULD I TELL MY EMPLOYER I WAS ARRESTED?

That’s a tough call and it depends on your case, your situation with your employer and of course, your boss. An experienced Missouri criminal defense attorney can help you decide based on:

The seriousness of the charge
Whether it affects your ability to do your job
Your company’s reporting policies
The likelihood of conviction

In some situations, getting ahead of the issue with a carefully worded disclosure can build trust and show accountability. In others, it may be best to say nothing until legally necessary.

HOW CAN KC DEFENSE COUNSEL HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR JOB?

At KC Defense Counsel, we go beyond just “fighting charges.” We work with clients to:

Minimize public exposure of charges through strategic case handling
Request speedy dismissals or deferred prosecution when possible
Explore expungement options if eligible
Provide letters and documentation to employers or licensing boards when needed
Prepare you for tough conversations with HR or supervisors

We understand that for many clients, a criminal charge isn’t just a legal problem, it’s a career crisis.

HIRE THE EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL

If you’ve been arrested in Missouri and are worried about your job, you need experienced legal guidance, not just in court, but in life. At KC Defense Counsel, we offer free and confidential case evaluations and a plan to help you move forward.

Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential case review with one of our affordable Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near you. We’re here to protect your rights, your reputation and your career.