| I am often asked by my clients what a criminal | | | | Interestingly Licensed Plumbers face no such |
| conviction to a DWI or other misdemeanor will mean | | | | restrictions. Sanitation Workers may be punished or |
| to their future job prospects in New York State. I | | | | dismissed for conviction of any legal offense, conduct |
| am proudly a native New Yorker, Brooklyn born, | | | | injurious to public peace or welfare, or immoral |
| raised, and a graduate of the School of Hard Knocks. | | | | conduct under NYC Admin Code section 16-106. In |
| Although, I now enjoy the practice of criminal | | | | NYS the unlawful possession of marijuana (UPM) is |
| defense law in beautiful and picturesque Ithaca, NY. | | | | considered an offense, so technically speaking you |
| The more I learn of the legal quirkiness inherent in | | | | could lose your job as a garbage man for having a |
| the New York laws I shudder and chuckle. My blog | | | | joint. |
| today centers on how a prior criminal convictions can | | | | Which brings me to the GOOD NEWS, to the many |
| affect the application for a professional license in New | | | | professional occupations in which a criminal |
| York State. | | | | misdemeanor conviction pose NO restrictions to |
| A Barber's license, Boxer's license, and Check Cashier | | | | obtaining a NYS license: |
| license are all discretionary in NYS. For a Boxer or | | | | You can rest easy knowing you can be an |
| Wrestler or Check Cashier making application for a | | | | Accountant (CPA), Acupuncturist, Architect, |
| NY license that means they may be refused a license | | | | Attorney, Baby Chick Seller, Chiropractor, Controlled |
| (a permission) to box or wrestle or cash checks | | | | Substance Manufacturer, Dental Hygienist, Dentist, |
| professionally if the applicant has been convicted of a | | | | Deputy Sheriff, Engineer, Insurance Securities, |
| crime or is consorting with anyone convicted of a | | | | Midwife, Nurse, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, |
| crime. Consorting is defined as to keep company or | | | | Optometrist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician, |
| associate with. NYS is mindful of those you choose | | | | Physician's Assistant, Podiatrist, Psychologist, |
| to hang out with. Your friends may cost you a | | | | Securities Broker, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist, |
| license. | | | | Teacher, or Veterinarian with a criminal conviction on |
| For those holding a Barber's license, any crime or | | | | your record. |
| offense involving moral turpitude or for habitual | | | | To all those with dreams of being a Professional |
| substance abuse can trigger a suspension or | | | | Bingo Operator, Boxer, or Barber I promise to do my |
| revocation of that license. | | | | best to fight whatever charges loom against you in |
| Bingo Operators and Distributors are barred a NYS | | | | the future. In the meantime, take a deep breath and |
| license for a conviction for any crime under Executive | | | | realize the world of possibilities for future NYS |
| Law section 435 (2)(c)(l). | | | | licensure in so many wonderful professions will not be |
| Licensed Electricians can have their ability to earn a | | | | impacted by a misdemeanor DWI or other criminal |
| living suspended or revoked if convicted of a crime | | | | conviction. |
| under NYC Admin Code section 27-3016 (1)(vii). | | | | |