Past Criminal Convictions in Workers’ Compensation Litigation: A Guide for Attorneys Representing Criminal Defendants and Employees

Introduction: Navigating the Complex Interplay of Criminal History and Workers’ Rights

For attorneys representing criminal defendants and employees in workers’ compensation litigation, the intersection of past criminal convictions and workplace injuries poses unique challenges. Balancing the rights of clients with criminal histories against their entitlement to fair compensation for work-related injuries requires a nuanced understanding of both criminal law and workers’ compensation regulations.

Admissibility: Evaluating the Relevance of Criminal Records

In the realm of workers’ compensation litigation, the admissibility of past criminal convictions is a critical consideration. Attorneys must carefully evaluate whether a client’s criminal history is relevant to the injury and, if so, how it may impact the case.

While some jurisdictions allow for the admission of certain criminal records if they are substantially related to the injury or impugn the claimant's credibility, others may impose stricter limitations. Understanding the nuances of admissibility rules in the relevant jurisdiction is essential for effectively representing clients in these cases.

In Minnesota, by way of example, felony level convictions and convictions for crimes of dishonesty in the last ten years are generally admissible. However, any conviction that is relevant may be admissible. Even if the conviction itself is not relevant, the circumstances surrounding the arrest may render the incident admissible (a common example would be where a relevant prior injury was sustained during the commission of the crime or the subsequent arrest).

Strategies for Protecting the Rights of Clients with Criminal Histories

Attorneys must employ strategic defenses to protect their clients' rights. This may involve challenging the admissibility of irrelevant or prejudicial criminal records, advocating for alternative forms of dispute resolution, and highlighting mitigating factors that support the client’s entitlement to compensation.

Additionally, attorneys should be prepared to address any biases or misconceptions surrounding their client’s criminal history, emphasizing the distinction between past actions and their current entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits.

Attorneys representing employees in workers’ compensation litigation must also navigate the complexities of clients with past criminal convictions. While advocating for fair treatment and compensation, these attorneys must address any challenges posed by their client’s criminal history.

This may involve preemptively addressing potential concerns about credibility or legitimacy, presenting evidence of rehabilitation and character development, and highlighting the direct relationship between the injury and the client’s employment.

Ethical Considerations: Balancing Rehabilitation with Legal Advocacy

As legal professionals, attorneys representing criminal defendants and employees in workers’ compensation cases must navigate the ethical considerations inherent in these representations. Balancing the duty to zealously advocate for clients with the broader principles of fairness and justice requires careful consideration.

Attorneys must strive to uphold the rights and dignity of clients with criminal histories while ensuring compliance with ethical obligations and professional standards. This may involve advocating for alternative forms of dispute resolution, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, and challenging discriminatory practices that disproportionately impact individuals with criminal records.

Conclusion: Navigating the Intersection with Skill and Compassion

The intersection of past criminal convictions and workers’ compensation litigation presents unique challenges for attorneys representing criminal defendants and employees. By understanding the admissibility of criminal records, employing strategic defenses, advocating for fair treatment, and navigating ethical considerations with skill and compassion, attorneys can effectively represent the rights and interests of their clients in these complex cases.

Attorneys that routinely represent employees in workers’ compensation matters will often provide free consultations to employees.

Navigating these cases requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account the legal, practical, and ethical dimensions of representing clients with past criminal convictions. Attorneys who approach these challenges with diligence, empathy, and a commitment to justice can ensure that their clients receive fair treatment and are afforded the opportunity to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives.