Employers, take note. In New Jersey, the state can order a worker’s wages garnished for a number of reasons, often based on failure to pay child support.
While many people have a strong moral aversion to so-called ‘deadbeat parents,’ it is illegal in our state to fire or otherwise discipline an employee because of a wage garnishment order.
Taking such actions against an employee is a disorderly persons offense, equivalent to a misdemeanor in other states, and can result in a six month jail sentence and $1,000 in fines.
Additionally, you’ll be ordered to rehire a fired employee and pay compensation to cover damages sustained to a terminated or disciplined employee.
This situation can be difficult for employers who work hard and make sacrifices to meet their obligations and take care of their children, but the bottom line is that if your company receives a garnishment order against a worker in your employ, you should continue on as though you know nothing about it.
If you have taken actions that can be interpreted as discipline or termination on the basis of a garnishment order, get experienced legal help right away.
Discrimination cases can be detrimental to a business’s image and bottom line, and fending off a criminal charge can head off civil action that an employee might take.
If you’ve been charged with a crime for firing an employee, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.