# Husband Wants to Hire Brother Who Recently Went to Jail

> Husband’s brother with criminal history faces family business risk
- Title: Husband Wants to Hire Brother Who Recently Went to Jail
- Summary: Husband’s brother with criminal history faces family business risk Family businesses shouldn’t hire relatives with criminal records without proper safeguards
- Keywords: husband, brother, criminal record, business, family business, jail, hiring, criminal history, family conflict, business risk, Wants, Hire
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/family-advice-husband-small-business-hiring.html?via=rss
- Author: Jenée Desmond-Harris
- Published: 2026-09-23T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: husband, brother, criminal record, business, family business, jail, hiring, criminal history, family conflict, business risk
## Husband's plan
Husband wants to hire his brother Jacob for their business after an employee left.

> We’re family
## Jacob's record
Jacob served time in jail for drug possession and stealing from his previous employer.

> He just finished doing a stint in jail for drugs and stealing from his previous employer
## Family business risk
Hiring a relative with a criminal record could lead to financial loss or business closure.

> We could end up broke or losing our business
## Husband's reasoning
Husband believes family trust makes Jacob a safe choice despite his criminal history.

> We’re family
## Wife's concern
Wife worries about business stability and Jacob's potential to harm their financial security.

> I don’t want to put us in jeopardy given his track record
## Conflict duration
Husband and wife have argued over hiring Jacob for more than a month.

> We have been fighting over this for more than a month now
## Prudence's advice
Prudence suggests focusing on business stability before hiring family members with criminal records.

> We both want to support Jacob. But if Jacob steals from us, we could end up broke or losing our business
## Alternative approach
Prudence recommends helping Jacob find his own job instead of hiring him directly.

> I’d rather make sure we’re stable and help him in another way, like by covering his rent until he can get a job on his own
## Long-term risk
Hiring family members with criminal histories can strain relationships and damage business trust.

> I would hate to see your relationship with him suffer if he turns out not to be a good fit for the job
## Family loyalty
Family loyalty can conflict with business responsibilities when relatives have criminal records.

> We both want to support Jacob
## Business stability
Prioritizing business stability ensures long-term success and protects against future risks.

> I’d rather make sure we’re stable and help him in another way
## Hiring alternatives
Alternative solutions include financial support and job assistance without direct employment.

> Helping him find one
## Criminal history impact
Jacob’s criminal history includes theft from his previous employer and drug possession.

> He just finished doing a stint in jail for drugs and stealing from his previous employer
## Family business dilemma
Balancing family loyalty with business risks requires careful consideration and communication.

> We both want to support Jacob. But if Jacob steals from us, we could end up broke or losing our business
## Key takeaway

Family businesses shouldn’t hire relatives with criminal records without proper safeguards