[Rocky123]

If a prospective employer does a background check, how many years do they go back? I have an incident that happened 16 years ago. It wasn’t a felony or a major criminal charge, but it still doesn’t look good.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Gabe]

When I did background checks for a company…there wasn't a time frame, per se. We would get their information, put it in the system and whatever came up, came up. If that makes sense…

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[fuzyfro89]

Look to see if the application or request mentions a date.

It's been a while, but last I applied and received an offer (pending bg check), the application said “please list all known incidents within the past 10 years”.

Not sure if that's standard, but something to take another look at if you're at that stage. Either way, if you are unsure, just ask in a non-confrontational way. “What period of time does the application refer?” You don't have to mention right away that you were Walter White in a previous life. If they say since forever, then tell the truth. The previous 15+ years of no incidents should hopefully show a reformed person (depending on the infraction).

[Rocky123]

It says “ever”.

It's never caused me not to get hired for a job (not that I know of anyway). It didn't affect getting my CPA license.

Just doesn't look good to list on a job application.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[y_u_no_pass]

I have an arrest on my record (for not paying a fine). It sounds like you have been dealing with this so far in your career. Me too. Just don't lead with it, and be honest.

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Took final exam 2/25/15.
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[Rocky123]

It was 16 years ago though. I'm not sure why I even have to disclose it. I can see them asking about the last 10 years. But more than that? That's crazy.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Dantrick]

Ask your state board of appeals to remove it “the incident.” Tell them it may affect you getting a job. My husband had a felony removed. It wasn't even that much work, but he had to go in front of a board and explain why, to not hurt chances of getting a job. The appeal board gives you a decision and then the governor signs off. I think it is worth it because of an application saying “have you EVER.” Ever is a long time.

[juuustin]

I would be careful relying on expungement as the end all, be all. Many applications, especially governmental but some private as well, require that you disclose all criminal infractions, regardless of if they have been expunged or not. Same goes for if the interviewer asks you a direct question about whether or not you have committed a crime. Just because it is expunged doesn't mean it didn't happen.

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[KBinMN]

And even if it is expunged it doesn't mean the background agency will update their records to show that it has been taken off.

What I dislike is that they basically ask you to turn yourself in, so really they are just trapping you. Tell them you don't have anything on your record and you're a liar when they do the search, tell them you do and watch any hopes of an offer go bye-bye. And if they are going to do the search anyways, why ask?

[slgavin7]

justin, if someone was never convicted of a crime, why would they admit to a potential employer that they committed one? I don't think there is anyone alive who hasn't “committed” a crime 😉

[juuustin]

slgavin7 – obviously I meant convicted. My entire point was that just expunging a conviction doesn't preclude you from disclosing it.

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[slgavin7]

I have no idea about Maryland, but it's really a state-by-state issue. But if the law is clear, why would you disclose something if the law says you don't have to? Are businesses allowed to circumvent the law because they hire employees? If you've never been convicted of a crime, would you tell a potential employer that you were just to be safe?

I don't mean to be ornery, but I'm just kind of getting the impression here that you're talking out of your you-know-what 🙂

[Rocky123]

I don't like the “ever” question. For example, say I'm 55 and commited a crime when I was 18. That's 37 years ago! How is that relevant to today? Answer. It's not.

I can see them asking about the last 10 years maybe. But EVER??? A company will not admit it, but it will still look bad even if it happened 37 years ago. Chances are you won't get hired. Especially if it come down to a few similar candidates.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

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Rocky123, CPA

[Allergic2CPA]

@OP

I guess the moral of the lesson is don't get caught or commit the crime in some corrupt country where judges are paid off…:).

As far as how long ago the crime took place…well it depends on the crime. Would you let someone convicted of child molestation babysit your children even if it was 37 years ago? I don't think so. Of course I'm not equating child molestation to whatever offense you were deemed guilty of committing. I'm merely making the point that passage of time doesn't necessarily dictate that we should brush aside whatever crimes took place.

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[y_u_no_pass]

It also depends on the crime and the exact wording of the question. My situation was only an arrest and I have never been convicted of a crime, so in most cases i don't have to list anything. Many also do not require you to list misdemeanors or expunged crimes, or they have a time limit.

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Took final exam 2/25/15.
Sent in Application 3/12/15.
Issued License 3/20/15.
Used CPA Excel solely for all exams.

[Dantrick]

Yep you have to contact all the agencies and make sure it is off all records. It can be done, we have done it. I think if you put on a job application that an appeal committee and the governor for gave the crime then the hiring board of a company should hire someone and not worry about the crime. People are allowed to make mistakes, and usually when their young and dumb. Oh and as far as sex crimes go, I really doubt the governor would ever pardon something like that.

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