background

[sheriff2004]

Does anyone know the intensity of what a background is, and how far they go. I know that a felony conviction is automatic DQ. What about a misdemeanor??? It was about 6 years ago, and was a only incident. I'm just wondering if it's something that can be looked over. Has anyone been hired or passed the BK with 1 arrest. please advise.

[pkagel]

I got hired and was arrested for petty theft as a juvi in 1985. depends, what did you do?

[blackandgold978]

Does anyone know the intensity of what a background is, and how far they go. I know that a felony conviction is automatic DQ. What about a misdemeanor??? It was about 6 years ago, and was a only incident. I'm just wondering if it's something that can be looked over. Has anyone been hired or passed the BK with 1 arrest. please advise.

It's difficult to give you better advice without knowing more specifics. But this does hold true: Almost without exception, most departments will DQ you for a felony conviction. Bear in mind, I said convicted, not accused. There are also certain midemeanor offenses which will also DQ you. (Domestic Violence, Assault, or multiple offenses which would deem you to be an unsuitable candidate.) A poor driving record will make your path more difficult. But only one or two speeding tickets or parking violations shouldn't knock you out of the race.

Certain types of drug usage (LSD, PCP, Crack Cocaine) will either DQ you entirely or for a period of several years since last usage. I hope this helped you a bit. Keep us posted on your progress, or ask if you have more questions. :D

[sheriff2004]

Yea it was about 6 years ago. It was a misdemanor assult. I was jumped with my wife, we all plead to a lesser charge, and received a conditional discharge, and a sealed record. This was my only incident. I was never even arrested, I had to go and make a statement, then the judge released me. My background is perfect. I was engaged, now married with a 5 month old, I have a house, at the same job for the past 8 yrs.No drugs, no drinking, only on occasion, nothing with driving, just what you mentioned, some speeding, and little tickets. I was hired by the erie county sheriff's office last year, they made me explain the incident, they weren't too concerned, but they are going throught a budget crisis now, so that's why I'm planning on relocating. Thanks for all your help.

[Chestercheetah]

Yea it was about 6 years ago. It was a misdemanor assult. I was jumped with my wife, we all plead to a lesser charge, and received a conditional discharge, and a sealed record.



If it is a sealed record you do not have state anything ever occured. Why would you mention it?

[sheriff2004]

I'm just trying to be honest. Sealed or not sealed, I figured they would find it anyway. I hope it won't hurt me. What do you think??

[Chestercheetah]

I understand that you are being honest and that is a very good trait to have. However, you should also have good judgment which includes reading the disclosures in your questionarries. It should have stated in the section titled criminial history that you are NOT to disclose any conviction or arrest that has been been SEALED by a court of law. Maybe you are in a location that has different take on "sealing of a record". Consult an attorney on this matter but most often when a sealing takes place any entity that has this record is to 'seal' then destroy this record and no mention of the event is to occur. Trust me you are not doing anything illegal or immoral. It is a legal remedy designed to assist those that have had dealings with the criminal justice system but either did not recieve justice or are deemed worthy of a reprieve. A court of law would not allow you to seal a record if you did not have good evidence to support your cause. So use it for what it was designed for, this incident NEVER ocurred. Again, consult an attorney before taking my advice as the gospel.

[Utah]

I knew a guy who got arrested for underage posession of alcohol. He cant get hired anywhere.

I think it just depends on how you explain it now rather then just automatically disqualifiying you. Agencies understand that not everyone is perfect.

[krcool32]

Here in GA, certain misdemeanors are abolished(wiped clean) under First Offender Status which means its cleaned off of your record after you complete your sentence. However, during the Polygraph or CVSA if they ask "have you ever been arrested?" It will show you being deceptive. Thats the catch... but 6 years ago, shouldn't affect you that bad but I would tell them about it and explain to them the entire situation.

[e-man]

ALWAYS be honest. WHen I got hired by Pittsburgh in 1995 they contacted my elementary school princiapl, that was like 15-18 years back. I had a DUI arrest in 1989 and it got dropped to a speeding tix, first time back then was no big issue and I told my old department and my current department.
Be honest. Yeah I think a bad driving record is also a probable DQ.
If a record is sealed it can possibly be opened for a baclground check especially one for a law enforcement job. Sealed doesnt mean its gone and never happened. Just harder to get it unsealed. Background check could also find a record 'sealed' and wonder why
Good Luck

[sheriff2004]

So you think there will be no problem. I contacted my atty, he said he will look into the sealed record thing. I don't understand, if they ask, and you don't tell, it looks like your lying, if you tell, they will unseal it...I just don't get what your supposed to do. I'm going to just be up front, and let them know it's sealed. I appreciate all the info, it's awesome.