if I had a DUI will I pass an employer background check?

Question

This job is for a clerical position. It does not involve driving. My DUI was 7 years ago in another state

Answer 1

Depends on the employer, but in most cases you should be fine. The most important thing is to be honest if it comes up. Many job applications have an area that asks about whether you've ever been convicted of a criminal offense. DUI is just that and it will follow you the rest of your life, according to a friend of mine that is an attorney. It never comes off your record. I'm not sure where this "seven year" rule keeps coming from (I've heard it a lot).

That said, if asked if you've ever been convicted or plead guilty to a criminal offense, answer yes. It gives you space to indicate the crime, date and location where it occurred. If you answer no and they do a background check to where it does come up, then you in essence lied on your application and will probably not get the job.

We're all human and make mistakes (some bigger than others), but that shouldn't prevent you from getting a job, especially if it's in an area that doesn't require you to have a commercial drivers license. DUIs can negate those types of job opportunities due to the nature of the offense.

If you've proven that you have learned from your mistake and are now a reliable person and have avoided getting in trouble with the law since then, then it shouldn't be an issue. The most important thing is to be honest. Good luck!

Answer 2

Usually employers only do a background check in your current state - assuming that you have been living there for a number of years. If you never lived in the state where you got the DUI, they should never know because they would have no reason to do a check in this other state.

Since, in my opinion, DUIs are overblown in their punishment (you should not be arrested and have a criminal record - it should be a moving violation like a speeding ticket), I see no ethical reason to disclose the fact unless you think they will do a check in this other state.

Of course, even if they do find it, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't get the job. If they find it, be honest about it. Tell them you didn't disclose it (assuming that they did ask) because you thought that it would be off your record. DUIs are supposed to be expunged after seven years.

Answer 3

It is based on the employer but typically this is what is included in a background check for formal employment.

Driving records
Vehicle registration
Credit records
Criminal records

Social Security no.
Education records
Court records
Workers' compensation

Bankruptcy
Character references
Neighbor interviews
Medical records

Property ownership
Military records
State licensing records
Drug test records

Past employers
Personal references
Incarceration records
Sex offender lists


These are things NOT disclosed:

Bankruptcies after 10 years.
Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest, from date of entry, after seven years.
Paid tax liens after seven years.
Accounts placed for collection after seven years.
Any other negative information (except criminal convictions) after seven years.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You will probably pass because most employers do not want to spend the money for a criminal check for this type of job, unless you will be handling money or in a security position.

Answer 5

Shouldn't be a problem, but it depends on the employer - it's a discretionary matter.

Answer 6

I'm a bail bonds agent and i think that a job will only check on your local city and county backgrounds... they will not do anything else...

Answer 7

they won't be checking. They may check a reference or two, but they won't waste their time on the rest.

Answer 8

Its still a criminal charge, so you may not.