How do background checks work?

Question

I'm about to start Radiology school, and a criminal background check is part of the licensing requirement upon graduation. I've got a four year old misdemeanor charge in Texas for "Furnishing alcohol to a minor". Will they find it if I don't tell'em about it?

Answer 1

You have to tell them. If you don't, it will be much worse on you.

One issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor or a misdemeanor, with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations. All alcohol and/or drug related violations must be reported. "Conviction" as used in this provision includes:

-a criminal proceeding where a finding or verdict of guilt is made or returned but the adjudication of guilt is either withheld or deferred,
-a proceeding in which the sentence is suspended or stayed,
-a criminal proceeding where the individual enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), or
-a proceeding resulting in a military court-martial.

ARRT investigates all potential violations in order to determine eligibility.

Answer 2

Yes, they will find out. A criminal background check will show arrests and convictions, including misdemeanors. Traffic tickets don't show up on background checks unless the school is also pulling your driving record.

Your best bet is to tell them about it up front, and give them the explanation of what happened. If you were 21 and gave your 20 year old friend a beer it's not going to be a huge deal. However if you were 21 and were caught giving a 13 year old the booze, then you might have reason for concern.

You can go to your local Texas Department of Public Safety office and request a copy of your record. That way you'll know exactly what the school (and future employers) will be seeing when they do the background check.

Answer 3

Yes, they will. Better to divulge the information in advance. Most employers are more concerned with felony charges.