Q&A

Will you pass a background check with a misdemeanor?

Will you pass a background check with a misdemeanor?

The short answer is yes, they do. However, misdemeanors might not show up if an employer doesn’t run a county background check in the country where the individual was convicted of a misdemeanor.

Will a background check show a conviction for a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are usually prosecuted at the county level, so if an employer is running a state background check on you and your state’s records don’t include the county you were convicted in, then it’s likely your misdemeanor won’t show up.

How long does a misdemeanor stay on my criminal record?

You can contact authorities to ask how long does a misdemeanor stay on your record. You will learn that it generally runs between five to seven years depending on the offense. In most states, you cannot apply to have your record expunged before five years after the offense or after serving your sentence.

Do expunged misdemeanors show up on a backround?

Misdemeanors do show up on background information unless you have requested expungement. The expungement process is not quick, and you must wait a specific amount of time before applying. You may also have to pay a fee to have your misdemeanor records expunged.

Do dismissed cases show on background checks?

A dismissed case will not make it onto your formal criminal record which means you won’t have to declare it in most job applications. But the truth is that a dismissed case will still show up on an employment background check so the chances are that your prospective boss will still find out about it.

Do dismissed charges show up on a background check?

As stated above, when asked if a dismissed criminal charge will show up on a background check, the answer is yes. However, a person who has had a criminal charge dismissed may be eligible to have all records of the arrest expunged.