2nd Background Check Between Internship and Full-Time?

Hello -

I interned at a Big 4 company in their advisory department last summer and received a full-time offer. A few weeks after accepting the offer I found myself in some hot water with the law (DUI-D Charge, trial set for February). I realize this is a very serious offense (which personally offends individuals with certain histories) - for that I apologize. I have already started to learn from the experience and have self-enrolled in some programs in an attempt to repent for my sins.

With that said, I don't know what my course of action should be regarding my prospective employer. Do I contact HR and let them know about the charge? Do I only contact HR if I am eventually convicted? Do I maintain radio silence? Does the Big 4 run an additional background check if I already recieved a background check for my internship this past summer?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - especially people with personal experience dealing with criminal history and the Big 4. Thank you.

13 Comments
 

An additional background check probably would not be performed. However, please consult an attorney. Many will offer free consultations.

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"(which personally offends individuals with certain histories)"; It offends anyone with a functioning brain. It's one of the stupidest things you can do and is especially easy to avoid with advent of Uber/Lyft/etc.

That said, I definitely wouldn't proactively disclose this. Look at whatever you offer letter said, and if it doesn't mention anything about having to disclose it, don't. If they send you more background forms before FT starts, don't lie on any of them. I'm not a lawyer though, so consult the one that you (hopefully) have hired for advice.

On the second background check, I'd, again, consult the offer letter. Is the offer contingent on a successful background check? If so, you're probably going to have another one. Most background checks occur close to full time start in the Spring, but I have no experience with the big 4.

 

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