Background Issues
Trending Content - Job Search Advice Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
October 31, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
As Jim Carrey would say in Liar Liar, "STOP BREAKING THE LAW, ASSHOLE!!!!"
No, obviously joking here. Not going to lie, it's probably going to hurt your chances, but that doesn't mean give up. I had a DUI from around five years ago - still got jobs in Asset Management and M&A, though I know the struggle it added. I don't think your friends antics will show on your record, but I could be wrong; what did the judge say in the case? What did your lawyer say (assuming you had one)? I don't know exactly how that shows on your record. I know my current employer knows of my DUI, but I think that's the only known. In high school (must be 10 years ago now), my friends and I got pulled over for using a loud speaker....stupid shit that stupid kids do, but harmless. Somehow my brother was able to see that on my record (he's a cop). So I don't know what is available on background checks vs police records. It might be that ALL of your charges are on the police record but only that one on the actual criminal record. I don't know.
Hang on - you essentially received only a noise ordinance citation and felt you had to admit this (and consequently open up a whole can of worms) in your job application?
Yeah - a noise ordinance citation is a seriously big can of worms.
If that's sarcasm then you're not getting it - the noise ordinance is such a minor and inconsequential issue that it's not worth mentioning, but doing so opens the door for more questions to which the answers are unflattering.
h
I've never been asked to disclose anything less than a misdemeanor. If you disclosed more than necessary and it comes back to bite you in the ass you only have yourself to blame.
One of my rules for interviewing/work: Only answer the questions you're asked.
Dolorem eaque officiis nam. Corrupti et debitis eveniet ipsum. Modi autem molestiae qui iure cupiditate aut et. Eligendi sint magnam sint rerum.
Non maxime commodi totam itaque voluptatum dolor et. Odio beatae omnis voluptatem expedita impedit. Sit dolor perspiciatis sed ut molestias. Qui natus voluptas vitae cumque reiciendis veniam fugiat. Dolore pariatur aut itaque. Veritatis maxime rem incidunt est quae aperiam.
Numquam aut assumenda autem voluptatem. Consequatur magnam tempora aperiam ut voluptatibus hic. Iusto autem dignissimos voluptatibus et similique ab. Ipsum voluptate aut dolores sed eos et deleniti.
Nobis molestiae quia est suscipit. Sint unde nihil debitis iure. Eius asperiores aut aut sed.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...