FBI background check
I'm a freshman right now, and was charged with possession of marijuana. There is a pretty decent chance I can have the charges dismissed, and, in my state, my arrest record gets destroyed if I'm acquitted. However, the FBI database will always have my fingerprints. I have a few questions: 1. Are there any investment banks or consulting firms that do not do an extensive FBI background check? 2. Will it even matter if an arrest shows in a background check without a conviction? 3. If I do end up with this on my record, does possession of marijuana ruin any career opportunities in finance or consulting?
If it is expunged and you are acquitted then chances are it won't show up on a background check. If you end up with this on your record, it WILL be a big deal and possibly a dealbreaker. Basically you were an idiot and do everything you can to get it expunged and never do anything so stupid again.
Put down the gavel, jackass. "Never do anything so stupin again"? If this man is a freshman, and possessing weed is the stupidest thing he does throughout college, I would say he has lived a pretty clean college experience overall.
OP- definitely try to get it expunged. If you can't beat it outright, definitely try to get into a conditional dismissal program. Both those things said, no reason to take a chance on it affecting you, if you have the money, get the best lawyer you can (one with great connects to the judge in your county/ district/ whatever). This is not the time to be pinching pennies either.
I do have an excellent lawyer, and the worst case scenario is a diversion program where a conviction isn't entered and my arrest record goes nonpublic. However, I'm sure these background checks could access this anyways. No matter what, I will always have an arrest record that can be accessed by fbi background checks. However, are there any places (probably small shops) that don't have such stringent background checks? Do you know if consulting firms don't have as stringent of background checks?
In the grand scheme of things it's not that stupid but if you ever decide to have possession of illegal substances outside of your own home, everything that happens as a consequence is entirely on you and not appreciating the risks is basically what I would call stupid. There is no need to do things like that, and there isn't even that much want. If you want to try weed go ahead, but there is no reason for you yourself to be in possession of it.
I was in another kid's dorm room for 5 minutes and he was smoking it before. Wrong place, wrong time, and the housing security knocked on the door.
You can do an FBI background check on yourself for about $50. If it's dismissed then it will probably not show up. It depends on the laws in the state you were in at the time. Google fieldprint.
Expunged records don't show up on background checks.
Although they might if a "hard pull" is done. But this is usually only the case when obtaining a DoD clearance.
I interned at a defense contractor and had to obtain a Confidential-level DoD clearance. I some juvenile high jinks expunged, and it did not even come up during this background report.
You'll be fine kid.
FBI background checks on wall street/hedge funds/prop firms? (Originally Posted: 09/20/2010)
Hi i already lost my childhood dreams because of some stupid felonies i commited when i was 17. Do hedge funds and prop firms run FBI background checks? How about other Wall Street Options like working in corperate finance/i banking/ M&A/ Sales & Trading? I had my records expunged but the damn FBI will always have them.
Heres a list of what i plead guilty too. F. Burglary F. Intimidation fo a witness F. Theft F. Receiving stolen property M. Poss. of a firearm by minor M. Terroristic threats M. criminal trespassing
LOL nice one troll.
Facilities engineering
At this point, you should just start a mob family.
a
this isnt a fucking joke!
sounds like you have a cool head on you.
wow your really gonna comment on my crimes? like its something worth discussing i was asking a simple question yes or no do prop firms and hedge funds run fbi background checks? I got off very very light for the type of shit i did, and mafia isnt far from the story either idiots. In Fact my PO brought mafia up in the court which really made me pissed they could have charged me with extortion and grand larceny too but the cops went light on me since i didnt resist and just gave up everything but i never ratted on anyone! I did 1 year as a juvie which sucked but during that 1 year i read a crap load of trading books and acutally even taught some staff there to trade and guess what they dont work there anymore LOL but i got to use the computer everyday to see the markets other kids hated me for this but fuck em all lol
i was just trying to get ahead because at the time i couldnt find a job and make money to trade so i stole it greed got the better of me.. kinnda like gekko LMFAO
like my dead hommie said the courts can convict me but only God can judge me...
Can anyone actually answer my question though? Do expunged felonies matter? Do they conduct an fbi background check?
in defense for myself i was mugged a couple months prior to all these crimes and that really made me pissed so i got even with the street i mean i had my jaw broken and jumped by 3 criminals so yeah i was confused but after serving 1 year i got out and didnt get in trouble and even got a min wage job and im straight now...people can change and its not like i did anything like this before...
shit is hard in the hood
Damn it feels good to be a Banker...
I'll make no snarky remarks about your past, but try to answer you candidly.
Nearly all financial firms do background checks. A private sector consultant does the check but has access to various databases including state court records and the FBI database. Your record will probably show up in a background check despite having been expunged.
Despite your seemingly formidable rap sheet, it might not be disqualifying as what they're looking for is offenses involving financial fraud or dishonesty. "Receiving stolen property" might or might not count.
Your best bet in dealing with a background check is to notify the firm considering hiring you (in writing, after the first interview) that you have a rap sheet from your teenage years, which was all expunged and includes no charges of financial dishonesty or fraud. This will, to be sure, get you dropped by most potential employers, but it's better than starting a new job then being fired six weeks later when the background check is complete.
I leave you with the thought that nearly everyone has one or more skeletons in the closet, and if everyone with an arrest record got zapped after background checks, very few would ever get hired. GL to you.
Background Check Advice - Help needed (Originally Posted: 05/03/2015)
This past year I was arrested for possession of marijuana up in NH. I accepted an offer for this summer in NYC for IB analyst and I have to get my fingerprints done for a criminal background check. The charges were officially dropped and I was never convicted of anything but I'm worried that they may care about it. The paperwork I filled out did not ask about any misdemeanor just investment related ones so I never disclosed this arrest but I'm sure it will turn up in the background check. Should I tell HR about it before hand or should I wait until they ask me about it? Is it something that they would recind their offer over? Really appreciate any advice you have kinda freaking out that I may lose my offer.
http://giphy.com/gifs/3o85xtsPxVqjKF8ndK
So should I just wait and see if they say anything? Or give the HR lady a heads up about it?
I had the same issue 3 years ago. Got arrested for possession, got fingerprinted. Never got convicted, plead it down to a noise violation. You will be fine. Do NOT bring it up with HR just wait for them to ask you. Unless you lied on your app (which i doubt you did because they only ask for convictions not arrests) you will be fine. I've gone through two background checks one with a MegaFund PE shop my soph year of college, and last year at a BB and everything came out fine. Don't worry about it.
yeah you're good bro, don't stress it
So is it worth giving HR a heads up or will that make it worse and I should just wait?
100% would make it worse. Don't lie if confronted, but don't throw yourself under the bus.
Will My Offer Be Withdrawn? (Originally Posted: 06/13/2015)
I just landed an offer from a firm in Chicago. I was extended an offer pending the on boarding process. I have a juvenile theft charge from when I was 16 and am now 30. Long story short, I never stole anything but I was with someone who did and I picked up the same charge as him.
If I am forthright and honest about this then do you think they would be okay with it? It's never been found on a background check before because it is sealed but I know FINRA will see it as its in the FBI database and other background checks are inferior.
Be straightforward. You were 16. People are not that pedantic
I hope not. It would be a shame to lose out on a great opportunity over a stupid decision over 10 years ago. I guess I am just curious if anyone has been in a similar situation and came away in the clear.
Non-Public Arrest Record (Originally Posted: 05/15/2013)
I just finished my freshman year at a top target school. I managed to get a 4.0, but I unfortunately made a dumb mistake and got into some legal trouble. Basically, I was caught in a dorm room with some pot and got arrested and fingerprinted (which almost never happens with a simple possession in this town). Anyways, I entered this judgement of guilt program where I had 3 months of probation and the case was dismissed without any conviction. According to the code, the whole matter (including the arrest and court proceedings) is made nonpublic and can only be accessed by law enforcement. My name doesn't come up in any background checks I've done on myself and my name doesn't even pop up on a public court records search. However, it is my dream to land a job as an investment banking analyst, and I am aware that I have to submit fingerprints and get an FBI background check, which I assume I'm not cleared from. Will this event prevent me from breaking into the investment banking world? Does the fact that I don't have any convictions help me? Do most banks conduct third party background checks, or do they use the results from the FBI to view my background? Do I stand a better shot at boutique firms than bulge brackets? Sorry for burdening you guys with all of this. I've just been freaking out and wondering if I should even keep aspiring to work in investment banking. I truly appreciate any advice that anyone has, and would love it if someone could help me understand the whole background check process.
If you were indeed not convicted and the arrest has been expunged then, yes, you can delete your profile from the FBI database and don't let anyone on here tell you that it's impossible (they have no clue what they are talking about). In fact, it should be automatically taken off. However, they often do not update the records and the clerks make mistakes (I have seen this happen). You can use the same FBI check the banks use. Google Fieldprint.
If you have the money I would hire a lawyer to make sure your record is clean and if it's not then to make it clean. It sounds like you should be fine though.
Thanks that's what I thought I'm just very paranoid. Also, although it's not a conviction, I did have to plead guilty for judgement to be deferred. And even though it's nonpublic, would i still have to answer yes to the question have you ever plead guilty or no contest? In your guys' experience, do applications ask if you've been convicted or plead guilty to a crime, or just have you been convicted? I'm sorry for all of these dumb questions I've just been extremely stressed.
Best Way to do a Background Check? (Originally Posted: 02/23/2012)
I was arrested for some really dumb stuff when I was younger. I got ACOD as a youthful offender in NYS, which allegedly seals any record of the arrest. I asked my lawyer if it was possible for an FBI background check or banks to still have any knowledge of the arrest and he said no. Since then I have asked two other lawyers, who also told me I shouldn't have a problem. Yet, for someone reason I still feel nervous.
Should I get an opinion from a corporate attorney, instead of a criminal defense one?
Anyone know any private investigators or background checks I can use on myself, that are as good as the ones banks use?
Am I being overly paranoid? I did get the thumbs up from three separate attorneys and I was never convicted of anything.
You are being overly paranoid. But, then again, I would be too.
You're being overly paranoid. Take your chances and, in the extremely unlikely event that it gets uncovered, blame it on youthful ignorance and coming-of-age.
...but in the event that it happens his offer will be rescinded before he has a chance to explain. that's why they give you an option to explain it beforehand in case you think something will come up
Pick a PI out of the phone book and give him your own information. For a few bucks, he'll call you back in 10 minutes and give you everything that an employer could possibly get on you and you'll know for sure.
They won't waste their time checking your background when you were a immature teenager. Again providing you didnt commit a serious crime(s), you have nothing to worry about. Even if it came up, which if sealed will not (thats the way it works in the UK), I doubt they will give it that much consideration.
Worried about my Future in Finance (Originally Posted: 02/22/2014)
So I am currently studying at Michigan State University as a finance student. Last summer, I was rather reckless and (stupidly) got caught with possession of marijuana. I didn't get convicted, but instead got the case "dismissed," and under Michigan's 74-11 act, only certain, non-public background tests will show this case ever happened. Those who would see it include the police, hospitals, FBI, schools, and more. Thing is, I'm worried about my future (I want to be a financial adviser). I'd love to work for a place like, say, UBS, but I know they do, indeed, use these kinds of background checks. I love stocks, and don't want my one slip up in life to hold me back. Thanks in advance!
Here is the link to Michigan's 74-11 law http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(j5hlkx45va01ewuebuybhz55))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-333-7411
Move to Colorado.
I'm very worried about this. Could I have serious answers only please?
just convince UBS to let you work in their healthcare coverage group, telling them you have intimate experience with medications
You weren't convicted, there's nothing to worry about. People get wrongly accused of many things, we don't live in a society that the mere accusation of something ruins the rest of your life.
(I know you actually did it, but actually doesn't matter. They only look for convictions. I doubt it would hold you back even if you were convicted, it's not like you stole something...that would be something to worry about.)
finance degree career??? (Originally Posted: 09/23/2010)
What are some good paying finance careers outside of wall street/banking that A. do not conduct an FBI background check B.pay over 100K C. let you travel the world(not needed but is a plus) D. recent finance grad from non target like DePaul.
Obviously, i know i would have to get an entry level position and work my way up but what are my options? I was looking at proprietary trading, however, because of the low success rate, i need a fall back career to look into. I would love to travel the world and am considering double majoring in finance/international business or maybe even Marketing/international business. I will maintain a HIGH GPA. what careers should i look into? thank you
oh don't worry man, aslong as you have a major in international business you will get paid loads of money to travel around the world.
yeah?
And why do you want to work for a firm that that does not conduct an FBI background check?
Your first job probably won't pay $100K for your first few years. Even my friends who were getting hired into the front office at hedge funds in Chicago weren't getting that. The only reason people talk about making more than $100K their first year in NYC is because of the ridiculous cost of living.
One quick thought is Accounting- if you have enough Accy classes, you can sit for the CPA exam. Managers at most firms (not just Big Four) typically break $100K or come very close.
Your first job won't pay $100K. Your next job just might if you develop a reputation for competence and productivity.
lol at requirement A
Must be a troll.
Applications for licensing (Originally Posted: 05/17/2013)
Hi All, I'm attempting to break into the financial industry, but want to know if it's worth it, as I do have a minor criminal history. In 2010, I was convicted of 1 misdemeanor- fraud which amounted in the loss of $100. At the time of the crime, I was 19 years of age. I was sentenced to "time served" in jail (which was about 8 hours in booking the day I was arrested), and payed fines less than $500. Also, I was put on probation for a little under a year.
Less than one year after conviction, the conviction was expunged and probation ended. The commissioner who expunged the conviction stated that the conviction cannot be used against me for the purposes of employment. While the crime is not view-able to most employers running background checks, it is view-able to FDIC, FINRA, SEC, FBI, etc. Also, considering the fact that most financial institutions conduct VERY thorough background checks, I don't doubt that a prospective employer in the financial industry would be able to uncover the original conviction.
Now, I understand that breaking into the financial industry, as an Institutional trader or Investment banker, etc..., requires various forms of licensing. I also understand that, in order to work as an institutional trader or investment banker, I would have to file an application/ waiver form with various govt. licensing committees (given that my crime pertained to dishonesty).
My question is as follows: Given my criminal background and situation, do you think I would, after submitting any pertinent applications/waivers, be able to obtain licensing needed to work as a Institutional trader or Investment Banker?
Thanks!, Anon in NYC
I think you are fine there. CFA Institute might look into a deeper background check but that's after level 3 to get a charter. I would not worry about it.
Background Check Advice - Learn from my experience! (Originally Posted: 09/17/2014)
Hello,
I am writing this post because there might be younger monkeys out there worrying about the same things I was concerned about a year ago, so I wanted to address some common issues/concerns regarding background checks:
I am currently a Financial Analyst(FLDP) at a large F500 and previously worked in Financial Services.
At my F500, they did not check GPA, they only checked my major and if I had graduated. I am not encouraging you to lie - just giving you a fact if you are sitting there worrying about rounding off your GPA, it doesn't matter at most F500. In contrast, the FS firm did ask for an official transcript.
Both companies did a drug screen.
The FS firm's BG check on criminal history was much more comprehensive, they took my fingerprints and ran it through an FBI database and they ask about "Any Offenses against the law that you might have committed." (JPM asks about this even before you interview on their online application.) But they only really care about serious Misdemeanors and Felonies. So if you got caught doing something silly, don't worry about it. Just disclose it, and as long it is not very serious, most firms will let you through.
The F500 never asked for my fingerprints, and their forms only ask "Have you ever committed a Misdemeanor or a Felony?". They don't care about anything below a Misdemeanor and you don't even have to disclose it.
I did something stupid on alcohol related binge during my freshmen year, and got caught and worried if it would affect my career. It never did, but in my case it was not even a Misdemeanor.
Advice - don't do something stupid that might jeopardize your career, but if you do, hire a lawyer. They know how to reduce your charges and might even make it go away. DO NOT ever talk to a cop and NEVER EVER plead guilty to anything.
Hope this helps a little bit.
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