JP Morgan Background Check Deferred Adjudication-TX
So I just received an offer from JP Morgan to work down in Houston. Upon accepting the offer, I have to fill out a bunch of pre-employment onboarding forms. Including in these is information concerning a background check.
One of these questions is phrased like this:
2. Have you entered on or after November 29, 1990, any program of court supervision or deferred prosecution or some other pre-trial diversion or similar program for an offense involving theft, breach of trust, dishonesty, money laundering, or the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution or trafficking of drugs?
Now, 2 years ago, I was involved in a first offense misdemeanor theft charge that I did NOT get arrested for. I panicked and called my family lawyer and he worked it all out. I was able to take a plea bargain for No Contest and Deferred Adjudication for a period of 6 months. That ended last summer and the case has since been Dismissed.
My concern however is if I should disclose this to JP Morgan. I have no convictions, but this question is to obviously get right around that. I'd rather not tell them, but from what I've gathered they do their background checks through the FBI and can see this pre-trial "diversion". In the mean time, I've contacted my lawyer to ask about a Motion for Non-Disclosure, but I'm not sure that that'll be completed in the time frame I'm under pressure for here.
Perhaps someone with an HR background and experience can help me out here. Will they rescind the offer? Will they contact me if I answer no and they see it? Do they search that deep?
Just looking for some insight.
I went through a similar process--received a deferred judgment from a high school Minor in Possession of Alcohol ticket. Didn't bother consulting my lawyer because I figured since it had been "dismissed," it was no longer visible on my record. Sure enough, my firm found the misdemeanor, and asked why I hadn't included it on my disclosure. Regardless of whether you've gotten your charge dismissed, you need to talk to your lawyer and have your record sealed [I don't remember the technical term; it essentially expunges your prior charges so they're no longer visible] if you don't want to have to explain it. But, for the record, one misdemeanor will not hurt your chances.
^-- what he said. but its always better to divulge and explain than nothing else
do not answer no if there is any possibility theyll see it
Don't worry, JPM is most likely going to give you credit for it. actually, would have been even better if you had pleaded guilty. It sounds like you have "straight to Upper Management written all over" you.
So even if its a theft case I don't need to worry too much? My lawyer contacted me and said he's gonna review the questions more, but it's sounding like divulging it is the best route.
All told however, I'm still very nervous that the offer will be rescinded in light of their discovering this.
Troll alert
I'm quite literally in the same position. My legal counsel gave me advice as well on the matter, but the best route to take is to be honest. A misdemeanor isn't a terribly bad offense, especially if it's first time.
I think it's grossly unfair that they delve deeper than other public BC's, if you had the case dismissed, it should be enough to keep potential employers from discriminating against you on such a basis.
Someone with an HR background should give you more advice, but if my memory serves me correctly, the firm must disclose to you if they find an issue with your verification and let you "Plead your case."
Theft misdemeanor when trying to get a job with a BANK isn't terribly bad???
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