Secured Offer but I have a felony assault charge that was dismissed/expunged. How do I disclose this information?

3 years ago, I was charged a felony assault after a bouncer at a bar followed me 100 yards from the building and was threatening me, etc... The charge was felony assault because he lost consciousness, but the cops understood that situation was self-defense, so they took it easy on me and let me go after processing me. I obviously wasn't going looking for a fight as I was leaving the bar and he followed me. It was dismissed from the courts, (I never even went to court for it) and have just been granted the expungement order on the charge a couple of weeks ago. But that is a long process, and it will still show up either way.

I have received an offer from a middle market M&A firm in NYC and I just want to be prepared on how to deal with the arrest coming up in a background check. My gut reaction is that because they are a smaller firm, they won't even consider putting the liability on themselves of hiring an analyst who was arrested with a felony. Hoping that I am wrong, as an offer substantially changes my life and because I worked so hard to get to this position.

When I get the contract, should I reach out to the person I last interviewed with (he is the MD who decides if you are a fit for the firm and called me with the offer) and either ask to meet in person or zoom to explain. He was really interested in who I was as a person, so I feel as if my best shot is to explain the truth about the situation and he will possibly understand. I was defending a family member and was trying to deescalate the situation, but I had to defend myself. 

I would appreciate any help or insight. Thanks.

9 Comments
 

I really appreciate that. Just sent you a PM, I would love to hear how you dealt with this.

 

I disclosed it before they did the criminal background check. He asked if it was dismissed (which is was), then it was fine. HR did the background check and I never heard anything about it again.

 

Yes but if it’s dismissed and expunged finra won’t have a problem with it. You can Call them to provide details to your situation and they’ll tell you

 

If it’s expunged I thought it doesn’t show up on FINRA check depending on state laws that remove your information from the FBI as well.

 

Hey, not sure if you have any advice, but what about an expunged crime that does not exist on the criminal record, but will show up on court records? Not in the US.

Would it be best contact HR prior to the background check?

 

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