Misdemeanor from 6 years ago?
Hi guys,
So I got an analyst position for a big bank (think Citi, Wells, Capital..etc) and I have to go through a background check. On the application I don’t remember them asking me to disclose it however after I got the offer today they told me that I need to go for fingerprints. I got a misdemeanor for drinking almost 6 years ago now and they took my finger prints then. It was called a Minor in consumption (had alcohol in my system as under a 21 year old). So my question is this should I disclose it to HR/Recruting before I submit the information for the background check or wait till they ask me about it? I had background checks before and no one cared about it but since they’re asking for finger prints I’m scared they might take it more seriously. Just stressed out about what to do. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Was just in your shoes. Got an MIP when I was 20, but I got it expunged after some community service. Never showed up at my internship a year later or the three jobs I accepted afterwards.
If you didn’t get it expunged, I think there’s a chance it still shows. But as long as you didn’t lie, you’re fine. It’s rare for companies to ask if you’ve ever had a misdemeanor. They care about fraud / financial crimes and felonies
Yeah so mine isn’t expunged. I got it in Arizona and they don’t have expungement there so it will definitely show still. I just didn’t know the best course of action wether to tell them first or wait for them and give them the story.
Yeah so mine isn’t expunged. I got it in Arizona and they don’t have expungement there so it will definitely show still. I just didn’t know the best course of action wether to tell them first or wait for them and give them the story.
I think you only have to get in front of the big ones. My guess is they won’t even ask about it. It’s just not a huge deal. If you were caught with cocaine or a pound of weed or something it would be different
This happened to me at WF. I think I ended up giving my would be boss a heads up but pretty sure he just laughed it off. No idea if he had to pull any strings but got the job with no questions asked. Don’t stress it. If you’re comfortable bringing it up go for it, but if you don’t bring it up I doubt it hurts you. That’s a pretty explainable lack of judgment at that age….
I had the same exact misdemeanor in college. I’d disclose it. Shouldn’t be a big deal
So, read carefully any forms you fill that ask for disclosure. Failing to disclose is easily grounds for rescinding an offer in some firms' minds. So, if it asks for felonies and misdemeanor's for past 10 years.... fill in completely. If says just felonies or limits to five years... you can probably leave blank on that form. BUT make sure you have all documentation ready to go proving this was not required to be disclosed if asked.
Given the full context, I would maybe consider making a note in the return email (or send separate email) saying something like "the form didn't specifically ask, but I did have this XYZ six years ago, rather be up front than have you be surprised". Then you have that email that you affirmatively disclosed. Frankly, I doubt this would cause you any issues. Misdemeanors rarely do, unless they relate to professional misconduct. DUIs, which are arguably wayyyy worse than this, don't stop people from getting jobs, so this shouldn't.
Slightly off topic, but jeez… a criminal record for drinking underage? That’s ducking ridiculous…
It varies from firm to firm. They base your background check off of the written application. Just answer honestly. Most places ask if you have been “convicted” of a misdemeanor, which it sounds like you were. I’d consult a lawyer but always answer truthfully. For others don’t forget “convicted” and “charged” are two different things.
Yeah so on the application it asked for felony and financial crimes they didnt mention misdemeanor
Then just say no…pretty straight forward.
You will be fine. What they are looking for are crimes of moral turpitude. These are crimes of dishonestly, stealing etc.
Your minor will show up, but they won’t care. Don’t lose sleep.
I love how with posts like this the OP never follows up and let’s us know what happens
Background check still going on.. I don’t even know what’s happening yet.
What ended up happening?
ALRIGHT LISTEN UP. IM ABOUT TO DROP SOME ESSENTIALS FOR WSO RE: CRIMINAL RECORDS
If you get a fingerprint request - That means it is going to the DOJ/FBI level back ground check. Sounds worse that it is, all major SIFI type firms have to do this. If the instance in questions was "dismissed" or "expunged, doesn't matter. If they finger printed you during the arrest process, it will come up. This is because although it may be dismissed or expunged in the legal system, the original charge was still filed. Unless your dad is a sheriff or senator or some shit, in which case f*ck right off
I unfortunately was an idiot until I was maybe 21/22 but hopefully you all that read this will benefit. For all the young people - Don't do dumb shit. It will literally follow you forever, just like mom and dad said.
With that said, it isn't that big of a deal. People make mistakes, but we do have to deal with those mistakes. I have to answer to this ever single time we switch firms (even at a high level). I went through Global entry application renewals last week and they caught me not admitting what had been "dismissed" over 10+ years prior, to my next point..
If you get caught doing some dumb shit and were finger printed, even if it was eventually dismissed, it will likely be found. If you "forgot" about it, act like it was so long ago and was a dumb mistake. If you are leading with it (which I do), just tell HR. They can't tell anyone else legally (here in the US anyway) and will almost always accept you if you have other major employers that accepted you since the incident. If you are a new hire and the legal incident was recent, just make sure you get a good reference and move forward clean. You'll be fine
People make mistakes. Most would rather work with a character than a liar
EDIT: Just to add for the OP that drinking tickets are no problem. I'd be up front personally but regardless don't let it define the process or you in any way
This guy gets it. The Form U4 which all registered broker dealer employees need to fill out asks for whether you’ve ever been arrested or charged with certain things. Even if those charges were dropped they are still sitting in a file somewhere and will come back. Omission is the bigger sin here.
Go to broker check and pull up any major employer’s list of employees. You will see several people at every firm have criminal disclosures and they are all usually something to do with a Fake ID in college, some “misunderstanding”, or petty theft. Depending on the severity or type of arrest you’ll need to make a similar disclosure but you’re definitely not barred from registering or anything.
Hb
That makes complete sense, but it's actually news to me that HR can't legally share that info. I don't have a criminal record, but just out of curiosity, should someone with a record ask that it be kept in confidence when they disclose, or is it a given and any HR professional should automatically know that?
Dolorem expedita ut hic ut. Quas velit quaerat assumenda ea repellendus. Ut quaerat ipsam quos. Perferendis possimus placeat dolor et. Id beatae quaerat eius numquam.
Sapiente quia ea beatae non. Repellat aliquid voluptas dolor explicabo nihil magnam illum.
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...