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.

 

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….

 

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. 

 

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. 

 
Most Helpful

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.

 

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?

Don't @ me
 

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.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”