Background checks

**1100011CS** · 07-02-2012, 09:14 AM

I'm applying for a new job and they are asking me to list "Any felony or misdemeanor, including traffic violations, for which you were convicted, received a deferred judgment or sentence, paid a fine, served probation or to which you pled guilty or no contest".

I've never been arrested (or charged for that manner) for a felony. I've never even been in jail. As a teenager I had a run-in with the law but I'm not sure it's still on my record. So, I'm wondering if there's a way for me to do my own background check first to see what shows up. I'd rather not list it if it's not going to show up. Any suggestions on what to use? Google results have a ton of options but just hoping someone that does hiring has used something like this.

**CLONECONES** · 07-02-2012, 09:15 AM

if you haven't been charged/convicted then you're fine

**acgclone** · 07-02-2012, 09:18 AM

If you were a minor, it won't show up. You can certainly pay for your own background check to see what shows up, but I wouldn't worry about it if was relatively minor and you were a teenager. If you were over 18 it will probably show up, but they will probably understand.

I've used Americheck for hiring.

**longtimeclone** · 07-02-2012, 09:19 AM

Just be honest with them about what happened when you were younger. If it doesn't show up then they likely won't care but if it does than you have already told them a little about it. It is a lot better being open than coming back and talking about it.

Also I believe if your employer does a background check you can also request a copy to look at so you will know for future reference.

**ISUCubswin** · 07-02-2012, 09:20 AM

Could you call your local police department and ask if they have anything on your record?

**HGPuck** · 07-02-2012, 09:34 AM

If you're from Iowa this is a good place to start.

https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/E...TrialSimpFrame

**1100011CS** · 07-02-2012, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by HGPuck

If you're from Iowa this is a good place to start.

https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/E...TrialSimpFrame

That link doesn't work

**Cycl1** · 07-02-2012, 09:38 AM

Yeah, IIRC anything over 7 years wont show up if not a felony, but from what i have heard it is best to be honest about everything just in case they do find somthing.

**HGPuck** · 07-02-2012, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by 1100011CS

That link doesn't work

Huh link works for me when I go back to the thread. Just go to www.iowacourts.state.ia.us then start a case search then trial court case search.

Second attempt at the link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/E...TrialSimpFrame

**Tailg8er** · 07-02-2012, 09:40 AM

Google search "Iowa courts" & should be first result. Then I think you click "trial search" or something like that.

I think there are only a couple options on that page so I'm sure you can figure it out.

**intrepid27** · 07-02-2012, 09:41 AM

That depends. Did they ever find the body? If not I'd leave it off and hope for the best.

**Rabbuk** · 07-02-2012, 09:43 AM

Doesn't your record typically get expunged when you turn 18?

**1100011CS** · 07-02-2012, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by HGPuck

Huh link works for me when I go back to the thread. Just go to www.iowacourts.state.ia.us then start a case search then trial court case search.

Second attempt at the link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/E...TrialSimpFrame

Originally Posted by Tailg8er

Google search "Iowa courts" & should be first result. Then I think you click "trial search" or something like that.

I think there are only a couple options on that page so I'm sure you can figure it out.

Found it. Thanks, that was quite helpful. There were two things on there I had forgotten about (damn seat belt laws:)).

**Tri4Cy** · 07-02-2012, 09:46 AM

I had to get a federal background check and I disclosed a deferred judgement I had received and it didn't show up. The employer didn't care one bit, they were just glad I was open (it was an alcohol charge in college). I had called the courthouse and they didn't even have a record of me. The only place I could find ANYTHING was on google...it was an archive of the police blotter.

**chuckd4735** · 07-02-2012, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by longtimeclone

Just be honest with them about what happened when you were younger. If it doesn't show up then they likely won't care but if it does than you have already told them a little about it. It is a lot better being open than coming back and talking about it.

Also I believe if your employer does a background check you can also request a copy to look at so you will know for future reference.

I would agree with this. I had two under age possession of alcohol...one in 2002 and one in 2003 (they still show up on the Iowa Courts website). I always include them when asked. In my opinion, its not uncommon for underage people to drink alcohol, and if the employer makes a big deal about something that happened nearly 10 years ago at age 18 and 19, it just a sign to me that I probably don't want to be working for that employer.