13 yrs ago (at 18) I got caught shoplifting ($10 - stupid). I was arrested & went to a one day class. I have been offered a job w/a backgrnd check. I ran checks myself & find nothing. Should I disclose this(no trouble since)? I work as a professional.
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 5
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I would disclose it. As you say it's been 13 years, and your prospective employer may be impressed with your honesty. I think a great number of people have committed similar infractions when young that they wouldn't even consider as adults.
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I would only reveal it if asked directly. It's probably not a felony and that is what most employers are concerned about. If you are asked directly then don't lie about it. Just explain what happened and tell him that you have learned from your past mistake.
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Thanks for your comments. It was a misdemeanor and as I said I did a one day class. It was so long ago and I was so determined for no one to find out that I destroyed any records of it. I honestly don't know if the charges were dismissed b/c of the class or I was convicted or anything. That is why I did the check on myself. I have paid about $100 this weekend checking up on MYSELF! Ugh! I have found nothing which is why I was considering not disclosing it. I am, of course, also completely mortified by the thought of disclosing such an idiotic mistake. I don't know whether it would be better to disclose or not. I believe charges were dropped b/c of the class I took, my otherwise clean record and that this was my first offense, but I would hate to answer untruthfully and say "no" about being convicted if there is a conviction out there. Does anyone know of a worthwhile criminal record check? I used Intelus and some Clickbank courtrecords.com search. Thanks for any help!
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If you don't disclose it and you get caught, you will most likely not be hired. If you do disclose it up front, it is unlikely given the nature and time frame of the conviction that it will prevent you from getting the job. On the other hand, if you do disclose it the employer may ask for more info, which you stated you don't have.
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Noooooooooooooooooo. That's a misdemeanor & jobs are only allowed to check for felonies. They don't need to know. Trust me.
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