Backgound Checks

[PT2]

I have no FAA violations, or traffic violations since 1987. I cannot remember specifics of the ticket because it was so long ago.(Dates, places etc.) Will that be a problem for me or do they only go back so many years?

 

[mar]

Shouldn't be a problem

It depends on the state; some go back five; seven or 10 years.

Most employers only worry about 10 years back. Besides that, they'll pull up your National Driver's Registry (NDR) record for the real meat.

If your ticket was simply a speeding ticket, no big deal.

If it was a DUI, then you might have some explaining to do.

You'd probably remember a DUI though, so I don't think you have much to worry about.

Good luck.

 

[Rick1128]

What I am being told about background checks, is that they are criminal background checks. They are looking for certain offenses, like drugs, dui's, murder, fraud, etc. Traffic tickets to my understanding of the new laws are under the radar. I wouldn't get too concerned unless you spent some time in the gray bar hotel or Sherriff Jim Bob's county retreat.

 

[StaySeated]

FWIW, the new required fingerprint background checks are designed to identify several disqualifying convictions (murder, various other felonies). However, other convictions and run-ins with the law will show up on this background check. I personally know of more than one person that has had some issues with this background check and they have no felonies on their record.

If you are applying somewhere, you must do your homework and get a copy of your NDR, your state driving record, and your criminal backgroud history. The NDR application can be downloaded online, your state driving record can be obtained at any DMV in your state, and the same FBI background check can be obtained for $10 bucks through the justice department.

A couple good things about your NDR and your state driving record is that everything (except DUI's) is perishable. After a certain period of time the event will go away from your record. Unfortunately, the same is not true of your FBI fingerprint record. Hope this helps.

 

[PT2]

Thanks for the information. Sounds like no big deal and out of time frame.

 

[HPaul3]

Time frame....

PT, you're on the right track. Always carefully consider the question on the form. Does it specify a time frame? Ten years? Five years? Does it mention traffic violations specifically, as in, "Have you had any convictions (other than traffic violations) during the past five years?" Or does it leave that qualifier out, leading to the sometimes less-than-obvious requirement for you to list all items, even parking tickets? (I'm reminded of the movie line...."Convicted? Never convicted.") As the others said, be truthful, consider the question carefully, and in my opinion, if in doubt, err on the side of divulging information, rather than concealing it (see: be truthful). For example, I had a ticket in '99 that I knew would not be on my record because I asked the judge for "deferred adjudication," which basically means don't get any more tickets in the next six months or so and this one will not go on your record. I listed that ticket on my application, because the question clearly asked for any tickets, not just ones on my driving record. A small point, and some would disagree with my decision to list the ticket, but I was confident I did the right thing.

Good luck!