[unbalanced]

Hello,

A couple of weeks ago I was out with my friends celebrating our last week in our college town before we all go off and be adults as well as celebrating my passing of REG. After a couple drinks, I had a misunderstanding with a police officer and was handcuffed and issued a summons to court. Well it just so happens the day prior I authorized the large cpa firm I am scheduled to start with in September will be conducting a background check. The HR work asks if I have been convicted of any violent, sexual, or financial related misdemeanors or felonies. When I filled it out the answer was no. I have not been convicted of anything, but I am nervous that the firm will pull my offer if they find out about it.

It is a very low level misdeanor and I dont know if it is a big deal. I don’t want them to pull my offer. Should I disclose to them what happened? Or wait? It may not have even showed up on the background check since nothing has been finalized yet…

[Anonymous]

Well, unless the misunderstanding had something to do with violence, sex, or money, I don't believe it relates to the question you were asked.

[Anonymous]

they asked if you were convicted – by your own testimony here you have not been convicted.

[unbalanced]

I have not been convicted of anything yet and probably will not according to my attorney. My officer told me to plead not guilty and he will not show up to court. It may just be dismissed. I just dont know if pending charges show up on background checks and how HR would react if it came up and I had not said anything to them.

[Herbieherb]

There was an article in the WSJ yesterday about arrests without conviction s and background checks…you should read it

NEW YORK- DONE

[Anonymous]

Herbie, I read the same article and found it very enlightening. Be sure to follow through with the expungment of your arrest, because there are applications for certifications and licenses that will inquire about arrests, not just convictions, unless they are expunged. Don't be afraid, but go through the procedures to undue your untimely, and unwise, decision.

DM

[unbalanced]

I was not arrested and I am wondering the question is if I should disclose this matter to HR. I am really afraid of them pulling my offer

[silverdice7]

You didn't like the answers at goingconcern?

AUD 94
BEC 91
REG 88
FAR 91

Done!

[unbalanced]

not really

[stoleway]

“My officer told me to plead not guilty and he will not show up to court”

Just a clear evidence of how the justice system is broken, anyway sounds like a good deal!

REG -63│ 84!!
BEC- 59│70│ 71 │78!
AUD- 75!
FAR- 87!

Mass-CPA

[Kimboroni]

You answered the question truthfully, and this event doesn't change that at all. Just do everything you can to make sure it won't show up on a background check in the future (i.e. don't be convicted).

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Kimboroni is correct – you have answered truthfully and completely.

If you disclose, they will most likely pull the offer. It appears as though you are still in college. I'd hate to burst your bubble, but firms can, and some will, pull an entry level offer for bunk reasons. There are 500 kids right behind you that are just as qualified.

[Anonymous]

The WSJ article was interesting.

The net effect of arresting every Tom Dick and Harry for any conceivable minor infraction is that, having a criminal record just doesn;t mean anything anymore.

[Anonymous]

“If you disclose, they will most likely pull the offer.”

Nope.

[thechapman]

Chances are a decent portion of your start group has had a “misunderstanding with a police officer”. I wouldn't be worried at all if you can chalk it up to being young and dumb.

Passed - 2014

[Anonymous]

I can give you a definite answer to this question, because I went through the exact same thing.

When I was going through the background check at a big 4 firm I had an outstanding misdemeanor court case pending. I had been charged with disorderly conduct during a protest here in NYC while I was a student (it was a bogus charge that was later dropped).

A criminal background check will only show CONVICTIONS. The only people who have access to arrest records are law enforcement.

I requested a copy of the background check. Nothing related to the arrest was on there (even though it was outstanding at the time).

I have worked for Big 4, two different investment banks (which included Lehman Brothers), and a couple of small CPA firms. In every employment application or background request form, they have specifically stated the term “convictions”, i.e. you only have to disclose convictions NOT arrests (whether open or closed).

Again, let me state 100% that arrests DO NOT SHOW UP ON EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS.

You answered the question correctly. Don't sweat it.

Hope this helps….

[Author]

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