Arrested at Least 10 Years Ago

**PolkaDotPanda** · 07-10-2012, 08:25 AM

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Alabama

In 2002 or 2003 (can't remember the exact date and can't find any court papers but I'm fairly certain it at least 10 years ago), I was arrested during a traffic stop on an outstanding warrant for writing a "bad" check in the amount of $7 + change (that's right -- seven dollars and change) several years before THAT. Before that, I had never been in any kind of trouble and had never been arrested. I was released without having to post any kind of bond, went to court without an attorney, pled no contest, paid restitution and all associated expenses. I wasn't put on any kind of probation and as far as I'm concerned, the matter is settled. My concern now, more than 10 years later: I'm in the process of a job search and I'm worried about background checks. On the part of the application where it asks "have you ever been convicted of a felony?" would the answer be "no" or "yes"? I know writing a bad check is a crime, but if I say 'no" and the background check finds that arrest, will I be screwed for giving false information on that application?

**flyingron** · 07-10-2012, 08:35 AM

You certainly will be. You not only were arrested (which very few applications ask for these days and very few background checks by private businesses check for) but were CONVICTED which the application will ask about and most background checks will find it. Better to declare it and explain. I know that as an employer, I would consider you if you were truthful, but you'd be summarily fired if I found you lied.

**PolkaDotPanda** · 07-10-2012, 08:43 AM

Thank you for your answer. So far, I've only looked at one application, online, and without filling it out, and the question was on it. Still, I'll be truthful and answer "yes".

**LawResearcherMissy** · 07-10-2012, 10:28 AM

On the part of the application where it asks "have you ever been convicted of a felony?" would the answer be "no" or "yes"?

The answer is NO.

You were convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, not a felony.

Obviously, if the question is "Have you ever been convicted of any crime?" or "Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony?", then the answer is YES. But if you're asked if you've been convicted of a felony only, you may answer NO.