I am filling out a background check questionnaire for a job. One of the questions is asking “have you been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any offense(s)? “ This is a Yes/No question. If I answer yes, I need to explain the date, offense, action and where.

I have been taken into custody but without any charge. If I answer “No” to that question, am I lying? Any suggestion for me to handle this question?

First, I think its illegal to ask if you were charged with a crime. They can only ask for convictions unless its necessary due to the nature of the job. So I would answer no.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

First, I think its illegal to ask if you were charged with a crime. They can only ask for convictions unless its necessary due to the nature of the job. So I would answer no.

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Thank you very much. This is also what I think according to my research from this website. (BTW, this is a great website with great people giving great answers) However, this is a government-contract position. The check is done by the government, so they will know everything about me if they are serious with the background check.

Hello sunny:

I agree with my friend, Scott. I think it's illegal too... But, given that this is a government contractor position, plus the recent news regarding contractor misbehavior in Afghanistan, I don't think they care much about the law..

I think you're right too. They WILL find out everything about you... So, depending on how much you want/need the job, you'll have to figure out what to do.

excon

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello sunny:

I agree with my friend, Scott. I think it's illegal too.... But, given that this is a government contractor position, plus the recent news regarding contract misbehavior in Afghanistan, I don't think they care much about the law..

I think you're right too. They WILL find out everything about you... So, depending on how much you want/need the job, you'll have to figure out what to do.

excon

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Thank you very much!

That's why I said the nature of the job may allow it. In that case, tell the whole story.