[Paul1988]

Hi I'm thinking of trying for a new job but worried my criminal record might stand in my way.. my question to you is how long does my criminal record last for?is it 5years?

[excon]

is it 5years??

Hello Paul:

Sorry, my friend. It lasts FOREVER. You can apply for it to be expunged after 5 years, depending on where you live.

excon

[Hool1Gan]

The background investigation can go back as far as the person doing the digging can and or is willing to dig. I know people who got worried it when the background check hadn't cleared. Then again, one of mine took about 10 months while everyone I hired with cleared theirs under 5. A lot of it can depend on how many jobs you've had, or if you've moved a few times. Most jobs that require a BI usually do one at time of hire, as well as a 5yr time in grade. There's been cases where you got a good employee removed after the 5yr check for something that was missed on the first. Keep in mind that these investigations go off a database for any kind of background inquiry of you by law enforcement, financial institution, or past employer (they can't disclose reasons for termination, UNLESS you are applying for a FEDERAL POSITION). So every BI you've had is pretty much a copy to review for the next Sherlock. According to a few of them I interviewed with, they do a "scan" of your information, and anything that catches their attention can be cause for a comprehensive review from start to finish. Do not ever leave out any contact you had with law enforcement, something like that can really burn you. Long as you mention it, the worse that can happen is you won't be considered. There's a chance of that anyway right?

[Fr_Chuck]

A criminal record is there forever, and does not go away. Even if explunged it is there for government agencies like law enforcement to see.

Also often private non government back ground companies will get the info and they are not under any obligation to explunge.

So one has to be prepared to deal with it showing up

[Hool1Gan]

Exactly. Lets not forget that today, anyone can run some kind of search on anyone's background. Maybe not a detailed one, but a criminal record is available for public view. Case in point: registered sex offenders.
Heck I recently learned that Las Vegas employers are more concerned with running your credit than they are your criminal background. My advise to any "status offender" (one time offense, not career criminal or repeat offender) is to disclose the details, and add any progress or mediation after the fact. Don't be shy about lessons learned. Remember you are selling yourself. The only reason it is optional to report is to give applicants an opportunity to explain. Feel free to sen me a private message if you need some pointers. I also took a course on strategies for successful careers and what employers really desire.