The background check process is a long and stressful one, especially if you have a criminal history. For this reason, it helps to understand how charges are handled and whether or not they show up on a background check after being dismissed.
So, if charges are dismissed, does it show up on a background check? The short answer is no, but sometimes it’s more complicated than that, so make sure you stick around.
Read on to learn more about the background check process and how charges are handled.
Understanding Charges
When it comes to charges, it helps to know what charges are before we determine if they show up on background checks when they’re dismissed. Now, due to the context of the dismissed portion of the charges, it’s safe to assume that these charges are being issued by a court of law.
Therefore, in this guide we’re not focusing on credit card charges or anything of that nature. So, a charge is simply an accusation that’s being made by courts or law enforcement, and it’s the result of committing a crime or the assumption that a crime was committed.
Do Charges Show Up on Background Checks?
Yes, if you are charged with a crime, even if that crime is pending, there’s a good chance that it will show up on a background check. This is due to the fact that active investigations tend to be reported; this only changes if it may put you in danger. In other cases, it should likely show up.
Now, if charges appear on a background check, that doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Instead, the charges will display as pending, awaiting disposition, or something else.
Therefore, this doesn’t mean you’ll be rejected for employment, although it may play a role.
If Charges Are Dismissed Does it Show Up on a Background Check?
Yes, if charges are dismissed, they show up on a background check. This is due to the fact that there is a public record of a charge created when it’s filed. Even if the charge is dismissed, this is still the case. For this reason, you should be aware of any charges you have on your record before you apply for a job; if the charge did not result in a conviction, though, it should not be a problem.
That said, many background checks are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other state laws. For this reason, many of them only go back around five to seven years. Therefore, if the charges were filed more than five to seven years ago, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Also, if charges belong to a case that’s now sealed, you may also avoid having them show up during a background check.
How to Determine if Charges Show Up on a Background Check
Determining if charges show up on a background check has never been easier, and we recommend doing so before you apply. This can save you a lot of headaches, especially if you know you’ve been charged with a crime in the past.
The good news is that the only tool you need is a simple background check tool, and CheckPeople has your back. With CheckPeople’s background check tool, you can enter your information to determine if charges show up in your public records.
If the charges show up, you know that you have some work to do in removing them, or at least that you have some explaining to do. It’s also important to note that CheckPeople helps you find all available public records associated with your background.
For these reasons, you can also find additional criminal records, public records, and other relevant information.
If Charges Are Dismissed Does it Show Up on a Background Check? The Verdict
So, if background checks are dismissed, does it show up on a background check? Ultimately, that answer is yes. When charges are filed, an arrest record is created, and so is a court record. For this reason, the records will show up during a background check, even if the charges were dismissed.
The only exception is if you have the charges sealed or your criminal record sealed. Now, this depends
