Criminal Record

[092610]

If an employer doesn't ask about your criminal record, do you have to disclose that information?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Hot Topic]

You need to "disclose" the state you're in.

 

[swalsh411]

I am not aware of any law in any State which makes it illegal to lie to a potential or current employer about your criminal record, except in cases of government security clearances.

Having said that, if you lie, and are caught, you can legally be fired, and your chances at unemployment aren't good.

 

[ESteele]

If your current or prospective employer does not ask about your criminal record, why would you ever volunteer such information? How would the unprompted disclosure of such information enhance your prospects of being hired or retaining employment?

If an employer asks, it behooves you to tell the truth. (FWIW, it seems 90% or more of employment applications inquire about criminal convictions.) If an employer does not ask, there would appear few, if any, circumstances in which voluntary self-disclosure would appear warranted or prudent.

 

[Betty]

If you're completing an employment application, read the questions carefully to see exactly how they are worded (what they exactly ask) & answer truthfully. For example; if a question asks have you ever been convicted of a crime but you were just arrested but never/not convicted, you can answer no truthfully. If the application doesn't ask anything about a criminal record, then you don't have to disclose anything.

(You really should have furnished the name of your state though.)

 

[swalsh411]

And even if it does, you still do not have to.

 

[Beth3]

If an employer doesn't ask about your criminal record, do you have to disclose that information?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

No. But if there's something in your past that your employer may become aware of that would put your job in jeopardy, your likely best option is for you to proactively inform them.

 

[Betty]

And even if it does, you still do not have to.

No, but you certainly don't want to lie on an employment application. The hx most likely would be picked up on a background check. Employers don't like people who lie to them.