very scared

[individua]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I just graduated from college, with an excellent job offer made in early April by a big multi-national IT consulting company. Later that month I was arrested for OWI and a few days ago pleaded guilty to charge of reckless driving (traffic misdemeanor).

The job application from back in April only asked if I had been convicted of a felony and had the requisite signings for "background, driving, etc." checks.

I will be going abroad to train for this job for 6 months and the company has already made arrangements for visas (the country doesn't require any criminal disclosure) and plane tickets. Upon coming back, I may be placed in one of many offices around the country (probably Houston).

Should I make any disclosure? I'm not sure if the job requires driving, other than going over to client sites..

I have become deathly afraid of losing this job because I've worked so hard in the past 4 years. In fact, that terrible night everything happened, I was with my closest college friends celebrating our graduation). Since then, celebrations have just lost their meaning.

I've been consumed by what's happened, and would really like to move on but it just doesn't seem to be happening. I think I've screwed up my entire future.

 

[Ladybird1]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I just graduated from college, with an excellent job offer made in early April by a big multi-national IT consulting company. Later that month I was arrested for OWI and a few days ago pleaded guilty to charge of reckless driving (traffic misdemeanor).

The job application from back in April only asked if I had been convicted of a felony and had the requisite signings for "background, driving, etc." checks.

I will be going abroad to train for this job for 6 months and the company has already made arrangements for visas (the country doesn't require any criminal disclosure) and plane tickets. Upon coming back, I may be placed in one of many offices around the country (probably Houston).

Should I make any disclosure? I'm not sure if the job requires driving, other than going over to client sites..

I have become deathly afraid of losing this job because I've worked so hard in the past 4 years. In fact, that terrible night everything happened, I was with my closest college friends celebrating our graduation). Since then, celebrations have just lost their meaning.

I've been consumed by what's happened, and would really like to move on but it just doesn't seem to be happening. I think I've screwed up my entire future.

Not to worry..You have a traffic violation and I am sure many other employees with the company hold the same. So don't be scared they will not know about your traffic violation if they have already screened you and your back ground prior to employment. You can't change what has happend.... you can only learn from what happened.. many others have had this problem and they did not loose their job. Just remember how you felt that night and know that you don't want to make that choice again. Move on with your future and be the best you can be. Be safe.

 

[cbg]

You need not disclose it if you are not asked about it.

If at any time you are asked to complete any paperwork or are asked any questions to which a literal and truthful answer would be to reveal it, then you are best advised to do so. Even though this offer is already on the table, it can be rescinded or you can be fired if you lie and they find out about it. But in this case, it's a don't-ask, don't-tell situation.

 

[individua]

cbg, thank you for your advice. I really appreciate what you do on these forums.

Ladybird, I think I'm going to print out your response and keep it in my wallet because it's the most encouraging thing I've seen in the last month or so.

My life had never been so good until this happened, which has made the slump so much worse. I've gone from two polar extremes. Its made me spiritual lately and I'm sure there are reasons why it happened, though not apparent to me now.

Thanks again..

 

[Ladybird1]

I just want you to know that we all go through times like these...Its not easy and we wonder why something like this could happen..I have been through what you are going through and I want you to know in the end you will have answers to your questions. Just be strong and be your best you can be. And always be thankful he will never give us more than we can handle. Good luck with your new job..they are lucking to have found such a kind person as yourself.I know your future will be bright good things are planned for you. Take care and be safe.

 

[lil96]

I just wanted to let you know (maybe your state/company is different) but I worked at a staffing agency and once we had someone who while applying for a full time psotion at one of our companies. This person checked no to if they had ever been convicted of a felony/misdemeanor. This person checked no, but they had an infraction, which the judge said would be dropped and not come up on their record (in the state where the incident originally happened) this came up and they had to rescind the offer because of falsifying documents.
Also I have done the employment background checks for people before and it depends on when it was actually done. For example you got in trouble May 1, you applied Jan 1, they offered you the position June 1 and you were sentenced July 1 and you actually start Dec. They may do your background check right as you apply (Jan1) which everything would come back clear or maybe they do the background check May 15 and at that time your case comes back as pending. Or they do it on July 15, verdict is out, you are guilty, they may want to end your assignment.
My advice is don't try to hide it from yor employer, be honest, even if you are afraid, you won't always have that feeling of guilt.
good luck!

 

[individua]

I've looked over the application countless times now, and it only asks if I've been convicted of a felony.

 

[saminalham]

felony

If they don't ask, don't worry about it. You are feeling guilty, which is understandable and appropriate. However, if they only ask if you have been "convicted of a felony", you are not hiding anything, so stop worrying. IF they bring it up later, then you pull out your copy of the application and tell them that they specifically asked for felony convictions, of which you have none. I don't think there is any reason to bring it up, BUT keep that application on file in hardcopy just in case. I recently applied for a job that asked about ANY conviction of any crime, which I had to honestly say yes-I had a reckless driving conviction. I asked the HR person whether or not that would be a problem and she stated that (paraphrase) as long as you are honest about it, and it is not a felony related to your job duties, it is usually not a problem. If you had been dishonest about it, we would rescind your offer. So, they are looking for honesty and typically nothing extreme in the conviction category. (in other words, no drug convictions or convictions of a sexual nature)

Good luck
Saminalham