What does a background check show in Texas? This is a question we hear a lot from clients with a criminal record. When you’re trying to move on with your life, it’s natural to wonder, “Will my criminal history show up on a background check? And just how far back will that background check actually go?”
At the end of the day, there are several important facts to keep in mind when it comes to background checks:
- It is legal for potential employers to run background checks
- You do have to give potential employers permission to run a background check, but be aware that saying no will raise red flags or disqualify you from getting said job.
- A potential employer is responsible for telling you why you did not get a job. They are also required to forward you a copy of the report.
Of course, these facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to knowing all about background checks in Texas. So, let’s take a few minutes to answer the question: Exactly what does a background check show in Texas?
What does a background check for a job show in Texas?
At TLF, we believe that it’s important for those convicted of crimes to get a fresh start, and that includes having a fair chance at getting a new job.
However, employers have a right to know whether a potential employee’s background indicates that hiring them may put their current employees, their property, and their reputation at risk. That means that, while it can’t be treated as a given, most employers run background checks on job applicants.
As far as what shows up on a criminal background check… well, we’re sorry to break it to you, but a background check will show your criminal history. It’s really that simple.
Here’s what you can expect a potential employer to find when performing a background check in Texas:
- Charges
- Case numbers
- Sentencing
- Offense type
- Dates
- Jurisdictions
And if you’re wondering, “Will pending charges show up on a background check in Texas?” the answer is yes.
All of this goes to show you that it’s important to answer honestly when you’re asked on a job application whether or not you have a criminal history. Besides, who wants to start off their relationship with an employer by lying to them?
Check out our article on getting a job with a misdemeanor drug charge to learn more about why it’s important to be honest on your job application. Have a DWI? Check out our article: How does a DWI affect employment.
How far back does a background check go in Texas?
Once people know the answer to the question, “What does a background check show in Texas?” they often have follow-up questions concerning how far back a check will go. When it comes to most background checks in Texas, you can expect it to cover the last seven years of your criminal history. However, there are exceptions to this rule of thumb.
A background check will cover more than the past seven years of your criminal history if:
- You are applying for a job above a certain income level (usually $75k)
- You are applying for a job with an insurance company
- You are applying for a job at a government agency
- You are applying for a job that requires you to perform in-home services or deliveries
- You are applying for a company that performs the background check internally
Most background checks that go beyond the seven-year cut-off stop the background check at the potential employee’s eighteenth birthday. (If you are under twenty-five years old and worried about convictions you received as a minor, relax: a minor’s records are typically sealed.)
People convicted of a felony may also have extra hurdles to jump and may find it near-impossible to get public jobs or in-home service jobs.
Facing a felony conviction such as intoxication manslaughter? Read our articles on how to beat a felony drug charge.
Does deferred adjudication show up on a background check?
You may think you’ve found a loophole if you’ve elected to receive deferred adjudication (as opposed to a straight-out conviction) for your charge.
A charge does not show up on a background check only if the charges were dropped and you never pleaded guilty or no-contest to a charge. When a defendant pleads guilty or no-contest for deferred adjudication, then the charge becomes visible on a background check (although it will show that the defendant was not convicted.)
You may be able to avoid this issue if you’ve successfully petitioned for non-disclosure, which seals records of a charge from public employers.
Ask our lawyers: What does a background check show in Texas?
Still need answers regarding the question, “What does a background check show in Texas?” At Thiessen Law Firm, our aggressive and experienced attorneys can provide you with the know-how you need to get your case off the right start.
From helping our clients understand how you can get a DWI on a bike to the ins and outs of Texas CBD laws, we keep you informed and up-to-date so that you can protect your rights and make informed decisions.
One simple charge could impact your potential job prospects for years. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need to take it seriously and work with a team dedicated to you and your case. Thiessen Law Firm will work hard to keep these charges from ruining your life.
Give us a call today at 713-864-9000 or contact us online. Our DWI consultations are always free, and we’re available 24/7.
More Helpful Articles by Thiessen Law Firm:
- How to Get a Possession Charge Dismissed
- What to Do if You’re Accused of Assault
- Joint Custody in Texas
- Out-of-Court Settlement Disadvantages
- Top 5 Signs of Drunk Driving
