I may have made a stupid mistake

sweetsunnyc

I may get flamed from this and I am prepared, but I am looking for suggestions-

I had posted yesterday that I was offered a new position. I went ahead yesterday and submitted the documents for the background check in which I stated that I had never been convicted of an offense.

In 2001 (when I was 21) is was pulled over for a DWAI- my level registered so low and it was my first and only offense, so it was dropped in court. I never lost my license, but I did have to pay a fine. That being said, I have had a few background checks (one for my current job, one for my masters of education program) and this charge has never been reflected. I was talking with a friend last night and she was telling me that all checks are different and this may show up on theirs.

I now feel like an idiot and am strongly feeling like I should have disclosed that information as I do not want to be viewed as dishonest or sneaky- even though I am sure this may be the outcome. My question: should I email the director directly (he is in charge of hiring and we have been corresponding) and let him know this information or should I just let it go at this point. I submitted the documents at the end of the day yesterday, so I am sure they will run it today.

Thanks for any input

Mustardseed2007

Clarify dropped in court and paid a fine. I don't get that.

But if it was dropped in court I wouldn't disclose it. I see background checks at my job and sometimes arrests come up but we usually just ignore them if they didn't result in a conviction or a plea of guilty or no contest. I think that's the rule rather than the exception.

Amelia4

Sounds like you may have done a ore-trial diversion program? They are common where I went to school. You pay a fine, maybe go to a class, don't have a repeat offense in a year and the charge is dropped and goes away so no conviction. If you clarify the "went away in court and paid a fine" we may be able to help you out more.

sweetsunnyc

Thanks for the replies. I know that laws have changed quite a bit over the years, but I believe that it was the ore-trial diversion program. I do remember that I had to go to court twice- once at the DMV and once at the actual courthouse. At the DMV, the case was dropped and I never lost my license or had any driving restrictions. At the courthouse, I did have to pay a penalty and I did have to take a driving safety course. I hate to sound so clueless about my own record, but does this mean that I did receive a conviction that would be on my record. I am in CO if that makes any difference regarding the laws. thanks again- this is really stressing me out.

thedash

Call the courthouse where it happened. Ask if you were convicted of anything and if the answer is yes ask for the name of the offense, code section and if it is a misdemeanor or traffic infraction. Also may want to get them to send you a certified disposition of your case for future reference.

sweetsunnyc

I just called the courthouse and they clarified that this will show on my record regardless if it was dismissed. so they suggested that I DO state it (which I did not) At this point, should I email the director and just offer a quick explanation or wait until it is brought up and say that I thought it was a traffic violation?

Mustardseed2007

I don't think they clerk is giving you an intelligent answer. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

Whether the person running the background check sees it or not is not really your issue. Your issue is did you answer their question correctly.

I agree with @privacywanted,if they question was, have you ever been convicted of anything other than a misdemeanor (which is usually the crux of the question here in Texas) then your answer of "No, no convictions" or "Nothing to disclose here" could very well have been truthful.

I would just leave it. Or investigate more to find out what exactly HOW it will show up (ie arrest, conviction of misdemeanor, conviction of something else, etc.) b/c it sounds like you still don't know that.

 

aglenn

I would certainly not call and bring it up.

Like others have said, if they asked if you have been convicted the correct answer is no.  If they asked if you have been charged, that is a different matter.

88sharonlee

Don't draw attention to it at this point.
If it shows up they may not even care.

If it does show up and they mention it then it would be good to be prepared with knowing what is on your record, but it was an honest mistake not to mention it.