Criminal background checks by businesses in Colorado are at an all time high. Job hunting has become a war zone for anyone with a criminal past. The internet has made it extremely easy for anyone to obtain public records in Colorado. Existing employees are being required to consent to a background check and are losing their jobs because of past criminal arrests, charges or convictions.
From Patti’s Desk, legal assistant to Attorney Philip M. Smith I Denver Colorado
Criminal background checks by businesses in Colorado are at an all time high. Job hunting has become a war zone for anyone with a criminal past. The internet has made it extremely easy for anyone to obtain public records in Colorado. Existing employees are being required to consent to a background check and are losing their jobs because of past criminal arrests, charges or convictions.
By far the most common call I get each week is from someone trying to seal or expunge their Colorado criminal record because a potential employer has rejected them for a promising job. It doesn’t seem to matter the type of crime committed or if it was a misdemeanor or felony. Petty offenses may show up on a criminal background check and the “hit” is enough to terminate the offer.
First, know your rights. There are no federal or state regulations that prevent this type of investigation. The only requirement an employer has is to gain written consent from the job hunter. Beware, the consent may be carefully disguised in the job application and before you know it THEY know everything about you. Before accepting a position with any company, make sure they have reviewed your background and have approved your hire. Too many people wind up pounding the pavement two weeks after starting their new job because the background check hasn’t been reviewed.
Before signing and giving up this right to privacy be prepared and at least know what is out there. When was the last time you checked your criminal background record or ran a credit report on yourself? How about your driving record from DMV? You should know more about yourself than your potential employer. Only disclose the information that is asked for and keep it simple. If you have a question about something, ask or leave it blank. Above all, be honest with your answers. Being honest doesn’t mean you have to tell a perfect stranger all of the details of your life. Keep you dignity. This is only a job interview, not a marriage proposal.
For more information on Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records and Backgrounds Checks see our website.
Source: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1186043480608
