Can a job not hire you because of pending charges?

Asked by: Eden Dibbert  |  Last update: March 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (9 votes)

However, it is legal to deny someone a job because of a criminal history where the crime was recent, serious, and relevant to the job. Since pending charges are recent, there's a chance they will be used to your disadvantage during the hiring process.

Can a company not hire you for a pending charge?

Yes, an employer can deny employment based on pending charges if they believe the crime involved is one which would affect the person's ability to complete the necessary tasks of the job.

What criminal charges disqualify you from employment?

Theft/Shoplifting – Any conviction involving an element of dishonesty or stealing is a huge red flag for employers. They may worry you could steal from the company. Drug Possession – Even a minor marijuana possession charge can disqualify you from many jobs, especially those involving operating vehicles or machinery.

Do pending charges go on your record?

A: Pending charges show up on background checks because they are public record. These records are sometimes pulled up as part of a background check because they indicate what point the case is at. Employers and others use it to measure risk, even though a pending charge is neither a conviction nor evidence of guilt.

Where can you work if you have pending charges?

jobs that hire pending charges jobs
  • Dispatcher/Customer Service. O'Gorman Brothers, Inc. ...
  • Reimbursement Coordinator - SNF (billing prep/cash posting) Wellsky. ...
  • Armed/unarmed Security Guard. Phoenix protection agency. ...
  • Truck Driver No Experience. ...
  • Customer Service Representatives. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • BUS MONITOR. ...
  • PARAEDUCATOR.

What Are the Professional Consequences for Me if I Have Pending Criminal Charges?

20 related questions found

Do jobs look at pending charges?

For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks. While the state forbids reporting of arrests not resulting in convictions, it doesn't prohibit the reporting of currently pending criminal charges.

How do I get pending charges dismissed?

While getting a case dismissed isn't guaranteed, there are five easy ways to fight for dismissal in San Jose, CA.
  1. File A Pretrial Motion To Suppress. ...
  2. Participate In A Pretrial Diversion Program. ...
  3. Collect Exculpatory Evidence. ...
  4. Argue That There Is Insufficient Evidence. ...
  5. Challenge Scientific Evidence.

Can you pass a background check with pending charges?

Differences in states, type of crime, and employers

Most states are like California, so the odds are that any pending charges will show up in a background check--regardless of whether or not it was a misdemeanor or felony.

How long until pending charges go away?

Key takeaways. Pending charges on credit cards are temporary holds to ensure payment for potential damages or incidental expenses. Pending charges typically take up to three days to clear with the merchant, but can take longer. Issues with pending charges should be resolved with the merchant, not the card issuer.

What jobs won't hire you with a misdemeanor?

Some employers may hesitate or decline to hire individuals with certain types of misdemeanor convictions. Misdemeanor drug offenses can complicate job searches in the medical field, while misdemeanor charges related to domestic violence may impact career prospects in counseling or law enforcement.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What stops you from getting a job?

It can sometimes seem a little harsh, but the fact is that employers generally want people who have a great deal of experience. If you don't have enough experience in your chosen field, then you might have some serious trouble landing the job that you want.

Can a job not hire you because of a misdemeanor?

State and federal laws prohibit California employers from discriminating against applicants based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not necessarily preclude you from obtaining work in California.

Do investigations show up on background checks?

Depends how deep the background check is but in most cases no.

Can a pending felony be dropped?

A felony charge may be dropped before trial if new evidence comes to light proving innocence or casting reasonable doubt. It may also occur if the prosecutor decides the case is too weak to lead to a conviction.

How do I get rid of pending charges?

Ask the merchant or retailer to reverse the charge, cancel the sale or release the hold for the confirmed amount. The sooner you contact the merchant, the more likely the pending transaction can be canceled. If you suspect fraud, skip the merchant and call your bank or card issuer first.

Are pending charges final?

They show up almost immediately after a purchase is made, but they haven't fully "posted" to your account until the merchant processes them on their end. For this reason, pending transactions can change or even be removed before they post, depending on how the merchant handles the final billing.

What happens if a charge is pending for too long?

What should I do if a transaction remains pending for too long? Contact your bank or the merchant to inquire about the delay. It could be due to a processing error or a hold. Pending transactions can impact the balance of credit card accounts and may require contacting the bank or merchant for resolution.

Will a job hire you with pending charges?

California law permits the inclusion of all pending criminal charges in a background check, so even if you have not been convicted, the mere presence of charges against you might influence an employer's decision.

What states prohibit pending charges on a background check?

What States Prohibit Pending Charges on a Background Check?
  • California.
  • Arizona.
  • Colorado.
  • Delaware.
  • Connecticut.
  • Georgia.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Hawaii.

Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?

Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.

How do I get a pending charge dropped?

If you do want to cancel a pending transaction, it's best to contact the merchant directly. They may be able to remove or cancel a pending charge before it posts.

How do you know if a case is being built against you?

If if the state you refer to is in the US, you could try calling the local public defender's office for the county where the charges would likely be filed and see if they could run your name and find out if there's a case and/or a warrant out on you.

Why do dismissed charges stay on record?

This signifies the conclusion of legal proceedings without a determination of guilt or a conviction. The court then enters a dismissal of the charge, the case is closed and the records are stored. Even though the case is dismissed, the arrest itself is documented and can have lasting effects.