Will a misdemeanor prevent me from getting hired?

Asked by: Prof. Alena Jaskolski  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (71 votes)

Yes, it is possible to get a job even with a misdemeanor on your criminal record. There are no federal or state laws preventing individuals with a criminal history, including misdemeanors, from finding employment. Securing employment with a misdemeanor may have its hurdles, but it is not an insurmountable barrier.

Will jobs hire you with a misdemeanor?

Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not necessarily preclude you from obtaining work in California.

Should I tell my recruiter about misdemeanor?

In most states, it's usually not necessary to share information about a misdemeanor conviction with your employer unless they specifically inquire about it.

Do misdemeanors show up on background checks?

Often, even seemingly minor crimes can raise a red flag. A background check in California will typically show a misdemeanor conviction. For example, a history of driving under the influence (DUI) can be a sign of things to come and show that a candidate may not be a responsible person.

Does a misdemeanor affect your clearance?

Regardless of severity, any criminal charge or conviction could lead to a revocation of your security clearance. Even seemingly minor charges, like a misdemeanor, could have significant implications. With stakes this high, you must take any charges or allegations seriously.

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Do background checks show misdemeanors other states?

There may be times when a background check does not include some misdemeanor records. The courts may not have had time to report the conviction to the state system. If an employer only checks records in another state or location, they might miss the record.

What disqualifies you from a clearance?

More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include:
  • A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud;
  • Failure to satisfy your debts; and.
  • Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.

How long before a misdemeanor goes away?

In California, a misdemeanor stays on your record for the rest of your life. You have to get the conviction expunged or have the record sealed to get it off your criminal record. Until then, the conviction will appear in background checks. This can cause many problems, such as extra trouble getting a job.

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

Can I get a job with a misdemeanor warrant?

Whether a warrant might show up on an employment background check depends on the type of search conducted, the jurisdiction in which the warrant was issued, and the type of warrant. If a warrant appears on a background check, the employer should take specific steps before deciding against hiring the applicant.

Will I lose my job if I get a misdemeanor?

You can generally still get a job with a misdemeanor conviction on your record. But some offenses may make it more difficult or unfeasible to land a specific type of job. For example: a misdemeanor involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty may make it difficult to secure a banking position, or.

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

Like a felony conviction, passing a Level 2 background check with a misdemeanor is possible, but it will depend on the nature and severity of the misdemeanor for which you were convicted and the specific requirements of the job for which you are applying.

What should you not tell a recruiter?

For instance, badmouthing a former manager or admitting that you're overwhelmed by job interviews are bound to make a negative impression on recruiters. Plus, some things (such as religious beliefs or political opinions) aren't relevant to your job hunt and are better left unsaid.

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.

Will I go to jail for a first time misdemeanor?

For many first-time misdemeanor offenses in California, judges will impose probation, community service, fines, or classes instead of jail time. The maximum sentence for misdemeanors is one year in county jail. But incarceration for the full year is rare, especially for minor first offenses.

How to explain a misdemeanor on a job application example?

First Paragraph: List your conviction(s), the dates and a brief explanation of the circumstances (explain in two sentences or less and focus on the big picture). Express regret and responsibility. Second Paragraph: Focus on how you have paid your debt to society and the ways in which you have improved your life.

What is a red flag on background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What makes someone not pass 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 is a disqualifying crime?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

Does misdemeanor fail a background check?

In California, a background check will typically reveal if somebody was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, such as common crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) or Penal Code 243.4 PC domestic battery.

How does a misdemeanor affect your life?

While the penalties for misdemeanors are typically less severe than those for felonies, the long-term consequences can still significantly impact various aspects of your life. A conviction can affect employment opportunities, financial stability, and personal reputation.

Can you beat a misdemeanor?

Working with a defense attorney is your best bet to beat the charges against you and avoid a misdemeanor conviction. From the moment you're charged, they can play a vital role in securing your freedom by: Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.

Can you get a clearance with a misdemeanor?

If you have a criminal conviction and are applying for a new security clearance, a misdemeanor conviction may not disqualify you unless the crime involves alcohol, drugs, firearms, explosives, or sexual conduct.

What disqualifies you from a federal background check?

Several factors might disqualify an individual from passing a federal background check, including: Felony Convictions. A felony record is a significant red flag for federal employment and some high-level civilian jobs. Some exceptions exist based on the nature of the offense and the time elapsed since the conviction.

How to pass secret clearance?

Our process
  1. Receive a conditional offer of employment. ...
  2. Complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) ...
  3. Take a polygraph. ...
  4. Get a psychological or medical evaluation. ...
  5. Perform credit check and National Agency Check (NAC) ...
  6. Conduct background investigation. ...
  7. Adjudicate and final job offer.