Hiring a new employee is a big responsibility. You want to make sure you are getting the best possible candidate for the job, and one way to do that is to run a background check. Part of that background check should include felony charges check.
A Felony charge is more severe than a misdemeanor and includes crimes like rape, burglary, arson, kidnap, etc.
The number of people who have felony charges is so huge.
And according to Techjury, 5.17 million Americans were forbidden to cast their votes in the 2020 election because of a felony record.
Thus, you can understand the importance of finding this charge under a person’s record.
In this article, we will discuss what a felony charge background check is and how it can benefit your business.
What Is A Felony Charges Check?
A felony charges background check will show if an applicant has any prior felony convictions.
This is important because felonies are serious crimes involving violence, theft, or other illegal activities.
If an applicant has a felony on their record, it is important to weigh that information against the job they are applying for.
For example, someone with a felony conviction for embezzlement would not be suited for a job that involves handling money.
To run a felony charges background check, you will need the applicant’s full name and date of birth.
You can then run the background check through a company specializing in this service. The results of the check will show any felony convictions on the applicant’s record.
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Who Can You Perform A Felony Background Check On?
Although anyone, including a landlord checking out a renter, can do a criminal background check on someone, felony background checks are typically conducted by employers.
A criminal background check is even required by law for some workplaces.
Employees who deal with children, the elderly, or handicapped people are frequently subjected to background checks.
What Does A Felony Background Check Include?
1. Criminal History
Criminal history is a record of previously having served time in jail or prison.
Recent parolees may be subject to probation rules that restrict their capacity to carry out particular responsibilities (for example, limitations on travel).
It is important to discuss such concerns with the applicant in question.
2. Past Arrests
Previous arrests that did not result in prosecution can continue to be public information for up to 7 years in some jurisdictions; as a result, they may be included in background checks during that period.
However, the EEOC standards warn that excluding candidates based on arrests that did not result in convictions might be considered discriminatory.
Also Read: Education History — What It Is And How To Check It Before Hiring
3. Employment History
While not directly related to criminal records, employment history is often included in background checks.
This information can be important in determining whether an applicant is likely to be a good fit for the position they are applying for.
By checking an applicant’s employment history, you can get an idea of their work ethic and whether they are likely to be a reliable employee.
What Should Employers Consider When Doing Criminal Background Checks?
If a criminal background check exposes criminal activity in a candidate’s past, hiring managers must give this issue careful consideration in light of employing priorities, company policies, and fair chance practices.
Additionally, if an applicant is found to have lied about their criminal history on their job application, this should be grounds for not hiring the candidate.
The information included in a criminal background check is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to hiring a new employee.
However, it is an important piece of the puzzle that should not be overlooked.
Conducting a felony charges background check can help you ensure you are hiring the best possible candidate for the job.
Also Check Out 5 Best Free Background Check Sites
How To Pass a Background Check?
Bottom Line
When hiring for any position, it’s important to do your due diligence and run a thorough background check.
A felony charges background check is one way to help ensure you are hiring the best possible candidate for the job.
This type of check will show any prior felony convictions on an applicant’s record.
People Also Ask For
Can a pending charge show up in a background check?
Yes, a pending charge can show up in a background check. The only time when it wouldn’t show is when a certain state has some law that shows only certain types of the pending charge.
What can make someone fail a background check?
The following things can make one fail a background check:
- Criminal record
- Poor credit history
- False Credentials
- Failed drug test
- Social Media Red Flags
- Sex offender record
- Poor references
What all things do employers look for in a background check?
Employers look for your credit history, previous employment records, criminal record, identity, etc.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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