Missing info on my backgroung check. - Court Forum

Chuck · [**Buy Web Names**] #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

I am a 41 year old male. Just over a year ago I was arrested for possession of alcohol on school property in Brazoria County, Texas. It was a Class C misdemeanor. I was told that it carried the same weight as a speeding ticket, but I was going to be arrested anyway. I paid a very small bail fee, pleaded no contest to the charge, and paid a fine of $180 without having to go to court.

I had a criminal backgroung check ran on myself through the Texas Department of Public Safety. There is nothing about this on my record. How could this happen? And how will this effect me during employment screening when a backgroung check is performed, as is standard in my profession?

I would appreciate any insight.

clasione · [**Buy Web Names**] #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007

Hey Chuck, Welcome to Court Forum!

It was probably dropped from a C misdemeanor to a "violation" which really is like a traffic ticket..... I'll bet that's why it is not on there.... Whatever you pleaded guilty to after going to court wasn't even a crime.... So it does not appear on a criminal background check and will have no effect on employment.

Sounds like you should be able to legally check 'no' on a job application for the
question: Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Chuck · [**Buy Web Names**] #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007

Thank you for your reply.

One other question. How would this effect the question, "Have you ever been convicted of anything other than a minor traffic violation?"

Thanks.

clasione · [**Buy Web Names**] #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007

Sounds like a real gray area as well as a matter of opinion.

If it were me, I'd say no, because the point of dropping the charge is to reduce it to a minor violation. I would consider a DWI a major traffic violation, which is also a crime... So in my opinion, if it is not on your criminal record, and it was reduced to a violation - I'd say your answer should be no.