Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

FBI Background fingerprint check?

I was just 18 and got arrested for theft in OR. under 500 dollars worth. It has been so long I don't even remember what exactly took place afterwards. I do think they took my prints though. Today I just did a background check for a Bank job, I am worried that this may negatively impact my chances of getting it. It has been over 15 years and I live in California now.


Asked on 11/20/07, 6:26 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: FBI Background fingerprint check?

Your question doesn't say whether you were convicted. Merely being arrested does not (or at least should not) show up in a background check, even if you were fingerprinted while you were being processed.

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Answered on 11/20/07, 7:36 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: FBI Background fingerprint check?

Well . . . in a way there is nothing you can do right now, but just wait for results. A lot of variables here that will determine whether the check will result in your employer's finding out: whether you were actually convicted of anything; if convicted, this looks like misdemeanor petty theft or perhaps even an infraction which in all likelihood would not show up; whether you were booked and figerprinted. Lastly, there is something called simple luck. A simple petty theft arrest from 15 years ago might escape scrutiny.

If something comes up, blame it on youth and lack of recollection of what happened.

At any event, I hope your mistake from long time ago will not come back to haunt you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Jacek Lentz, Esq.

Los Angeles, CA

310.273.1361

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Answered on 11/20/07, 7:49 pm


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