How far back?

[MNDad01]

What is the name of your state? MN

Someone else's thread made me wonder about something... When I was 18 in Colorado I stole a car and was charged with auto theft. (Yeah, I know I was beyond stupid) I did two years in prison, got out in 2000 and was completely off parole as of September of 2002.

When I apply for jobs, how far back to the background checks go? And do they check other states? I was in prison in CO and I live in MN. Are there any laws as to how far back they can go?

 

[cbg]

The answers to your questions are completely employer specific. It's entirely up to any given employer what to check, how far back, whether to check other states, etc.

I'm not where I can check the state laws at the moment, but few limit how far back an employer can check. A few limit what information can be used in making a hiring decision. I'll check the state laws when I'm in my office.

I can't imagine that any state limits an employer to five years, though, so I would count on employers being allowed to go back far enough to see your conviction.

 

[pattytx]

I think it's Wisconsin where convicted felons are a protected class. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure it's there and only there.

 

[mlane58]

Patty, in certain instances, New York protects them as well

 

[pattytx]

Patty, in certain instances, New York protects them as well

Thanks, I didn't know that.

 

[MNDad01]

The answers to your questions are completely employer specific. It's entirely up to any given employer what to check, how far back, whether to check other states, etc.

I'm not where I can check the state laws at the moment, but few limit how far back an employer can check. A few limit what information can be used in making a hiring decision. I'll check the state laws when I'm in my office.

Thank you! I would really appreciate that!

I can't imagine that any state limits an employer to five years, though, so I would count on employers being allowed to go back far enough to see your conviction.

**************...

 

[fairisfair]

this site has some fairly decent information, and links to more

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs16-bck.htm

 

[cbg]

Minnesota has no laws limiting how far back an employer can look. While employers are encouraged to provide jobs to felons, unless the position requires a license an employer is not prohibited from using a criminal background as a disqualifier. (If the position does require a license, they may still disqualify on that basis IF the position has a direct relationship to the crime.)

I could find only four states that have a specific look-back period and in all four cases it's ten years.