How do you pass a background with a misdemeanor?

Answer 1

You could petition the state to expunge your record of the offense - kind of lengthy and a little costly.

Other than that - if a potential employer wants to use it as a reason for not hiring you -if it was a minor misdemeanor - it will become less and less relevant as time goes on - but the reality of the matter is (unless expunged) it is a permanent record.

Answer 2

Most employers will not discredit you for minor or low-class misdemeanors. However, this depends on the employer and the position. If you were applying for a Cashier or Manager, someone who has their hands in the registers or safe, theft offenses may be used to disqualify you. Likewise, If you're applying to work inside a pharmacy and you have drug offenses.

Generally, you will receive a passing background check if your charges were:

1. Relatively minor (Minor Misdemeanors - 3rd Degree Misdemeanors)
2. Occurred past the point the question asks (Were you convicted of a misdemeanor in the past 3, 5, 7, 10 years?)
3. The record doesn't relate to the position.