Misdemeanor Records: What Employers See in Your Background Check
Every year, countless job seekers are caught off guard when a minor traffic misdemeanor unexpectedly surfaces during a background check. In an increasingly competitive job market, even small infractions can raise big questions. Whether it's a Class C offense or a misdemeanor from years ago, these records can have lingering consequences that affect employment, housing, and even federal opportunities.
What Are Traffic Misdemeanors?
Traffic misdemeanors are criminal offenses that occur while operating a vehicle but are considered less severe than felonies. These charges go beyond basic traffic infractions like parking tickets or minor speeding violations. Instead, they can include offenses such as reckless driving, driving under the influence(DUI), or driving without insurance, all of which may result in criminal records.
These misdemeanors are categorized into different classes depending on the state. In many cases, Class C Misdemeanors are the lowest level of offenses. You may wonder, do class c misdemeanors show up on background checks, or does class c misdemeanor show up background check results in hiring? In most instances, yes, especially when employers conduct thorough screenings.
Common Examples of Traffic Misdemeanors:
Driving without a valid license
Reckless driving
Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
Driving under the influence (DUI or DWI)
Excessive speeding (in some jurisdictions)
If you're asking do traffic misdemeanors show up on criminal background checks, or do misdemeanors appear on background checks, the answer is yes, particularly if the screening includes county and state criminal records. Many employers also check for any red flags, so do misdemeanors come up on background checks in job applications? Almost always.
This is especially important if you have a misdemeanor from a previous traffic offense. While some believe traffic misdemeanors are "minor,” they can still carry significant consequences. In fact, will a misdemeanor show on a background check is one of the most frequently asked questions by job seekers, and the reality is, even the smallest infraction may surface.
In some reports, applicants may notice labels such as “felony including misdemeanor in progress.” So, what does felony including misdemeanor mean on background check reports? It usually indicates a case is still active and involves charges that span both felony and misdemeanor levels , a red flag for many employers during the hiring process.
A rideshare applicant in California was denied due to a reckless driving misdemeanor from four years ago that appeared on a Level 2 background check.
Over 70 million Americans have criminal records, many due to low-level misdemeanors (National Employment Law Project,2023).
Should traffic misdemeanors be removed from background checks after a certain number of years?
Understanding Traffic Misdemeanors vs. Criminal Offenses
Not all traffic violations are treated equally. While speeding tickets and minor infractions may not raise red flags, certain traffic offenses are considered misdemeanors. So, do traffic misdemeanors show up on criminal background checks?
The answer often depends on the type of offense, state laws, and the nature of the background check itself.
Traffic misdemeanors include DUIs, reckless driving, and driving without a licenseInfractions like parking tickets typically do not appear
Each state handles reporting differently
Example: A delivery driver applicant in Texas was flagged for a DUI on a background check, a Class B misdemeanor, and was denied the position despite a clean driving record otherwise.
Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has a criminal record, many for misdemeanors (National Employment Law Project, 2023).
“Minor traffic violations are rarely an issue, but traffic misdemeanors can absolutely affect employment and insurance”
Have you or someone you know experienced job delays due to a traffic-related offense?
Do Misdemeanors Appear on Background Checks in General?
Yes, in most cases, misdemeanor background checks will show past offenses. Employers, landlords, and federal agencies may access records that include misdemeanors. But does a misdemeanor come up on a background check every time? Not always, some older or sealed records may be excluded.
Background checks vary by depth (county, state, federal)
Expunged or sealed misdemeanors may not be visible
Employers may overlook older offenses
Example: An administrative assistant applicant had a shoplifting misdemeanor from 12 years ago, which showed up in a county-level check but not on the national scan used by a second employer.
About 60% of employers use criminal background checks as part of their hiring process (SHRM, 2023).
“Misdemeanors may not disqualify you, but failing to disclose them when asked can”
Wondering what might show up on your check? Run a personal background check through Our Services.
How Class C Misdemeanors Are Treated in Background Screenings
Class C misdemeanors are the least severe but can still appear in a screening. Many people ask, do class misdemeanors show up on background checks, or does class c misdemeanor show up background check results?
The answer is often yes, especially for government, education, or finance jobs.
Class C offenses include public intoxication and petty theft
Often punishable by fines, not jail time
Frequently appear on both state and federal background checks
Example: A teaching candidate in Illinois had a Class C disorderly conduct charge appear on her record, prompting additional review before final hiring approval.
Class C misdemeanors account for 38% of all misdemeanors filed in the U.S. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2023).
“Even minor charges can triggersecondary reviews in regulated industries”
Do Misdemeanors Show Up on Background Checks for Jobs?
If you're applying for a job, you may wonder: do misdemeanors show up on background checks for jobs? Employers frequently run background checks that include misdemeanor history.
Even a minor misdemeanor may appear on a background check, potentially raising questions about your eligibility.
Job type influences background depth
Financial, healthcare, and childcare sectors are strictest
Some companies follow “Ban the Box” policies
Example: A retail applicant with a misdemeanor for trespassing was denied a supervisory position at a national chain store despite excellent references.
Around 67% of employers reported denying candidates based on background checks in a CareerBuilder survey.
“Context matters. We always look at the nature of the offense, not just its presence”
Should hiring decisions be influenced more by recent performance than old records?
Can You Pass a Background Check With a Misdemeanor?
A common concern is: can I pass a background check with a misdemeanor? The good news is, many people do. It depends on the employer’s policy and how long ago the misdemeanor occurred. If you’re asking will I pass a background check with a misdemeanor, honesty and context are key.
Example: A banking candidate disclosed a misdemeanor vandalism charge from college upfront, the employer appreciated the honesty and extended an offer.
“Disclose it before they discover it. It builds trust”
Feel like your past is holding you back? Explore Our Blogs to learn more about employment background checks
Federal Background Checks: Are Misdemeanors Disqualifying?
Can you pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor? Often, yes, but it depends on the agency and the role.
For federal jobs, especially those involving security clearance, even a felony including misdemeanor in progress could be a red flag.
Federal roles require deeper vetting
Charges related to fraud, violence, or dishonesty are red flags
Some agencies permit waivers for older offenses
Example: An IT contractor with a10-year-old petty theft charge passed a federal check after submitting full documentation and reference letters.
Research says that 85% of federal agencies require background checks, and 62% use multi-tier review processes(OPM, 2022).
“Federal clearances are complex, but not impossible with a misdemeanor”
Should federal roles have more flexible review standards for non-violent misdemeanors?
How Long Do Misdemeanors Stay on Your Record?
Wondering how long does a misdemeanor stay on your background check? In many states, misdemeanors remain on your record indefinitely unless expunged.
Knowing how to check if I have a misdemeanor through official state databases or screening services can help you prepare.
Typically, permanent unless sealed or expunged
State laws vary on waiting periods
Expungement may require legal support
Example: A marketing applicant had a decade-old misdemeanor removed through expungement and passed multiple screenings afterward.
Only 6.5% of people eligible for expungement ever apply for it (Harvard Law Review, 2023).
Should states do more to automate expungement for low-level misdemeanors?
Do Employers Care About Misdemeanors?
Do employers care about misdemeanors? Some do, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Others may focus more on the type of offense and the time since it occurred. In either case, is a misdemeanor bad on a background check? It depends on the role and company policy.
Example: A logistics firm hired a driver with a prior misdemeanor after he disclosed it and completed a driving safety program.
Around 78% of employers say relevance of the offense is more important than presence alone (Glassdoor Hiring Survey, 2023).
Should companies adopt a uniform standard for handling misdemeanor records in hiring?
Sealing and Expunging Misdemeanors: Is It an Option?
For individuals concerned about passing future screenings, sealing or expunging records might be a viable path.
If you're wondering, does misdemeanor fail background check or can you fail a background check with a misdemeanor, legal cleanup could offer afresh start.
Many states offer expungement after a waiting period
Legal aid clinics can assist at low or no cost
Sealed records often don’t appear on employer checks
An aspiring nurse sealed her underage possession record, passed a healthcare screening, and secured her dream job.
States with automatic record sealing see a25% boost in employment for those affected (Center for American Progress,2023).
“Don’t assume your record can’t be fixed, sealing laws have expanded in many places”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do traffic misdemeanors show up on criminal background checks?
Yes, traffic misdemeanors like DUIs or reckless driving can appear on both state and federal background checks.
Q2: Do class C misdemeanors show up on background checks for jobs?
Class C misdemeanors often appear, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and government.
Q3: Will a minor misdemeanor appear on a background check?
Yes, but the visibility depends on state laws and the level of check (e.g., federal vs. county).
Q4: Can you pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor?
It’s possible if the offense is non-violent and you’ve demonstrated rehabilitation.
Q5: Does a misdemeanor show up on a background check even after years?
Yes, unless expunged or sealed. Many misdemeanors stay on record indefinitely.
Q6: Can you fail a background check with a misdemeanor?
Failure typically depends on job type and offense relevance, not the misdemeanor alone.
Q7: What does 'felony including misdemeanor in progress' mean on a background check?
It means a pending case that includes both felony and misdemeanor charges is still unresolved.
Q8: Is a misdemeanor a criminal conviction?
Yes, misdemeanors are criminal offenses but are less serious than felonies.
Q9: How to check if I have a misdemeanor on my record?
You can check with your state’s criminal record database or use a certified background screening service.
Q10: Will I pass a background check with a misdemeanor?
Many applicants do, especially if they disclose the record honestly and it’s non-violent or outdated.
Navigating Background Checks with Confidence
Whether you're entering the workforce, changing careers, or applying for a federal role, understanding how misdemeanors appear on background checks is crucial. While not always disqualifying, these records can influence hiring decisions, security clearances, and even professional licensing.
Don't let uncertainty hold you back. Educate yourself, be proactive, and take the right steps toward record clarity.
Have questions about what might show up in your report? Sequenxa provides tools to help you assess and understand your background screening outcomes.
References
National Employment Law Project. (2023). Criminal record statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nelp.orgSociety for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2023). Hiring practices survey. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2023). Misdemeanor charge data. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov
Harvard Law Review. (2023). Expungement eligibility research. Retrieved from https://harvardlawreview.org
Office of Personnel Management (OPM). (2022). Federal hiring background check guide. Retrieved from https://www.opm.gov
Glassdoor. (2023). Employer background check trends. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com
Center for American Progress. (2023). Criminal record sealing outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.americanprogress.org
