Will this be on a background check?

Question

I am sitting here with a friend and we are trying to figure this out. She needs a background check to get into the nursing program at the local college.

Last fall, she was (falsely - I was with her the entire time) accused of shoplifting a mini DVD-RW 3 pack. It was worth about $7. I have no idea why she was accused of this, I was with her the entire time. Anyway, because she couldn't afford a lawyer and for other reasons, she plead guilty and just paid the fine. There was no jail time or anything. She did have her fingerprints done at the police station but she wasn't arrested. Since this is such a low-grade conviction, will it be on her background check?

Here's the site she has to buy the background check from:

http://www.dps.state.ia.us/DCI/Records_Ident/pubcch.shtml

It says that most simple misdemeanors won't be included, but I just wanna make sure. It's so stupid and insignificant. And the reason I am asking this for her is because she doesn't have a computer and she's staying with me for a week so her apartment can be repaired.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It depends what they are looking for.  In my state simple misdemeanors are always on background checks.  The issue is whether or not the misdemeanor would affect her chances of getting into nursing school.  Most jobs, etc. look for FELONY convictions, not misdemeanors.  I think she'll be okay, but I think when she gets the money she may want to look into expunging her record if misdemeanors are a problem in your state for employment and such.

Answer 2

Yes it will be on a background check!

Answer 3

It is impossible to say.  However, even if it does, the nursing program looks at each individual situation.  More than likely she will not have a problem getting in the program.  Nurses are in demand!  I know of guys who have been on the sexual preditor list who work as nurses.  Due to the fact they were dating younger girls and parents pressed charges, they allowed them to work.  Remember...  honesty is the best policy!

Answer 4

Fingerprints were taken, it will be on her record.  She will have to say she has been convicted of crime if asked.  

She may be eligible to have her record expunged, and this will no longer be a concern for her.  

Answer 5

Yes, she will have to disclose that because it will be on her background check.

Why did she plead?

EDIT - the amount doesn't matter. If she plead guilty then it will be on her record. Depending on the background check will determine if that's on there, because some places check for misdemeanors AND felonies. It depends on what and why. Not all background checks are done by the same company.

Also, it wasn't prosecuted because she entered a guilty plea! If she hadn't she would have been brought up on charges, whether she could afford a lawyer or not.

The only way to know is to check, and find out what system they are using for background checks.

If it wasn't a big deal, she wouldn't have to make a plea bargain to begin with!

Answer 6

I disagree.... prosecutors do not persue charges in cases like this unless there is substantial evidence. I would ask your friend if she has something to share with you.

Answer 7

yep any arrest record will usually be  on a background check.  i believe shoplifting and petty theft are misdemeanors, but they will most likely be on there sorry

Answer 8

it will be on there but since its not a felony as long as you are upfrount about it, it will not prevent you from getting the job.