Criminal Background....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Davis B, Oct 2, 2012.

  1. Davis B

    Davis B Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 2, 2012
    0
    Hi Gentlemen,

    I am considering getting my CDL at a technical trade school...but then realized i might have a problem. I wanted some opinions from the experienced drivers...or possibly someone who actually hires New Drivers.

    20 yrs ago...i had a bad time in college and went on a shoplifting spree and committed 3 misdemeanors (all for Petty / Retail Theft) . Yeah i know...i was an idiot...and beat myself up every time i audit this period. I can't erase the past...although i would give everything i had to do so. I don't know anyone who hasn't made some mistakes they wish they could take back and i certainly wish i could take this period back...but i can't and MUST be honest about this with employers if they ask.

    These were all misdemeanor charges...and i was very sorry about these events.

    Anyway....i wound up with 2 adjudications and 1 conviction. I did community service...and paid all my debts as required by law.

    After that time, i graduated from college (20 yrs ago) ...and worked and licensed in different industries for the past 20 yrs.

    QUESTION
    Does anyone think this could be a hurdle to getting a Job? I want to go into this with a clear conscious and not worry about this hurting my prospects. 21 yrs have passed...and i've been clean and no problems with law or driving.

    Your constructive input is greatly appreciated.

    thanks very much

    ~DB
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. bowlwinkle

    bowlwinkle Heavy Load Member

    816
    687
    Aug 27, 2008
    Ankeny, IA
    0
    I don't think it would be a problem. They usually ask about felonies, but I don't think misdemeanors would be a problem. Don't try to hide them however, as that would not be good. I think you'll be fine. Good luck
     
  4. Keyster

    Keyster Light Load Member

    277
    143
    Jun 15, 2012
    0
    Run an extensive background check on yourself to see if they come up.
    It will be $50 well spent.
    If you admit to any theft related crime you probably won't be considered, even if it was misdemeanor.
     
  5. Cobra67y20

    Cobra67y20 Medium Load Member

    317
    139
    Jul 24, 2012
    Oviedo, Fl
    0
    some companies ant you to have a clean record, many will accept no less than 5 years criminal history to 10 years. You should be able to qualify.
     
  6. Davis B

    Davis B Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 2, 2012
    0
    ...i can't do that...i made a commitment to my family to tell the truth.

    On the plus side...only 1 of them was a conviction. The other 2 were with adjudication witheld. So i can truthfully say i was only convicted of one.

    But...not sure if this would be wise. I might have to tell all.
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2012
  7. Keyster

    Keyster Light Load Member

    277
    143
    Jun 15, 2012
    0
    Oh great, you've got history of theft AND lying!
    Seriously, call some of the usual starter company recruiters, fill out their online applications.
    You might be a little limited because theft crime is a big deal in trucking.
    If you insist on bearing your soul about your past to prospective employers, getting hired will be a challenge.
    If there is no discoverable record of it, why bother?
     
  8. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
    209
    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    my record in the 80's was worse then yours
    some companies never considered me
    Transam gave me a chance
     
  9. Davis B

    Davis B Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 2, 2012
    0
    Keyster...have you done a background check on yourself?

    Which company do you recommend?

    ALSO...your info says "wanna be" (like mine). Are you in CDL School now?

    thanks
    ...



     
  10. Davis B

    Davis B Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 2, 2012
    0
    Pete...you've been driving for the same company for 15 yrs?
     
  11. T...Street

    T...Street Light Load Member

    182
    176
    Aug 19, 2012
    randolph co. NC
    0
    If you want a job any job, no matter what the field...NEVER,NEVER, did I say NEVER lie on an application. I can't understand why some people think its OK to not tell the TRUTH, about anything....Not to mention a criminal background check. DavisB don't take this wrong but by your own admission YOU did break the law, and if that keeps from getting a job so be it, YOU made those choices. I wish you all the luck in the world but don't try and let anyone tell you that a non dis-closure attitude or "don't ask don't tell" attitude will get you anywhere, CAUSE it WON'T..
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.