Expert: Robin Sexton - 6/12/2008

Question
Hi Robert,

Thank you so much (in advance) for your advice.

I am a law-abiding, God-fearing, tax-paying, great credit, homeowner mother and wife. Unfortunately, 20 yrs. ago I was a bratty teen (19) and I got involved with a lousy guy in Missouri. We both wrote some bad checks (various amounts but the highest was for around $250 I believe). I'm not blaming him. I made the choice and it was a BAD one. Anyway, I left the area and didn't look back. I thank the good Lord above that He straightened me out.

Now I'm a mother, as I mentioned, and my child wants me to be her 4H and Girl Scout leader but I'm afraid of the criminal background check. I've never been arrested for anything, and I've led a clean life since that check incident 20 yrs. ago, but I wonder if the warrants would still be active, and would they show up on the background check?

If you could respond and tell me what I should do to clear this up, I'd appreciate it. I hate that this is hanging over my head.

Again, thank you. I appreciate your help.

Mia

Answer
Mia,

The good ole teenage years, fortunately most of us grow up.  Some don't. I find that having children is a real motivator for growing up.
Lets go over this and see what is going on.
You said you and this guy wrote some bad checks. However you don't say if you were arrested ?  You mention warrants which means you were not arrested ?  How do you know if there were warrants issued ?
So first we need to determine if warrants were issued.  Most agencies wont respond to a phone call, they want to know who is calling.  So you contact an attorney in the area. They should be able to make the inquiry for you.  If there is no warrants then there is no problem, join 4-H or Girl Scouts and have fun with you daughter.  If there are warrants, after 20 years i would be surprised.  Same attorney should be able to handle this one.  I doubt if any of the witness, reports etc are still around.  Probably just be dismissed anyway.
Conviction, now that is a different story but still probably not a very big problem.  If this is the only conviction you have then you would be able to probably get is expunged, same attorney. Now with all that said.  Most non profits when they do background checks only check within their state. If you are not in Missouri , no problem. Lastly back ground checks don't disclose warrants.

Finally glad things worked out for you


Good Luck

Robin