Expert: Cathy - 12/8/2001

Question
Cathy,

   When the federal government does a bcackround check, so they automatically exclude you if you have a misdemeanor offense? I was actually found not guilty of the offense 2 years ago.

Answer
No Nick, you are not automatically excluded.  Misdemeanors are usually not a problem even if you are guilty, but if you were found not guilty everything should be just fine.  Usually the application will ask you to tell of all convictions, but read the form carefully.  If it says you must report all arrests, be sure to disclose this and state that you were found not guilty.  If you fail to disclose it, they could exclude you for falsification on your application.  If it only asks for convictions though, you do not need to list it.  Best of luck to you, hope you get the job.