A criminal background check is a key part of the pre-employment screening process, as it can provide a deeper understanding of a person's character, habits, and safety values.
When evaluating this information, however, it's important to remember that it isn't simply what a person did in the past that matters, but when the arrest or conviction occurred. City, state, and federal employment laws ensure everyone is given a fair chance at rehabilitation — and, in time, a clean slate that prohibits consideration of certain adverse information.
The exact legal timeframe for when this information must be excluded from a professional background check report varies depending on where the candidate will be working — and in some cases — their financial compensation. So, how far back does a background check go?
What the Federal Government Says About Background Check Time Periods
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) only allows consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) to report civil suits, civil judgments, arrest records, and other adverse information that predates the report by seven years or fewer — with the clock starting as soon as the information is filed or entered into the record. For criminal convictions, there is no such limitation.
But just because the federal FCRA allows CRAs to include criminal convictions older than seven years doesn't mean it's a good idea.
In addition to complying with the FCRA, employers also need to consider the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and whether a refusal to hire someone based on an old criminal conviction will sit well with them. After all, the EEOC doesn't just require employers to consider the nature and gravity of the offense(s), but also the time that has passed since the person was convicted or completed their sentence.
State Laws on Conviction Time Periods
Many states have statutes that further limit the information CRAs can include on a background screening report, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process.
According to the California Civil Code, for example, convictions can only go back seven years. A similar statute exists in Colorado, although a longer lookback is allowed if the person will earn more than $75,000 a year. Other states that have more restrictive lookback periods than the FCRA regarding criminal convictions include:
- District of Columbia
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
Since a seven-year lookback period applies to all of the above states, it’s become the standard for consumer reporting agencies when preparing background check reports for their clients. For employers that want a longer lookback period (where the CRA is legally able to do so), they can often make a special request to have that information included.
Navigating the Complex Background Check Process
The seven-year lookback rule is just one of many complex regulations surrounding employee background checks. The good news? You don't have to figure them out on your own.
Foley's team of experts is here to help you navigate the hiring process quickly and compliantly. Click here to get started.
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