I recently had an interview and was given the pre offer. I received a call from HR asking have I ever been arrested in 2002? I told him yes. It was for suspicion of DUI. I went to court and had the charge adjudicated and was issued a reckless driving non alcohol. The judge and lawyer said that it would never effect any jobs. So on the app I said that I have never been arrested. Honestly thinking that my record was clean. Just looking for opinions on what my chances are on still getting hired. I had an aviation attorney email the required forms showing no conviction. Also, nothing shows on my driving record. Thanks.

 

what airline?

 

American Eagle.

 

You are most likely not getting hired by eagle. For one thing are historically anal about pilot backgrounds...you couldn't have picked a worse employer to "non-disclose". Hopefully you did not already start class...if so you will probably be fired for lying about your background which is going to make it VERY hard to ever get another airline job.

Also a question about an arrest is different from a question about conviction. Regardless of the ultimate disposition of the case (conviction, acquital, charges dropped, plead down, diverted, etc) an arrest is an arrest and does not generally go away (except possibly for a juvenile, maybe).

Also never listen to what non-aviation lawyers, court personnel, etc tell you about your criminal history. Generally they can only speak about "regular" employers. Military, police, intelligence, airlines, and other organizations with a national security stake generally have more access to your hstory (including expunged convictions) than say Walmart or Jiffy-lube.

I would check with an aviation lawyer to get detailed info about your situation so you can make an informed decision when talking potential employers.

 

Arrested and convicted are two different things.
Please keep us informed as too the outcome for information to future applicants.

USMCFLYR

 

Unfortunately, arrested and convicted are very different things. Have you ever been detained and charged? YES. Did the charges stick and you have a conviction? NO. I have been in handcuffs a couple of times but have never been arrested. Driving records are different from criminal background checks. A dui is unfortunately on your arrest record.

Human resources words things very carefully and it is crucial that you scrutinize every word on an application! Dont give up negative info but be very careful because if it is untrue they take it as you being untrustworthy even if it was an honest mistake.

I would say you have a 50/50 chance of them understanding. If it is ok then I would expect a delay in your class date while they research further or a so sorry try again if it isn't going to happen. Good luck.

 

Man that sucks. It's been almost 10 yrs and I've been in military as a helicopter mechanic with a clearance and everything. And no troubles since then. Hopefully they can see that it was I mistake and has not been repeated. I told the HR guy why and didn't say anything and he seemed understanding. He said that we needed to get documentation and build a case. So I guess we'll see. I also reiterated that I was not trying to hide anything. Thanks for the input.

 

I'm thinking that its less than 50/50, but they haven't said no just yet and are working with me.

 

Well, it's good they haven't said no yet. You have a lot of bridge under the water since that event, hopefully they will write it off as a misunderstanding.

 

How can one obtain their criminal record? I am interested in obtaining one for myself, just to make sure i have no surprises. Never been arrested or had DUI, DWI. I did ride in the back of the police car as my state had mistakenly suspended my license. It was squared away the next day. I also put no criminal arrests.


Thanks for the info.