In Texas, background checks are a common part of many processes, from job applications and housing rentals to firearm purchases and volunteer work. These checks typically involve a review of your criminal history, credit report, employment history, and other personal records. Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies often use background checks to assess an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and suitability for a given position or responsibility.
Criminal History
A key component of most background checks is the criminal history report, which includes any arrests, charges, convictions, and sometimes even non-convictions. This can impact your ability to secure employment, housing, and certain licenses. However, if you have successfully obtained an expunction or nondisclosure order, those records should not appear on most background checks. Expunctions remove the record entirely, while nondisclosures seal the record from public view, protecting your privacy.
Employment Background Checks
In Texas, employers are allowed to conduct background checks to screen potential employees. They typically look for any criminal history that might indicate a risk in hiring the candidate. If your record has been expunged, you can legally state that you have no criminal history. With a nondisclosure, while your record is sealed, some employers in certain fields (e.g., government, law enforcement) might still have access to it.
Housing Background Checks
Landlords often use background checks to screen potential tenants. They may review criminal history, credit reports, and rental history to determine whether a tenant is a good fit. If your record has been expunged, it will not appear on these checks, making it easier to secure housing.
Firearm Purchases
When purchasing a firearm in Texas, a background check is typically conducted to ensure the buyer is legally eligible to own a gun. If your criminal record has been expunged, it should not appear on this check, allowing you to proceed with the purchase.
Credit and Financial History
In addition to criminal records, background checks may include a review of your credit history. This can be especially important when applying for jobs in finance, rental agreements, or loans. Expunctions and nondisclosures do not affect your credit history, but maintaining a clean record in all areas is crucial for passing background checks.
Understanding how background checks work and how your criminal record can impact them is essential. If you’re concerned about what might appear on a background check, seeking an expunction or nondisclosure might help mitigate any negative effects and provide you with a clean slate.
