How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Background Check?
When you’re looking for a job, renting an apartment, or trying to get a loan, you may be asked to undergo a background check. The results of this check can have a significant impact on your life, as a felony conviction can affect your ability to find employment, housing, or credit. But how long does a felony stay on your background check?
The Direct Answer
The length of time a felony stays on your background check varies from state to state. In most states, a felony conviction can remain on your criminal record for up to 10 years, although some states may allow it to remain on your record indefinitely. Federal convictions, on the other hand, can remain on your record for up to 100 years**.
Types of Background Checks
There are several types of background checks that can reveal a felony conviction:
- Criminal background checks: These checks are used by employers, landlords, and lenders to screen potential hires, renters, or borrowers. They typically reveal convictions, arrests, and warrants.
- Civil background checks: These checks are used to verify information provided on a job application, rental application, or loan application. They may not reveal all criminal convictions.
- Credit checks: These checks are used to evaluate an individual’s creditworthiness. A felony conviction may not directly impact a credit check, but it can affect an individual’s credit score.
- Sex offender registration: If you’re required to register as a sex offender, this information will be publicly available and may appear on a background check.
State-by-State Guide
The following table shows the maximum time a felony conviction can remain on your record in each state:
| State | Maximum Time |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 10 years |
| Alaska | 10 years |
| Arizona | 7 years |
| Arkansas | 10 years |
| California | 10 years (some convictions can be removed after 7 years) |
| Colorado | 10 years |
| Connecticut | 10 years |
| Delaware | 7 years |
| Florida | 10 years |
| Georgia | 10 years |
| Hawaii | 10 years |
| Idaho | 7 years |
| Illinois | 7 years |
| Indiana | 10 years |
| Iowa | 10 years |
| Kansas | 10 years |
| Kentucky | 10 years |
| Louisiana | 10 years |
| Maine | 10 years |
| Maryland | 10 years |
| Massachusetts | 10 years |
| Michigan | 10 years |
| Minnesota | 10 years |
| Mississippi | 10 years |
| Missouri | 10 years |
| Montana | 10 years |
| Nebraska | 10 years |
| Nevada | 10 years |
| New Hampshire | 10 years |
| New Jersey | 10 years |
| New Mexico | 10 years |
| New York | 10 years |
| North Carolina | 10 years |
| North Dakota | 10 years |
| Ohio | 10 years |
| Oklahoma | 10 years |
| Oregon | 10 years |
| Pennsylvania | 10 years |
| Rhode Island | 10 years |
| South Carolina | 10 years |
| South Dakota | 10 years |
| Tennessee | 10 years |
| Texas | 10 years |
| Utah | 10 years |
| Vermont | 10 years |
| Virginia | 10 years |
| Washington | 10 years |
| West Virginia | 10 years |
| Wisconsin | 10 years |
| Wyoming | 10 years |
Exceptions and Removal
While a felony conviction can remain on your record for a long time, there are some exceptions and ways to remove the conviction:
- Pardons: Some states offer pardons, which can seal or expunge a felony conviction. A pardon is typically granted by the governor or a pardon board.
- Expungement: Some states allow for expungement, which means the conviction is sealed and not visible on a background check. However, not all convictions are eligible for expungement.
- Sealing: Some states allow for sealing, which means the conviction is removed from public access, but not necessarily removed from your criminal record.
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, affecting your ability to find employment, housing, or credit. The length of time a felony stays on your background check varies from state to state, but in most states, it can remain on your record for up to 10 years. While there are some exceptions and ways to remove a conviction, it’s essential to understand the laws in your state and take steps to rectify any issues related to your criminal record.
Additional Resources
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Provides information on background checks and criminal records.
- National Institute of Justice: Offers resources on criminal records and background checks.
- State-specific laws and regulations: Check with your state’s government website or department of justice for information on background checks and criminal records.
