Postal Letter

Will a 13 Year old Expunged Felony Conviction prevent me from getting a job with the U.S. Postal Service?

Long story short....Thirteen years ago, I was a bank teller and was blamed for cashing a check for a customer on an account that wasn't hers. The bank blamed me for it, and pressed charges, even though a total stranger was the one that cashed the check and left the bank with the money. I was a single mother, couldn't afford an attorney, had to use a public defender, who told me that I would go to jail for 5-10 years if I didn't plead guilty. Another long story short, he told me that I would be able to have it Expunged after the case was over. I thought Expunged meant ERASED, and BOY was I wrong. I never went to jail, was ordered probation, but it was cancelled immediately, they just wanted to convict SOMEBODY, and I was responsible. I am now seeking employment and have registered with an agency in the Dallas area. They REALLY want me to go and interview with the US Post Office. It's EXCELLENT money, but they require Security Clearance!! I haven't had any problems getting other jobs, but I also haven't been fingerprinted for any other jobs. I have had regular criminal background checks, but nothing shows up. Should I even bother applying? They (Post Office) ask if I have had any convictions in the past 7 years, and I had and have NEVER been in trouble except for that. Should I save myself the embarrassment at my agency?

Public Comments

1. I think you should still apply. You won't get anywhere if you don't take a chance.
2. I don't know what the requirements for the USPS are. You are correct however that this will always show up on your FBI report. An expungment simply means that at the local level it is not going to show Call and ask the recruiter about this. Above all be honest. Good luck.
3. First off the question usually reads have you ever been convicted of, plead guilty to or pled nolo contrndre to any misdermeaner or felony traffic infractions with a fined of $250 or less need not be included. the 7 years usually applied to other things like jobs, residency etc. I personally have never heard of a felony being expunged for any reason other than a minor under the age of 16. Most jobs if you list the conviction will not necessarily decline employment. The it was a long time ago, I learned to be more cautious in my actions etc..etc usually go a long way. The they are at fault blah blah blah don't get a person any where. It appears that you violated bank policy regarding positive identification and or account verification etc etc which was found to be negligent and the check was probably for more than chump change. Hence the felony. Crimes committed as an adult don't just disappear. Most employers do a backgound check but they do not normally do a criminal check as it is not cost effective for most positions that do not pay high wages. They will sometimes check the local police department to see there are any warrants on a applicant but they usually do not go further unless you sign a release form listing the type of checks they will do this also usually requires fingerprints as names, other data are no longer reliable as people use other peoples id when they get arrested etc. As for the post office security clearance they will find it even if you do not disclose it...also they will also find other iems in your prior employers files, etc. ommitting anything will not be favorable for employment. it is better to disclose than not to...I have my backgound checked every five years and I have seen people lose their jobs instantly because they were written up 4 years ago and forgot to disclose it...The post office sometimes hires casual labor for the peak season and maybe that would be a backdoor way to get in...Once they see you they might overlook your past. But do remember irregardless of why you plead guilty you did, own it and learn from it in a positive way.... it is done. Remeber what you did and ask yourself what you learned from that mistake you made that cost your employer money..If it didn't meet the critieria you give it to the supervisor and let them make that decision.
4. The key to your entire question is the employment question asking if you have been convicted within the last 7 years. You can legally answer "no" since this occurred 13 years ago. By no means would I try to hide the past, but if they do not ask past 7 years ago, dont volunteer the information. If you are asked, tell the truth that you had the crime expunged. Expungement also says that a Judge feels you deserved a second chance by having your records removed from public viewing and that is a positive thing in itself. Definetely, put in your application and best of luck to you.