To begin with, yes, a suspended license can show up on background checks. However, it is important to understand under what circumstances they may appear. Traffic infractions that have also been classified as criminal violations do appear on background checks. Such violations include the following:

  • DUI
  • DUI Manslaughter
  • Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Reckless Driving
  • Being caught driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license

When a potential employer, or anyone else for that matter, runs a background check, the violations listed above will show up because they are considered to be crimes. If you are applying for employment that involves driving, such as a cab driver, or delivery driver, then the employer will most likely conduct an even more thorough background check and discover that you have a suspended license, even if it was not suspended for one of the infractions listed above.

The attorneys at our law firm can answer any legal questions that you may have concerning the information that is contained in background reports. Contact us at (410) 484-0400and schedule a free consultation to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

Can a Suspended License Prevent Me From Obtaining Employment? 

When potential employers conduct background checks, they are typically looking to see if your report contains any information regarding past criminal behavior. Most employers would be much more concerned about hiring someone who has a past conviction for theft than about hiring someone who has had a suspended license. Nevertheless, if the position you are applying for involves driving as part of the job, then a suspended license could be especially problematic.

It is critical to understand, however, that criminal traffic violations may also be extremely concerning to potential employers, even if driving is not part of the job. Even though the charge does not involve theft, the fact of even having a criminal charge may cause an employer to feel that you are not a responsible person and are undeserving of their trust.

How Far Back Do Maryland Background Checks Go? 

Per Maryland state law, background checks can only go back for a period of 7 years unless the individual in question has a potential salary equal to or greater than $75,000. A background check in Maryland also can not report any information about arrests that are 7 or more years old if they did not lead to a criminal conviction. The time restriction is not applicable to any criminal convictions, and they will always appear on a background check.

How Can an Attorney Help Me With a Background Check and a Suspended License? 

If you still have questions regarding how a suspended license will affect a background check, please feel free to contact our law office at (410) 484-0400. We have highly experienced attorneys who can look at your information and potentially produce a plan to help you. We look forward to serving you.