Driving on Suspended License mistake

[big_leauges]

Quick question.. While doing a background interview last week, I told the officer about a driving on suspended license arrest I had in 1998. It happened again in 1998 and 1999. I was having bad financial problems. Since then no problems, but during the interview, I honestly forgot to bring up the last 2. I have to turn a background packet with all info in on Monday. How should I go about stating what happened, or am I just toast? This happened 13 yrs ago, and have been a fire/ medic for 6 before my layoff. Any thoughts?

[fire49]

Tell them now

They will more than likely find out

Why was it suspended to begin with????

Time factor should help

Were you arrested or citation

[big_leauges]

Suspended because I couldn't afford to pay original ticket, then the fines added up and I was flat broke. Terribly stupid on my part.

I honestly forgot in all the enthusiasm at the interview, I am gonna be honest and tell them when I turn my packet in Monday, I am just praying they don't hold it against me.

[BrooklynBorn]

Mention it the background packet and its not too late to be honest. IF you want you can even point out to him that you added it.

[Wolverine3982]

Unless they specifically asked during any interview or ask about arrests/convictions on the application, I dont see any reason why you would ever need to bring it up on your own. This is what the background portion of the hiring process is for. Be completely honest on the background questionaire and answer any direct questions truthfully. Accept full responability and dont make excuses. I certainly would not go out of my way to bring it up.

I was arrested for driving on a suspended license back in '04 for a very similar situation. I was honest on my application about it when it specifically asked about prior misdemeanors. I received my conditional offer and passed my background just fine.

The only thing you have going against you is that it happened on more than one occasion, which could be construed as repetitive bad behavior. Fortunately you have lots of time between you now and then. Its probably gonna come down to how strict their background/driving insurance policies are and how much they like you...

How big is the department? Is it city or rural?

[FFighterRob]

Monday morning, 0800 you are on the phone with the person that conducted the background interview. You may be able to come back from this. If you don’t you don’t have a chance in hell. If you didn’t bring it up and then it comes up on the background packet or they find it, you are done.

[big_leauges]

It's about a 40 person department. I have to take the background packet in Monday so I will get there early.

[FFighterRob]

In person is even better. I would discribe it just as you did here. Forgetting in the moment happens to many people.

I had one guy that had his mom remind him of a minor infraction from when he was under 18. He sweated all weekend and called the investigator on Monday. The investigator said, "I am glad you called, I just found that and was wondering why you hadn't mentioned it".

[big_leauges]

Typed out a letter to go with packet and I will call him first thing in the morning.

[paulLepore]

Everyone is accountable for their actions in a background investigation. "Forgetting" to tell a BI about having twice a suspended license gives the appearance of intentionally with holding information. This is grounds for immediate failure (dishonesty). Intentionally with holding information is the same as lying about it, regardless of what anyone here on this forum will tell you.

Here's the good news for you. It was 10 years ago. I am sure you have changed significantly since then. I agree with the other who recommend being proactive and contacting the BI, the sooner the better.

A suspended license (X2) to years is most likely not a cause for dismissal. Lying about it is.

Best of luck to you!

[big_leauges]

Put letter in with packet on the top, and I emailed officer the same letter. I called a few times with them saying he was not in. Got an email from him this afternoon saying .. got the packet, thanks. just gotta hope for the best now.

[big_leauges]

Got a call today to come back in for fingerprinting this week. He sounded cool and said everything going fine. Still praying hard

[fire49]

somewhat good sign at least they are continuing to process you

[big_leauges]

Just got call for Chief's interview, passed the background. Huge relief, thanks for all the help