SEVEN-YEAR STATES: California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Washington. [In some of these states, the 7-year reporting restriction for convictions only applies if the applicant does not meet a certain salary threshold.

How far back can a background check legally go?

How far back does an employment background check go? Typically, employers requesting an employment background screening on an applicant will request a seven-year history, although some states allow reporting information of up to 10 years.

How can I avoid a criminal background check?

Do not use or inquire into arrest history or sealed or expunged criminal history information. An employer may not ask about an applicant or employees arrest record, so an employment application should state that the applicant should not disclose arrest history and sealed or expunged convictions in the application.

How long does it take to expunge a record?

The expungement process generally takes 8 to 12 weeks. Sometimes you can get it done faster in some municipal courts; but if its in a district court, 8 to 12 weeks are standard.