Disclosing Summary Offense During Application/Interview Process
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Disclosing Summary Offense During Application/Interview Process
In my state a summary offense is not supposed to be considered by an employer. Most application forms/questionnaires ask only about misdemeanors and felony convictions. There is much conflicting advice online as to whether or not one should voluntarily and preemptively before an offer, disclose a summary conviction. Many HR workers are ignorant of the difference between summary and misdemeanor definitions and if the offense is one that can fall under either (i.e. disorderly), they will automatically assume the worst. This is exacerbated if the job is professional in nature in a field that typically expects a high ethical standard. Should one disclose a summary offense and, if so, at what point in the application process?
Asked on June 23, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You don't need to volunteer anything you are not asked about. You do need to fill out or complete the application truthfully and completely. Since your state draws a distinction between summary offenses and other offenses (e.g. misdemeanors), if the application only asks about misdemeanors and felonies, do not volunteer information about the summary offense(s).
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