Question about a criminal charge on postdoc background check

[Josh70]

I just recently graduated and got my Ph.D. I stayed at the same university and was hired on as a postdoc. I found and amazing postdoc and got a job offer. I have been going through the hire process and during it I had to do a background check. I was honest on it and told them I had received a disorderly conduct charge about 14 years ago. They sent back they needed more information about this charge. I sent them a small description of the event and was told it will take some time to decide what is next. 

i am freaking out pretty bad right now. I never thought this would be an issue as I have had many other jobs before this and even my current school did a background check and was fine. I even noticed they actually didn't find it on their check because they only went 7 years back. I am hoping because I was honest and it was so long ago I am going to be fine. I have never had any other criminal charges in my life. I am nervous because I just signed the lease on an apartment for the new job and am pretty much set to go there. If this fails I am so screwed.

Anyone heard of someone being denied a postdoc for a small criminal offense like this?  I am freaking out pretty bad right now this is pretty much a dream job that I am scared going to lose over a dumb mistake so long ago....

[Hope.for.the.best]

I don't know about your country, but someone with a minor criminal offence that happened so long ago is generally considered clear. Since you have successfully got many other jobs before, it should not be something that is so destructive to your career. However, no one can tell if your criminal record affects you getting your dream job. Unfortunately, you will need to be patient and wait. Are there any other jobs that you are interested in? If so, perhaps start working on the applications, so you can turn to other jobs if the current one rejects you.

I would still think it is good of you to be honest though, because honesty is highly valued by employers. It is especially true in academia. 

[Josh70]

I am in the US. Thanks for words of reassurance. I am trying to be patient but it is so hard right now.... I had many other job offers that I turned down. So I have kind of put everything into this one. It never crossed my mind that this would be a potential issue especially since I did get hired back on as a postdoc at my current school. They did a background check but I don't think it turned up on that one and they didn't ask for me to disclose it so maybe why it worked that time. 

I really hope me being honest is what saves me haha..... 

[fuzzylogician]

1 hour ago, Josh70 said:

I really hope me being honest is what saves me haha..... 

It's the lie that gets you -- every time. The offense itself is small and insignificant and it's good that you didn't lie about it. If you had, and they caught you, that would have been a much bigger deal, an actual recent offense that they could hold against you. We can't make you any promises, but I think that any reasonable person would be able to put it in perspective; it shouldn't hold you back from getting a job at this point in your life. I hope it works out soon, I understand how nerve-wracking this can be. 

[TakeruK]

I agree with what was said above. It also really depends on who this employer is. If it is a government position or other similar job, then they may be more strict than if you were going to work at a private university. At this point, it is out of your hands now so I would just say don't commit any more money towards moving until you know the final decision!

[Josh70]

Hey just in case anyone else ever has this issue wanted to update. Everything worked out fine! It was likely being honest was what made it a non issue really. So my advice to anyone in a situation like this just be totally honest.