If you are thinking about applying for a job at Amazon, but have a misdemeanor in your criminal file, you might want to know: does Amazon hire with former misdemeanors?
Well, it’s an important answer to find out, which is why I’ll tell you whether Amazon will hire misdemeanors, and if so, what types of misdemeanors would be accepted below!
Does Amazon Hire with Former Misdemeanors In 2024?
Amazon will hire someone with misdemeanors, but it depends on the type of misdemeanor and how long ago it occurred. Additionally, Amazon does a complete background check that goes back 7 years. If you have a Class A misdemeanor, which is the most serious type, you’re unlikely to be hired at Amazon in 2024.
Do you want to know the types of misdemeanors Amazon will and will not hire someone for having on their record? If so, keep reading below to learn all about them!
How Many Years Does an Amazon Background Check Go Back?
Amazon background checks will go back seven years, and it’s a complete criminal background check that will look at both arrests and convictions of misdemeanors and felonies.
Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that an employer cannot consider convictions that are over seven years old, so Amazon legally cannot use convictions older than that.
Amazon will notify you if you’ve been disqualified from a job opportunity due to your background check.
Furthermore, Amazon doesn’t disqualify someone if they have a misdemeanor on their record, as long as the person was honest during the application and interview process.
What Background Check Company Does Amazon Use?
It has been reported that Amazon uses Accurate Backgrounds as its main third-party company to run the background checks, although this may not be the only company Amazon uses.
Furthermore, the background check company will look at your criminal history over the past seven years including any charges, arrests, and convictions.
Additionally, you could be contacted by the background check company if further information is needed, or the company may inform you that it will be running a credit score check as well.
How Long Does an Amazon Background Check Take?
According to sources online, it could take anywhere from 2 to 14 days to complete the background check, but several factors can influence the wait time such as:
- Whether more information is needed from you
- If the company Amazon uses is short-staffed
- How busy the company Amazon uses is
- Whether the company has a backlog of background checks to complete
- Natural disasters or other events that could disrupt the normal operation
- The job you’re applying for since higher-level jobs at Amazon require a more in-depth background check, which could take up to 4 weeks
Does Amazon Hire People with a Theft Misdemeanor?
Amazon is unlikely to hire someone with a theft misdemeanor on their record, considering Amazon is a retailer, but some people online have said they were hired with a theft charge.
Additionally, Amazon will look at everyone on a case-by-case basis, and if the charge or conviction happened 6 or 7 years ago, you may be hired by Amazon.
However, you won’t be able to work in a higher-level position, and would only be able to apply and possibly work an entry-level job for the company.
Does Amazon Hire People with a Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charge?
You’re unlikely to be hired by Amazon if you have a misdemeanor domestic violence charge, especially if you were convicted of the crime due to safety reasons.
However, if you were acquitted of the charge or it was dismissed, such as the person had made false allegations against you and it was proven false, you could try to argue your case.
Unfortunately, Amazon management is still going to hesitate to hire you if you have a domestic violence charge against you unless you can convince them otherwise or have a skill they need.
Does Amazon Hire People with Drug Misdemeanors?
Amazon will look at every applicant on a case-by-case basis, which means a drug misdemeanor will not disqualify you from a job with the company.
However, it depends on the drug charge, how long ago it was, whether you’re clean and can pass a drug test, and what type of drugs were involved.
For example, if you were caught with marijuana, then Amazon will likely overlook that, as opposed to someone caught with harder drugs such as heroin.
Do All Misdemeanors Show up on Amazon Background Checks?
Not all misdemeanors are going to show up on an Amazon background check since Amazon can only access information found in public records.
For example, if you were just cited for a minor misdemeanor and it never went through the court system, it won’t show up on the Amazon background check report.
If that applies to your situation, you can choose to self-report the incident or not, but if you don’t and Amazon finds out, it could lead to you losing the opportunity or being terminated.
What Misdemeanors Will Amazon Most Likely Ignore?
Amazon may ignore the most low-level misdemeanors, which are the Class C misdemeanors, and include the lowest-level of offenses such as:
- Petty theft
- Petty larceny
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Various traffic offenses
- Low-level drug offenses, including possession of paraphernalia
Additionally, the misdemeanor classifications vary by state, and just because your misdemeanor is low-level doesn’t mean that Amazon has to hire you.
The most serious misdemeanors, which are Class A misdemeanors, are more likely to disqualify you from a job at Amazon.
To learn more, you can also read our psots on what age does Amazon hire, Amazon rehire policy, and does Amazon pay weekly.
Conclusion
Amazon does hire misdemeanors in some situations, depending on the level of the misdemeanor and what the specific charge was.
For example, Amazon may hire someone with a low-level drug offense or petty theft if it occurred 6 years ago, but will not hire someone with a domestic violence charge due to safety reasons.
