Criminal past

[Michaeljftsmith]

I live in California and I’m going to be getting my contractors license soon. I have a criminal past that I’m not particularly proud of but it is what it is. I’ll just say I’m 8 1/2 years clean and sober now. Anyways my past consists of a felony second degree burglary, a few commercial burglaries, and a couple DUIs. Will California reject my application because of these things? Has anyone here dealt with similar issues as this? Thanks for any help.

 

[C.J.]

Prolly best to call the state contractors board and ask them what crimes will disqualify you from obtaining a license. Arizona has a background check as part of their contractors license requirements as well. First time I’ve seen that.

 

[havasu]

Weren't your commercial burglaries also felonies? If so, I see someone as a 3 strike felon, with a few DUI's. Anyone injured with the DUI's? If so, those are also felonies.

 

[C.J.]

Sounds like a criminal past isn’t a total disqualification. If it’s what you really want to do then I say go for it.

https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_US/FAQS/Fingerprint_Q_And_A.aspx

 

[Michaeljftsmith]

Commercial burglary is just another word for shoplifting. Those were misdemeanors. The second degree felony burglary was a felony because of the dollar amount of the item(s) is how I understand it. But the thing about that charge too is it can be a felony or misdemeanor (wobbler) and the judge chose to go with felony. No one was hurt in the DUIs. Just drunk driving. Some of my charges were reduced to misdemeanors because of prop 47 except for the “wobbler” charge. I think that’s the only charge that might actually hold me back.

 

[Michaeljftsmith]

Weren't your commercial burglaries also felonies? If so, I see someone as a 3 strike felon, with a few DUI's. Anyone injured with the DUI's? If so, those are also felonies.

I have no strikes

 

[C.J.]

Fill out the paperwork and just be honest. A lot of times these decisions aren’t always made based on what exactly you did back then as much as determining what kind of a person (risk) you are right now. Certainty shoplifting doesn’t carry the same weight as rape or murder. And the DUI’s, I wouldn’t worry about them unless you’re trying to get your CDL. You can find damn near anybody from any walk of life that has got a DUI. Rich, poor, white, black… don’t matter. This country doesn’t care about DUI’s otherwise the penalties would be more than just monetary.

 

[Tile Tom]

This trade is full of people that have a shady past. Not sure about Cali but in NY there wouldn't be much of a work force in the trades if having a criminal background was an issue. I do know that here in NY if you have a felony you have to apply and have a cosigner to get on a federal job, like a military base. Then you would have to have a list of references of your character. Also have to write an essay about your crime, why you did it and why you're rehabilitated. It's a whole process that can take well over a year to get finalized.

I agree with the above, go for it and see what happens. Worst they can say is no

 

[Michaeljftsmith]

Fill out the paperwork and just be honest. A lot of times these decisions aren’t always made based on what exactly you did back then as much as determining what kind of a person (risk) you are right now. Certainty shoplifting doesn’t carry the same weight as rape or murder. And the DUI’s, I wouldn’t worry about them unless you’re trying to get your CDL. You can find damn near anybody from any walk of life that has got a DUI. Rich, poor, white, black… don’t matter. This country doesn’t care about DUI’s otherwise the penalties would be more than just monetary.

Good advice thank you. On paper I don’t look like a very good candidate or person in general but I’m not that person at all anymore. Like havasu said,”I see a 3 strike felon” and I totally get it. That’s what a lot of people might see if you’re not familiar with laws. To get a strike in California requires a certain offense to be committed none of which I have done. But for the most part I think I’m gonna be good. The reason for this post was for the encouragement and to see if anyone else here has gone through anything similar in trying to get their license in California.

 

[Floorist]

No license required here for most trades. I don't think they run a background check on the few trades that are licensed. I am the only licensed flooring installer my town has ever had and I only did it because I was doing city-owned housing. I am also the only certified installer in the area (Armstrong vinyl school).

 

[havasu]

Part of what I was asking was how you phraised your answers if asked about it. Having been a retired police officer for 25 years, it is not what you did so much as how you answered the questions. I applaud your honesty, and as many have said beforehand, most have done similar, but fortunately we didn't get caught. Just forge ahead, and if asked some pointed questions, you seem to have great answers. I applaud you and good luck to you!

 

[Incognito]

I'm licensed in California. C-15. It's been 29 years but I don't recall then even asking about your criminal record. Like someone above mentions your best bet is to inquire to the State Contractor's License Board. I don't know if you can get someone on the phone but you can probably get an email response. Another source would be those schools that sell you some books and online courses for the test. They would be way more likely to pick up a phone and give you the answer to that questions

https://www.google.com/search?clien...icense+with+a+felony+conviction+on+my+record?

 

[Steve079]

Maybe the bonding might cost a bit more, maybe, maybe not. But, if so it will go down in a while. Good Luck