How to Get a Job With Pending Charges

Finding a job is hard. Finding a job with pending charges is harder. But it is not impossible. I will show you step by step how you can do this. I will keep it simple. No long words. No hard talk. Just plain English that anyone can read.

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What Does Pending Charge Mean?

A pending charge means the court has a case on you. You are not guilty yet. You are not free yet. The case is still open. It can be a small case (misdemeanor) or a big one (felony).

Many people think if they have a pending charge, they cannot get a job. This is not true. Some jobs may say no. Some jobs may say wait. But many jobs will still give you a chance.

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Laws Are Different in Every State

In the USA, every state has its own rule.

• In California, background checks can show pending charges. Even small ones.
• In Arkansas, background checks can only show pending felony charges. Not misdemeanor charges.
• In New York City, a boss cannot say no just because of a pending charge. They must check if the charge is related to the job. If not, they must give you a fair chance.

Many states also have ban-the-box laws. This means the boss cannot ask about criminal history on the first job form. They can ask later. Some states also stop bosses from looking at old or dismissed cases.

So, your chance depends on where you live. Always check your state law before you apply.

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Do Pending Charges Show on a Background Check?

Yes, most of the time. A background check will show if you have a case pending. It will show “pending” or “open case.”

Some cases may not show if they are very new. Some states do not allow all cases to show. But you should think that most bosses will see it.

If the boss sees it, they will check what it is about. They will not always say no. Many bosses will look at:

• What type of charge it is.
• If it is linked to the job.
• How old it is.

For example:

• If you have a pending DUI, it will matter if the job is a driver.
• If you have a theft charge, it will matter if the job is in a bank.
• But if the job is in construction, maybe it will not matter.

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How Do Employers React?

Every boss is different. Some say no right away. Some wait. Some give you a chance.

Here are the common ways:

1. Wait and Hold
   Some bosses will put the job on hold. They wait to see what happens in your case.
2. Case by Case
   Some bosses will talk to you. They will ask for details. They will see if it matters to the job.
3. Not Allowed by Law
   In some jobs (like banks, child care, law jobs), the law says no if you have certain pending charges.
4. Second Chance
   Many companies now believe in giving people another chance. They will look past small pending charges.

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What Jobs Hire With Pending Charges?

Not every company says no. Many jobs are open. Here are the best options:

• Construction and Trades
  Builders, carpenters, electricians. They often need workers. They do not always care about pending cases.
• Warehousing and Factories
  Many factories need workers. They will hire if you can do the job.
• Restaurants and Fast Food
  Many food chains like McDonald’s, Denny’s, or Chili’s hire people with pending charges.
• Hotels and Hospitality
  Some hotels give jobs even if you have a record.
• Driving and Trucking
  Some trucking companies hire people with pending charges. But if the charge is driving-related, it can be a problem.
• Retail Stores
  Stores like Walmart, Target, Home Depot often hire people with records.
• Temp Work and Agencies
  Staffing firms and day labor jobs often do not block pending cases.
• Nonprofits and Goodwill
  Groups like Goodwill have programs for second-chance hiring.

So yes, there are many places where you can work. You just need to try.

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Jobs More Open to Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a small crime. It is not as big as a felony. Many bosses will forgive misdemeanors.

Example:

• A small traffic case.
• A disorderly conduct charge.

If it is not linked to the job, the boss may ignore it. But if the misdemeanor is theft and the job is handling cash, the boss may worry.

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How to Apply With Pending Charges

Here is how I would do it:

1. Be Honest
   Do not lie. If the form asks “Have you been convicted?” and your case is pending, you can say “No.” But if they ask “Do you have pending charges?” then say “Yes.”
2. Explain
   If they ask, give a short talk. Do not go deep. Say, “I have a case pending. It is not final yet. I am dealing with it. It does not stop me from working.”
3. Stay Positive
   Show your skills. Show your will to work. Do not just talk about the charge. Talk about what you can do.
4. Show Proof
   If you have papers that show you are on the right path, take them. Like letters from a lawyer or character letters.
5. Have References
   Ask old bosses or friends to write a good word for you. This helps.
6. Use Second-Chance Programs
   Many sites like HonestJobs.com list jobs that hire people with records. Use them.

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Your Rights in the Hiring Process

You have rights. Here are a few:

• Boss must ask your OK before a background check.
• If they want to say no because of your record, they must give you a copy of the report.
• You can check if the report is wrong.
• In some states, bosses cannot ask about charges until later.
• In places like New York, a boss cannot say no just because of an arrest or charge. They must see if it links to the job.

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Do Pending Charges Always Block You?

No. A pending charge does not always stop you.

• If the job is high security, yes it can stop you.
• If the charge is violent, yes it can stop you.
• But many jobs will still give you a chance.

Remember, a charge is not proof. It is just an open case. Many bosses know this.

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What to Tell the Boss

If the boss asks you about it, say it simple.

Example talk:
“Yes, I have a case pending. It is not a conviction. I am handling it. It does not affect my work. I want to grow and I want to prove myself.”

Keep it short. Keep it clear. Then move on to why you are the right person for the job.

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Companies That Hire With Pending Charges

Here are some big names that often give people a chance:

• Walmart
• Target
• Home Depot
• FedEx
• UPS
• Goodwill
• Olive Garden
• Denny’s
• Best Western Hotels
• Comcast
• Bridgestone
• Georgia-Pacific

These companies look at people one by one. They check the charge and the job. But many have hired people with pending charges before.

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Tips to Improve Your Chance

• Keep learning skills.
• Be on time in all court dates.
• Do community service if you can.
• Stay clean and positive.
• Network with friends and family for job leads.
• Apply for many jobs. Do not stop after one no.

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Final Words

Having a pending charge is hard. But it does not mean you cannot get a job. Many people with pending cases are working today.

Know the law in your state. Be honest. Be ready to explain. Show your skills. Apply to jobs that are open to second chances.

Your past does not end your future. You can still move forward. You can still build your life.