---
title: "Will a misdemeanor show on my background check in Rhode Island?"
description: "Yes. A Rhode Island misdemeanor conviction shows on standard employment, housing, and licensing background checks. The conviction stays visible permanently unless successfully expunged after a 5-year..."
url: https://duiattorneyrhodeisland.com/faq-items/will-a-misdemeanor-show-on-my-background-check-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# Will a misdemeanor show on my background check in Rhode Island?

Yes. A Rhode Island misdemeanor conviction shows on standard employment, housing, and licensing background checks. The conviction stays visible permanently unless successfully expunged after a 5-year waiting period from completion of sentence. Some background check companies report misdemeanors for 7 years under federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules, while others report for the life of the conviction. Acquittals, dismissals, and no-file decisions may be automatically expunged under the second chance law without you needing to file a petition. Verify your record status by requesting a BCI report from the Rhode Island Attorney General.