---
title: "Will a misdemeanor show up on a 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://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/will-a-misdemeanor-show-up-on-a-background-check-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-05-24
modified: 2026-05-24
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Will a misdemeanor show up on a 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.