Filling out the SF85 form and feeling confident until I got to where it says with in the last 5 years have you been written up or suspended and explain why. Mine was back in 2021 I was working at a wing bar restaurant at 18 boh when other employees were drinking and I felt pressured to have some. Well everyone got caught and snitched on everyone and everyone got written up, went home for a few days then went back to work. I was 18 give or take as I’m now 22 and this was 4 years ago. If I report this on my application background check can I face legal actions at all with it being long ago and age . Was told that I was never put in the system of write ups or suspensions so would they know if I select no instead of explaining this?
Lying on our SF86 is not a good strategy. If you cannot be trusted to tell the truth how can you be trusted with sensitive information?
I realize that sounds harsh. The whole mind set of “there’s no documentation so no one will find out” makes me break out in hives. This is not a process of “what can they prove and how can I find a loophole”.
Tell the truth. Be honest.
As for can you face legal action because you reported on your SF86 that you engaged in underaged consumption? Short answer No. Long answer…been doing this for two decades and I’ve never seen anyone charged with an alcohol related offense 4 years later…….
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You definitely need to tell them about it. That is a very easy thing for them to find out. And there is pretty much no chance of legal issues
Don’t lie on the form. They don’t give a damn about your drinking. They just want to know if they can trust you not to lie. FWIW, most states have a statute of limitations of like 3 years for underage drinking. Check your state. You’re probably not in any legal danger.
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