Can I become an appraiser with a criminal background?

[texansfan]

Hey everyone,

I hope this post finds you well. I have a question regarding a criminal history. I received 3 misdemeanors when I was 19, I am 31 now. They included 2 DUIs and a credit card fraud charge. Since then I have received an associates degree, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree. I am currently working on a Ph.D but would really like to get into appraising. However, with my criminal history I am reluctant to spend the $$$ on any classes. What do ya'll think? I'll be attempting to get my trainee license in Texas if I decide to pursue it further. Basically with the credit card fraud charge, a "friend" of mine used his aunts credit card to buy things. I was present for the purchases and was charged along with 2 others. The DUIs were just bouts of poor judgement. Anyway, thank you all for any future insights that you may have to share and best wishes to all of you.

 

[jnordquist]

I would inquire with the state board before spending $1.00 on any classes or training. I know a guy that did get a license with a criminal record, but that required a very good explanation and a formal hearing in front of the PA state board. I will give no details of the charges, but basically it was a prank by his roommate gone bad. In my opinion the state board will be very inquisitive and interested in the fraud charges opposed to the DUI charges. It is in your best interest to get permission from the board in writing to procede otherwise this could be a 2-5 year waste of time.
JN

 

[Tom Woolford]

I'd see if you can get the records expunged. You have proved your worth. A judge would probably agree.

 

[J Grant]

Hey everyone,

I hope this post finds you well. I have a question regarding a criminal history. I received 3 misdemeanors when I was 19, I am 31 now. They included 2 DUIs and a credit card fraud charge. Since then I have received an associates degree, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree. I am currently working on a Ph.D but would really like to get into appraising. However, with my criminal history I am reluctant to spend the $$$ on any classes. What do ya'll think? I'll be attempting to get my trainee license in Texas if I decide to pursue it further. Basically with the credit card fraud charge, a "friend" of mine used his aunts credit card to buy things. I was present for the purchases and was charged along with 2 others. The DUIs were just bouts of poor judgement. Anyway, thank you all for any future insights that you may have to share and best wishes to all of you.

Contact the DBPR in Texas they can tell you the regs for that state.

 

[Proactive]

Congratulations on turning your life around. I do not have a direct answer to your question; perhaps someone else can answer it for you. I just wanted you to know I admire what you have accomplished. May I ask what field(s) of study you are working on?

 

[AnonApprsr]

In Massachusetts you can not have received any Felony Convictions. I'm not sure whether or not your offenses are felonies. Further, if an application for a specific lender's panel or even an AMC asks you about this stuff and you lie, that will screw you.

 

[BOCK FOLKEN]

not sure why anyone would want to become an appraiser right now, but that said, you will need to check with the agency in your state that governs the licensing and certification of appraisers.

Explain your situation, and ask them for a determination. The process in most places takes anywhere from 2 to 4 years if you dedicate to it virtually full time.

Good luck.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

(11/02/2009) Request for Criminal History Evaluation – Appraiser applicants may seek a determination regarding their criminal history prior to filing an application for licensure. Applicants should submit a Request for Criminal History Evaluation form and $30 filing fee. Filing the request will allow applicants to obtain determinations as to whether their criminal history will prevent them from obtaining a license or certification prior to the payment of application filing fees. Requests will be processed under the same honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness standards as applications for licensure or certification.




http://www.talcb.state.tx.us/AgencyInfo/default.asp

 

[The Warrior Monk]

As others have noticed, you'll have to check with your licensing board.

In general, felonies are problematic. In your case, you have three misdemeanors, committed a dozens years ago when you were a teenager. Given that information, plus your higher education, I think any reasonable human being would look on your situation favorably.

 

[Bob Ipock]

You can in NC.....or at lease history shows you can.

I witnessed an armed robber (spent time in prison), a guy that faked his own death for insurance and a convicted drug dealer (prison graduate) all welcomed into the fold....not to mention some lower level convicted criminals......credit car fraud, assault, drunk driving etc.

The Cardinal Rule is don't lie on the application....disclose anything and everything.