Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Maryland

College Grad Seeks Employment

I'm a recent college grad (w/honors) in the criminal justice field, also filing bankruptcy - court date = 3/26/04. I applied for a police officer job in MD and was rejected during my background check due to credit rating scores. The department didn't seem to care or take into consideration that I had filed for bankruptcy. I've read that there is no way to avoid a background check of this nature, but in the same sense, I've read that prospective employers are not to discriminate. I cannot think of or locate online or at libraries and book stores any reasonable justification for being passed over. I am also unable to find information describing my rights as a candidate for employment. Will employers look at me more reasonably (equally) after the discharge? Any insight or direction (for research) is appreciated. Joe


Asked on 3/16/04, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard S. Stolker Uptown Law, LLC

Re: College Grad Seeks Employment

Section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code prohibits discrimination by governmental entities as to employment "solely because such [a person] is or has been a debtor under this title or a bankrupt or debtor under the Bankruptcy Act, has been insolvent before the commencement of the case under this title, or during the case but before the debtor is granted or denied a discharge, or has not paid a debt that is dischargeable in the case under this title or that was discharged under the Bankruptcy Act."

The purpose of filing bankruptcy is to make a fresh start, leaving behind you those debts that you were unable to pay. Many employers recognize this, but I am sure you will find that some employers will treat a bankruptcy negatively.

Consult an employment law attorney for further information.

Richard S. Stolker

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Answered on 3/16/04, 1:50 pm


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