If you are seeking employment in Connecticut, you are covered by its Fair Chance Employment Law, which is a “Ban the Box” law. The law applies to both private and public employers.
Under this law, an employer cannot ask about your prior arrests, criminal charges, or convictions on an initial employment application. The exceptions to this rule are if 1) the employer is required to do so by an applicable state or federal law, or 2) a security or fidelity bond or an equivalent bond is required for the position. An employer cannot ask about an erased record at any time.
In addition, this law bars employers from discriminating against you because of your criminal history. An employer cannot refuse to hire you or fire you solely because you have prior arrests or convictions.
There are a few cities within Connecticut that have their own “Ban the Box” Laws
New Haven:
If you are seeking employment at a government agency in the City of New Haven, you are covered by its Ban the Box ordinance. The ordinance only applied to public sector jobs in the City of New Haven.
Under this ordinance, an employer may not conduct a criminal background check until the employer has selected the applicant for the position and has extended a conditional offer of employment. After a conditional offer of employment, the City’s Human Resources Department then evaluates your criminal history. If, as a result of the background check, the City finds a valid reason to revoke their offer, they must immediately notify you and provide a copy of your criminal history report with highlights of the particular conviction(s) that warranted not hiring you for the position.
You will have 10 days after the employer’s notice to respond.