Background Checks Slowing Uber and Lyft Deals

Arizona’s requirement for background checks is holding up Uber and Lyft drivers at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, according to recent reports.  Sky Harbor has a fingerprint background check requirement for these drivers in addition to the company’s required background checks.  However, the rideshare companies are hesitant to require their drivers to go through the same fingerprint checks as taxi, limousine and shuttle drivers.  The companies claim that fingerprints are a burden that brings an increased cost to many drivers.  The current cost at Sky Harbor for a fingerprint check is $39. Lyft claims that its own extensive background checks, which are required for any driver who applies to the platform, should be enough.  It includes a Social Security number trace, a Department of Justice 50-state sex offender review, a county criminal records review and a nationwide criminal record check.  Lyft also requires a 19-point vehicle inspection as well as an in-person training session with an approved Lyft trainer.  The platform also provides customers with an in-app photo of the driver and vehicle to insure that someone else does not use the driver’s information and offers customers a way to rate their drivers and share the information with other Lyft patrons.

Background Check Requirements

If you are convicted of a crime, a background check and present a serious roadblock to employment.  You may find that you are facing years of explaining even a simple crime to potential employers or that you are banned from participating in certain activities.  This is especially true for sex crimes convictions.  Often, those accused of a sex crime plead to a “lesser charge” but find that the repercussions are long-lasting. If you are accused of any type of crime, it is very important that you have an attorney who understands the consequences of the courses of action open to you.  What seems to be a good plea bargain deal may, instead, cause long-term problems.  A good criminal defense attorney can help you handle your criminal case in the best way to minimize the damage to your future. The criminal defense attorneys at Oswalt Law Group in Phoenix are here to help.  We are available to discuss your case and help you understand your rights and your options.  Call today to learn more about how we can help you make the right decision for handling criminal charges of all types.