When an employer runs a background check, they are looking for any criminal convictions that may be relevant to the job. However, employers may also find pending charges on a background check.
Pending charges are not convictions, but they can still show up on a background check. How long it takes for a pending charge to appear on a background check depends on the method the employer is using to run the check.
If the employer is using a standard database like LexisNexis or Experian, it could take anywhere from two days to two weeks for the charge to appear in the system. However, if the employer is running a more specialized search or contacting local courthouses directly, it could take longer for the charge to show up.
In general, it is best to assume that any pending charges will show up on a background check eventually. If you have been charged with a crime, you should be honest about it when applying for jobs. Many employers are willing to overlook minor offenses, but lying about them will only hurt your chances of getting hired.