<p>I have had an internship lined up for the summer since last November. Just recently, I was charged with public intoxication during my 21st birthday week (I know it was stupid, so please don't lecture me!). I actually just had my court case this morning; I plead guilty and was on my way. As luck would have it, the company I plan to be interning with requested a background check just this morning.</p>
<p>My question is, do you think this charge will cause the company to undo the internship arrangement? It's obviously not a serious charge, but I can't help but be a little nervous.</p>
<p>I would call your contact with the firm and explain the situation. Otherwise, when they run the check and the arrest/conviction comes up, it’s going to be a surprise to them. Better to take your lumps now and appear as an honest person who made a mistake, rather than someone hiding something.</p>
<p>Isn’t public intoxication a summary offense in most states? If so, it won’t appear on any criminal background checks. If it is a misdemeanor, it will appear, but so long as you are honest and contrite for making a youthful mistake, you should not have any problems. If it is a felony, I don’t know what state you live in, but it is crazy!</p>