Should company penalize you for mistakes over 10 years ago?

I wrote some hot checks about 8 years ago, paid them back and I havent even gotten a speeding ticket in my life, but this is on my background and its hard for me to get a job that pays good, I feel that a persons background shouldnt matter unless they killed someone, hurt a child or anyone for that matter, or robbed a bank, or something felony wise, but shouldnt someone be able to be given a second chance if they have proven themselves and havent done anything else in their life and has lived a law abiding life?