Stupid question. Yes.
> What if it is a low level position and the person stabs someone at the first disagreement?
Why do you assume that "felon = violent"?
> Why do I have to take that risk?
Every hire is a risk. Running a business is a risk in the first place. If you're risk-averse, you probably aren't running a business, anyhow. So, why do you take that risk? Presumably because you've concluded during the interview that they can perform the task that you're hiring for better than the other candidates. If they can't, then it's a moot point anyhow, isn't it?