What is a Criminal Records Search?
Need to know if someone has been convicted of a crime? A criminal record is a list of past crimes an individual has been convicted of committing. In the United States, these compilations are maintained and updated on the local, state, (bookmark to state below) federal, and national levels by various law enforcement agencies. Its primary goal is to provide a comprehensive criminal history for an individual.
County Level Criminal Records Search
This search consists of an on-site manual search of the superior, upper, lower, and/or municipal court records, in compliance with legally available research procedures, in each county court jurisdiction nationwide. We utilize a network of professional court researchers covering all 3,200+ county court jurisdictions across the country. Our report indicates if a subject has a felony or misdemeanor filing within the last seven years, or longer if the record includes a legally reportable conviction, for each jurisdiction searched. Completed Reports consist of all available and legally reportable information, typically including arrest date, filling date, charges, level of the charges, disposition date and final disposition of the charges, and any applicable sentence or penalty.
Turnaround time: 24 to 72 hours (average is 44 hours)
Statewide Level Criminal Records Search
Some states provide automated access to court records. We report criminal records in those states where such data are deemed complete, consistent, accurate, and current, and where all counties within the state participate in real-time reporting of information. Other states which claim to offer a “statewide” records search do not meet the above requirements. Information contained in these databases is not considered compliant with state or federal laws with regard to use for employment purposes. We do not recommend the use of these statewide searches as stand-alone research for employment screening purposes. Still other states release statewide information via submission of fingerprints. Results can often take several weeks or more to obtain and then can only be obtained for specific, state regulated uses.
Turnaround time: 15 minutes to 72 hours
Federal District Level Criminal Records Search
There are many crimes that don't necessarily fall under local laws; they fall under federal jurisdiction. These crimes may include: tax evasion, embezzlement, counterfeiting, bank robbery and many other "white collar" crimes. This search lists criminal filings in any of the nation's federal district courts.
Turnaround time: 24 to 72 hours (average is 42 hours)
Additionally, a search of a National Criminal Records/Sex Offender Registry database should be utilized to help uncover any indiscretions, not simply where an applicant lives, works, or went to school. This database search also provides information on sex offender status from those states that legally allow such information for employment purposes. Care should be used when accessing this information. It should not be used as the sole or even the primary basis for a criminal background check.
Why Background Profiles?
We understand that not doing a comprehensive search increases your liability. That is why we recommend criminal records searches, along with a Social Security Number trace report. Our in-depth knowledge means you receive a “Best Practices” employment background check.
If you’d like to learn more about the services needed for criminal background searches, please contact your Background Profiles Sales Representative today! 1-800-800-0197. |
