Criminal Records Check Online

The Power of a Free Criminal Records Check Online

A Free Criminal Records Check online can reveal a lot of important information about someone. Performing an online criminal records check can help you ensure that you and those around you stay protected, for minimal costs. Whether you want to perform one on someone you trust or someone you don’t know very well, an online criminal records check can reveal a lot about a person. With a criminal records check online you’ll be able to find out the truth about most anyone’s past. You can perform a free criminal records search online by submitting your request in our blog comments below. We will give one free search per person however, if you decide to signup with our member’s area you will have access to unlimited criminal record searches.

Here’s What to Expect from a Criminal Records Check Online

Most online criminal record checks are not free and many of the free searches have limited information. You’ll want to make sure you are using a accredited public records database resource. The information that’s gathered in a criminal records check is obtained from court records, arrest records, police records, civil records and other criminal reporting agencies. You can usually find out the charges and date they were brought forth, sentencing records, jail or prison records and court records. It is important to note that when you check someone’s criminal records you verify that they’re the correct person. Many people have the same first and last name so you’ll want to use a birth date, address or other identifying information to confirm you’ve found the right person.

1 in 4 Americans Have A Criminal Record

1 in 4 Americans have some sort of criminal background, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics. By knowing more about someone through a criminal records check you can protect yourself and your loved ones. After all, you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way if you don’t have to.

Keep in mind that while this does provide you with a valid starting point, it’s always good to go with your gut when putting your trust into other people. Couple your findings with your natural instinct and you’re sure to make sure that you only surround yourself with those you truly feel comfortable around.

Benefits Of Using A Free Criminal Records Check Online

The internet has brought forth advancements, especially when it comes to doing criminal background checks online. It’s a much more efficient way to find criminal records online than going to the court house or county recorder. It will also ensure that you get the latest information instead of having to rely on outdated records.

When you do decide to do a criminal records search online, go with a trusted public records provider. This will ensures that their help is given when it’s needed. Also make sure that their interface is easy to use to avoid any technical issues during the process.

Additional Criminal Record Resources

Criminal Records Check

Criminal Record Statistics

History of Criminal Records

Crime Rates By City

Criminal Court Cases

Criminal Records Follow Us Around 

Most of us like to believe that once a person who has been convicted of a crime serves their sentence, that they can then begin the process of rebuilding their life and reintegrating into society. However, what many people with convictions quickly find out is that a criminal record can feel like a punishment that never ends. Finding out how long do criminal records last can be a daunting task if you don’t have all the facts about your criminal record. 

 If you have a criminal record, you probably know already how difficult it can be to get a job, apply for a loan, find an apartment, travel abroad, or even go to college. Even a traffic violation could be on your record without you realizing it. Simply put, a criminal record is a huge roadblock on the path towards reintegrating into society and it is a major reason why recidivism rates are so high. That’s why the question of how long a criminal record lasts is so important for so many people. 

So How Long Does a Criminal Record Last For? 

The simple answer is probably the one you don’t want to hear. With very few exceptions, a criminal record lasts forever. It is extremely rare for a conviction on a criminal record to be destroyed entirely. However, that being said, there are ways to get a criminal record expunged or sealed or, in some cases, to receive a pardon for a conviction. While these options are not exactly the same as clearing a criminal record, they have a similar result. 

What is Expungement of Criminal Records? 

 When people talk about clearing their criminal records, they are usually talking about having their records either expunged or sealed. Specific policies on expungements and sealing vary widely from state to state, so be sure to check what your own state’s policies are first. In many states, the terms expungement and sealing are used interchangeably. A record that is expunged or sealed usually means that it is no longer visible to the general public, but it is still visible to law enforcement agencies and other authorized persons. 

 For example, if you are applying for a job that requires a background check but your criminal record has been expunged, then your potential employer will not be able to see any record of the arrests or convictions that have been expunged or sealed. Furthermore, if asked, you can legally say that you have never been arrested or convicted for an offense that you have gotten sealed or expunged. 

 There are exceptions, however. If you are applying for a job that requires a high security clearance, then typically your employer–such as some U.S. government department or a contractor working with the military–will still have access to your expunged records. Furthermore, police can almost always see any previous criminal history you may have, regardless of whether or not it has been expunged or sealed. 

What is a Criminal Record Pardon? 

A pardon is slightly different from an expungement and also much harder to obtain. A pardon essentially says that you have served your time for a specific offense. A person can even be pardoned for a crime that they have yet to be convicted of, essentially meaning they will never have to serve a sentence for that offense. Usually, a pardon does not wipe a record clean, but pardons are also usually available for offenses that otherwise are not eligible for expungement. 

 Because a pardon is so powerful, it is also extremely rare. For federal offenses, the only person who has the authority to issue pardons is the President of the United States. Presidential pardons are extremely rare and obtaining one is nearly impossible. 

 For states, the power to issue pardons is usually held by the governor. In some states, however, a committee appointed by the governor actually decides who will receive a pardon. The rules for a pardon vary considerably from state to state. 

 How to Clear Your Criminal Record 

 Expungement, sealing, and pardon requirements change dramatically from state to state. Not all offenses are eligible for expungement or sealing. While most offenses are usually eligible for pardons, as stated above getting a pardon is usually very hard. Violent crimes, sex crimes, and crimes against children are usually not eligible for expungement. They will stay public on your record forever. The exception is if you were found Not Guilty of such an offense, in which case you can sometimes apply to have the record of the arrest and charge expunged. New Hampshire, for example, allows a person whose case was dismissed or who was found not guilty of any offense to apply for an expungement free of charge. 

 Even if your offense is eligible for expungement, there are usually a number of other eligibility requirements you must meet. Almost every state that grants expungements imposes a waiting period from the time you have completed your sentence to when you can apply for expungement. The waiting period varies not just from state to state, but also depending on the severity of the offense. For example, in California you can apply for expungement of a misdemeanor or felony for which you were granted probation after you have completed all of the terms of your probation. However, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor and denied probation you must wait a year after your conviction. If you were arrested by the police, convicted of a felony and served your sentence in a county jail, then you must wait between one and two years depending on the circumstances of your sentence. If you were sent to state prison, it is much harder to expunge your record, unless you were convicted of a felony that has since been reclassified as a misdemeanor (this is often the case with non-violent drug crimes). 

 Remember that the steps to go about clearing a criminal record are very complicated and will depend on which state you live in. You will first want to check your record and then make sure you research your state’s expungement/sealing laws to understand what options may be available to you. Finding out how long do criminal records last can help you to recover your good name and open new opportunities for you. 

Why Is Your Criminal Record Important? 

Background checks, including a criminal record search, are routinely performed when you apply for a job, seek a security clearance or attempt to rent an apartment. A criminal conviction occurring years ago could be holding you back from pursuing the career or profession you desire. The internet has made it so easy to conduct a criminal record search that couples who are dating can find out about any criminal behavior in each other’s past. Doing your own background check is an excellent way to learn what others can find out about you and alert you to mistakes that you should take steps to correct. Learning , ” How Can I Check My Criminal Record.” can be accomplished very easily online. The first question to ask is do you need an official copy of your criminal record, or an unofficial criminal record for your reference. An official criminal record must be obtained by an  FCRA certified service in order to use it for employment, academic applications, renting a home or security clearances. 

What is in a Criminal Record? 

Commonly referred to as a “rap sheet,” a criminal record or a record of convictions is your criminal history as maintained by agencies of state, local and federal governments. As a general rule, criminal records available upon request of a member of the public provide information about convictions for misdemeanors and felonies. Some records also include arrest information for the 12 months preceding the request and information about a person’s status as a registered sex offender. 

What Is Considered a Criminal Record? 

A violation of the criminal statutes of a particular state or local jurisdiction is usually classified as an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony. An offense is a non-criminal violation of the law. For example, a driver who fails to stop for a red light is committing an infraction by violating the state traffic laws and is subject to a fine. The conviction would become part of the individual’s driving record, but it would not leave the person with a criminal record unless the offense was a misdemeanor or a felony as might occur following an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Misdemeanor Criminal Records 

Misdemeanors are more serious violations of the law than is an infraction. Misdemeanors are crimes, so a conviction would give you a criminal record. Simple assault and shoplifting are examples of criminal offenses classified as misdemeanors. If the victim of a simple assault suffers a serious injury, the charge could be upgraded to a felony. 

Felony Criminal Records 

Felonies, such as murder, rape and arson, are serious criminal offenses with penalties that could include imprisonment in a state prison or, in the case of a murder conviction, the death penalty. A felony becomes part of a person’s criminal history available to anyone conducting a background check. 

How Long Do Criminal Records Stay On My Record? 

Under most circumstances, a misdemeanor or felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record. There are, however steps a person can take to seal or expunge a criminal record. The amount of time a criminal record stays on your background check really depends on a multitude of factors. It’s best to contact the clerk of the court to inquire about a specific charge that you may be concerned about.

How Criminal Records Affect Getting a Job 

Most employers routinely conduct background checks before hiring someone for a job. A misdemeanor or felony conviction could cause a potential employer to decide not to offer employment to someone with a criminal record when there are other applicants for the position without criminal histories. 

Another factor influencing how an employer evaluates a job applicant based upon the person’s criminal record has to do with the type of crime. The manager of a retail store might be reluctant to hire a person for a cashier position if the applicant has a criminal record with a theft conviction on it. 

Some states will not grant certain licenses to someone with a felony conviction. For example, a person with a felony conviction could be prevented by the state from obtaining a license to work as a real estate agent or broker. 

How To Get a Criminal Record Removed 

There are procedures, such as expungement, by which a person may request the criminal record removal of a criminal record. However, the decision whether to grant the request is usually left to the discretion of a judge who must be convinced through a written application and evidence, including letters and other documents attesting to the applicant deserving to have the criminal record removed. 

Some states allow for the sealing of a criminal record. As with a request to expunge a record, the applicant must complete a written application with supporting documents that prove the individual is worthy of having the criminal record sealed and made unavailable to the public and law enforcement agencies. 

How Can I Check My Criminal Record 

1. Some states allow you to obtain a copy of your criminal record by going to the local courthouse to make a request in person. It is much easier to make the request through the website a state has for conducting criminal record searches.
2. Some states permit you to apply for a criminal record search for a small service charge and view the results online. More detailed searches may be conducted by submitting a copy of your fingerprints to the state agency. The fingerprints are used to conduct a record search.
3. There are several commercial websites allowing you to conduct criminal record searches and background checks on yourself or on other people. The companies operating the websites charge a service fee to provide access to information obtained from public agency databases. With all the options available, there is more than one method to answer the question, ” How Can I Check My Criminal Record “.