- Background Check Software for Hiring. Running background checks and criminal history verifications online reduce your risk while also eliminating manual errors.
- For example, some states allow the general public access to a person's criminal record, but not the person's background check. Often, states set their own definitions for “criminal records' and “background checks,' but understand that—in most cases—criminal records are more thorough.
- VerticalRent is the leading provider of rental property software for independent landlords and property managers in the United States. We offer a free background check, rental credit check, tenant screening and online rent collection to our landlords.
- NAPBS Accredited and FCRA Compliant Background Check Software. Best Software for Staffing, Recruiters, HR, Risk Management, Employee Relations. Call for a free demo +(800) 895 2085.
- Free Personal Criminal Background Check
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- How To Get Free Criminal Background Check
Background check software is very useful for organizations because it can save many hours and human resources. A check of free criminal history can be obtained, but may, or may not, require more digging a criminal background check, which requires an application form and a fee.
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 free criminal records check online you’ll be able to find out without obligation. 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.
Here’s What to Expect from a Free 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. SearchQuarry.com is offering a 5 day free trial. So you can perform a free criminal records check online without obligation.
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Today's technology makes it easy to find a wealth of information about people; however, gaining access to a reliable (or even official) criminal record or criminal background check isn't always as easy as using a search engine.
Criminal Records Defined
A criminal record—or “rap sheet'—is a record of a person's criminal history. Often, the criminal record includes a compilation of local, state, and federal criminal information.
Aside from criminal history information, the record also includes the person's:
- Name and known aliases.
- Date of birth.
- Address.
- Photograph.
- Fingerprints.
Depending on geographic location and the law enforcement or other government agency responsible for the record, a criminal record can include more than just misdemeanor or felony convictions.
Other items on a criminal record may include:
- Past arrests.
- Warrants.
- Current pending charges.
- Dismissed charges.
- Acquitted charges.
However, criminal records typically don't include expunged records.
Using Criminal Records
Many agencies and organizations request criminal records or run background checks for a variety of reasons, including:
- Employment.
- Some businesses are required to run background checks on prospective employees, including:
- Government agencies.
- Medical professionals.
- Companies or organizations where workers handle large amounts of money.
- Usually, privately owned businesses can use their own discretion when deciding whether to run a background check.
- Some businesses are required to run background checks on prospective employees, including:
- School admittance.
- Most commonly, colleges for law and medical professions check an applicant's criminal record.
- Property rental.
- Military service.
- Security clearance.
- Purchasing firearms.
- Under federal law, felons can't purchase or own firearms; however, depending on the situation, some felons can apply to have their gun rights restored.
- Adopting or fostering children.
- Certain types of licenses, such as applying for a CDL.
- Voter registration.
- Not all states allow residents with felonies to vote; however, some states restore voting privileges after the person has met all penalty requirements (i.e. jail time, parole, or probation).
- Purposes related to visas, immigration, naturalization, and international travel.
- Law enforcement purposes, such as compiling possible suspects for a criminal investigation.
As you can see, a criminal record can affect many areas of everyday life, but understand that having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from things you need (for example, having a criminal record doesn't mean you can't go to college at all).
The best way to determine how your criminal record will affect a certain aspect of your life is to speak with a criminal attorney (preferably one local to your area) or someone directly related to the event (such as a military recruiter).
Accessing Your Criminal History
Generally, when a person is convicted of a crime, it becomes public record; in fact, sometimes searching a person's criminal history is as easy as visiting the courthouse or checking another public database. This is often the case for people who are looking into their own criminal records.
However, depending on someone's situation and just how deeply you want to search a person's criminal record, you might have to officially request access—and, depending on who you are and your purposes, you could be denied access altogether.
Government Agencies
Most government agencies have no problem accessing someone's criminal record; however, regarding voluntary situations, the agency might require your consent.
Non-Government Agencies
Most often, you must give your consent for any person, agency, or organization not affiliated with the government or law enforcement to access your criminal record related to certain eligibility purposes.
For example, background checks are required to purchase firearms, but a firearms dealer can't access your criminal record if you aren't trying to purchase a gun. Similarly, some schools, colleges, and universities require background checks for admittance; however, staff members can't search your record without your permission.
Of course, refusing to grant access is a red flag, and often a deal breaker.
General Public
Again, some criminal records are considered public records; others aren't.
Generally, this relates to the specific record. For example, some states allow the general public access to a person's criminal record, but not the person's background check.
Often, states set their own definitions for “criminal records' and “background checks,' but understand that—in most cases—criminal records are more thorough.
For example:
- A background check can tell you about a person's:
- Current and sometimes past addresses.
- Marital or divorced status.
- Bankruptcy filing history.
- Felony status or serious driving offenses (e.g., DUI).
- A criminal record check includes information about:
- Specific arrests, convictions, penalties (such as prison time, probation, and parole).
- Identifying marks and traits such as:
- Race.
- Tattoos.
- Hair and eye color.
- Height and weight (depending on how up to date the record is kept).
Before you order—or agree to—one of these checks, understand that some states or other entities (such as employers) use “background check' and “criminal record check' interchangeably. Make sure you understand the specific information the check will reveal before giving your consent.
Sex Crimes
When it comes to the general public accessing certain parts of a person's criminal history, sex crimes are the exception.
This is because every state in the U.S. uses a sex crimes or sex offender registry, and generally accessing these registries is as simple as visiting the state's sex offender website and searching the person's name.
Keep in mind, though, that each state also has its own regulations regarding who appears on the public sex offender registry, and these regulations are based on the state's crime classification. For example, some states place people who have committed sex crimes into certain categories or tiers, and only the people who've been convicted of the most serious crimes appear on the public registry.
Additionally, some states require people who've been convicted of sex crimes to appear on the registry for only a certain period of time; this means if that time period has passed, you won't know if the person committed a sex crime (without a more thorough criminal background check).
Request a Criminal Record
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Again, requesting a person's criminal record can get tricky, depending on who's requesting it and why.
How To Get Free Criminal Background Check
Of course, you can request your own criminal record with no problem; however, other agencies might have to get your permission or prove their legal rights.
Setting aside all the cautions mentioned above, you may be able to request criminal records through one of the following:
- Your county's courthouse or sheriff's department.
- Typically, you'll be able to access only crimes committed within that county.
- State government offices.
- These include your state's Department of Public Safety, State Police Department, and State Bureau of Investigation.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Criminal histories provided by the FBI often are much broader than others and might require fingerprints.
- The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System works for Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders who need criminal and background checks for potential firearms buyers.
Also, you can search for options on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) website; however, the FOIA does state:
- You're more likely to gain information if you have the person's consent or can prove the person is deceased.
- You can be denied information if it's deemed disclosing the information is an invasion of the person's privacy.
Too, the FOIA employs several exemptions and exclusions, several of which deal with ongoing law enforcement investigations.