There are plenty of occasions that you might have to submit to a criminal background check. Job applications, rental opportunities, or even volunteering at your kid’s school. It may be beneficial to know what a background check will look for.
Criminal Background Check Types
Depending on the organization pulling your background check, there are a few different types of background checks available. Most often, organizations will use a database that has your federal, state, and county criminal records. This is the best way to get a full picture of the record they’re checking.
Nationwide Criminal Databases
This type is the most common. Employers, property managers, and human resources officials can use this option to check thousands of jurisdictions for state and local crimes. This route is often used by small businesses, as it generally costs less per person than the larger databases.
Federal Criminal Court
Larger corporations can afford to use this background check option. This type of background check filters through US District and appellate courts for federal crimes under your name.
County Criminal Court
County criminal court background checks keep the search within the local county. It will include detailed charges and disposition of the crime(s). This is usually a service included with the more overarching databases.
Statewide Criminal Records
This database includes police records and state courts within a certain state. This will outline everything including traffic violations, and non-arrest infractions. Sometimes, this background check will be processed first as a preliminary check. Then, if needed, they can dig deeper and request a nationwide search or a copy of your detailed driving record.
Types of Crimes That Can Show
There is a tier system of crimes. Some carry more weight than others. For example, murder isn’t comparable to jaywalking.
- Felony Convictions: murder, rape, arson, large scale theft, aggravated assault, and other people crimes fall under this category.
- Misdemeanor Convictions: Vandalism, public intoxication, prostitution, small scale theft, and similar crimes fall under this category.
- Infractions and Violations: Petty crimes such as jaywalking, littering, disturbing the peace, and moving traffic violations fall into this category.
Things that will always appear on your background checks include arrests, convictions of felonies and misdemeanors, court records, warrants, sex offenses, and incarceration records.
Arrests and civil suits fall off your record after 7 years, but arrests remain on the record in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. However, some states don’t allow employers to see certain records after 7 years.
Other Background Details
Background reports can also be used to verify your social security number, resident alien status, credit reports, and sex offender registry. Further, some databases carry details on things like military service, drug test results, education records, and character references.
If a warrant shows, there is a chance that your information will be shared with local law enforcement. If an arrest occurs, Szar Bail Bonds can help you seek freedom while awaiting court proceedings. Contact us to find out how we can help.
