What Comes Up on a Criminal Background Check?
When applying for a job, loan, rental property, or other important opportunities, a criminal background check may be required. But what exactly does this process involve, and what information does it reveal? In this article, we’ll break down the common items that can appear on a criminal background check, helping you understand what to expect.
What Is a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is an investigation into an individual’s criminal history. It is typically conducted by a government agency, employer, or private company, and is used to assess an individual’s suitability for a particular job, residence, or other opportunity.
Common Items That Appear on a Criminal Background Check:
The specific information included on a criminal background check can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the purpose of the check. However, here are some common items that may appear:
Contents
**Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions**
• Court records: Details of convictions, including dates, crimes, and sentences
• Sentencing information: Length of incarceration, probation, or other penalties
**Mugshots and Arrests**
• Mugshot images: Photos taken by law enforcement at the time of arrest
• Arrest information: Date, time, and details of the arrest
**Criminal Charges and Dispositions**
• Charges filed: Details of criminal charges, including dates and crimes
• Dispositions: Outcomes of criminal charges, such as guilty or not guilty pleas, plea bargains, or dismissal
**Sex Offender Registration Information**
• Name and date of birth: Information listed on sex offender registries
• Address history: Locations where the individual has lived
**Civil Judgments and Tax Liens**
• Civil judgments: Money owed to individuals or government agencies
• Tax liens: Amounts owed to the government for taxes
**Employment Verification**
• Employment history: Records of previous employers, including job titles and dates of employment
• Reason for termination: Circumstances surrounding the end of a job
**Education Verification**
• Education history: Records of previous educational institutions attended, including degrees and dates
**Licenses and Certifications**
• Professional licenses: Current and expired licenses, including dates and details
• Certifications: Expired and current certifications, including dates and details
What Doesn’t Appear on a Criminal Background Check?
While a criminal background check can reveal a significant amount of information, there are some things that may not appear:
- Traffic violations: Moving violations, parking tickets, and other minor traffic offenses are usually not included
- Citation-only records: Records that only show a citation, without an associated conviction, may not be included
- Sealed or expunged records: Records that have been sealed or expunged by the court are typically not included
How Long Do Criminal Convictions Stay on a Background Check?
The duration of a criminal conviction’s appearance on a background check varies by jurisdiction. Some states have specific laws regulating how long certain types of convictions can remain on an individual’s record. Typically, convictions:
- Stay on the record indefinitely: In some states, convictions remain on an individual’s record indefinitely
- Expunge after a set period: In other states, convictions are automatically expunged after a set period, such as seven years
- Must be manually expunged: In some cases, individuals must take steps to manually expunge their convictions
What Can I Do If Something Is Wrong on My Background Check?
If you discover inaccuracies or incorrect information on your background check, take the following steps:
- Gather supporting documentation: Collect evidence, such as court records and police reports, to support your claims
- Contact the reporting agency: Reach out to the agency that conducted the background check and report the inaccuracies
- File a complaint: Report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the relevant state agency
- Seek legal assistance: If necessary, consult with a lawyer to resolve the issue
Conclusion
A criminal background check is an important tool for employers, landlords, and other stakeholders to assess an individual’s suitability for a particular opportunity. By understanding what types of information may appear on a background check, individuals can better prepare themselves and take steps to correct inaccuracies. Remember to research the specific laws and regulations in your state and seek legal assistance if necessary to resolve any issues that arise.
