What Shows Up on a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is a thorough examination of an individual’s criminal history, often conducted by employers, lenders, or government agencies to assess an individual’s fitness for a particular job, loan, or other purpose. But what exactly does a criminal background check show? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what typically shows up on a criminal background check.
What Shows Up on a Criminal Background Check?
A standard criminal background check typically reveals the following information:
Convictions
- Misdemeanors and felonies
- Convictions for crimes such as drug possession, theft, and assault
- felony convictions may remain on a person’s record permanently
Arrests
- Not guilty verdicts do not always show up on a criminal background check
- Pardons or expungements may not remove an arrest from a background check
- Arrests that are later dropped or dismissed may still show up on the report
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Information
- Some states release mental health records as part of a criminal background check
- Substance abuse treatment records may be included
Civil Court Records
- Civil court judgments, liens, and bankruptcies may show up on a criminal background check
- These records do not necessarily indicate criminal behavior
Traffic Violations
- Some jurisdictions may include traffic violations, such as DUIs and reckless driving, on a criminal background check
- These violations may not have a direct impact on job or loan eligibility
Other Information
- Some states may include education and employment history on a criminal background check
- In some cases, a credit report may be included in the background check
What Does Not Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?
While a criminal background check can reveal a significant amount of information, there are some things that do not typically show up on a report:
Academic Records
- College transcripts and grade records are not typically included in a criminal background check
- Some scholarships and awards may be public record, but these records are not usually included
Private Records
- Personal emails, texts, and social media messages are not typically included
- Private financial transactions, such as bank account information, are not typically included
Inadvertent Inclusions
- Some records may accidentally be included in a background check, such as misfiled documents or old records
- Employers or background check agencies may need to correct or remove these records
How to Prepare for a Criminal Background Check
While it’s impossible to remove all records from a background check, there are some steps you can take to prepare:
Check Your Records
- Obtain a copy of your criminal record to review for accuracy
- File any disputes or corrections with the appropriate authorities
Seek Expungement
- If you have a criminal record, seek expungement or seal the record if possible
- This may increase the likelihood of a cleaner background check
Choose the Right Background Check Company
- Research reputable background check companies to ensure a thorough and accurate report
- Some companies may offer more comprehensive or thorough background checks than others
Conclusion
A criminal background check can reveal a significant amount of information, including convictions, arrests, and civil court records. While there are some records that do not typically show up on a background check, it’s essential to be aware of what is included and what is not. By understanding what a criminal background check shows and taking steps to prepare, you can increase your chances of a successful background check and move forward with confidence.
