How Soon Does an Arrest Show on a Background Check?
When it comes to background checks, one of the most common questions is how soon does an arrest show up on a report? The answer to this question is not a simple one, as it depends on various factors such as the type of arrest, the jurisdiction, and the type of background check being conducted. In this article, we will delve into the details and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
When Does an Arrest Show Up on a Background Check?
Federal Background Checks
For federal background checks, which are conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies, an arrest typically shows up on a report within 24-48 hours of the arrest being reported to the FBI. This is because federal agencies have access to real-time arrest data from law enforcement agencies across the country.
State and Local Background Checks
For state and local background checks, which are conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies, the timeframe for when an arrest shows up on a report can vary significantly. In some cases, an arrest may show up on a report within 24-48 hours, while in other cases it may take several days, weeks, or even months.
Why the Delay?
There are several reasons why an arrest may not show up on a background check immediately:
- Jurisdictional issues: Arrests may not be reported to the FBI or other federal agencies in a timely manner, which can cause delays in reporting.
- Lack of reporting: Law enforcement agencies may not report arrests to the FBI or other federal agencies, which can cause delays in reporting.
- Data entry errors: Errors in data entry can cause delays in reporting.
- Paper-based systems: Some law enforcement agencies may still use paper-based systems, which can cause delays in reporting.
Types of Arrests That Show Up on a Background Check
Not all arrests show up on a background check. Here are some types of arrests that typically show up on a report:
- Felony arrests: Felony arrests are typically reported to the FBI and other federal agencies, and will show up on a background check.
- Misdemeanor arrests: Misdemeanor arrests may not be reported to the FBI or other federal agencies, but may still show up on a state or local background check.
- Warrant arrests: Warrant arrests, which are arrests made based on outstanding warrants, typically show up on a background check.
Arrests That May Not Show Up on a Background Check
Here are some types of arrests that may not show up on a background check:
- Traffic arrests: Traffic arrests, such as speeding or reckless driving, may not be reported to the FBI or other federal agencies.
- Municipal ordinance arrests: Arrests for municipal ordinance violations, such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication, may not be reported to the FBI or other federal agencies.
- Juvenile arrests: Arrests of minors, which are typically handled by juvenile courts, may not show up on a background check.
What Can You Do if an Arrest Shows Up on a Background Check?
If an arrest shows up on a background check, there are several steps you can take:
- Contact the arresting agency: Reach out to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest and ask for more information about the arrest.
- Request a background check update: Request that the agency update your background check to reflect the correct information.
- Consider hiring an attorney: If the arrest is causing problems, consider hiring an attorney to help you resolve the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the timeframe for when an arrest shows up on a background check can vary significantly depending on the type of arrest, jurisdiction, and type of background check being conducted. While some arrests may show up on a report within 24-48 hours, others may take several days, weeks, or even months. It is important to understand the types of arrests that show up on a background check and what you can do if an arrest shows up on a report.
