What does a national criminal background check include?

What Does a National Criminal Background Check Include?

A national criminal background check is a comprehensive search of an individual’s criminal history records, which can be conducted by employers, landlords, and other organizations to assess an individual’s suitability for a particular position, rental property, or other opportunity. The scope of a national criminal background check can vary depending on the type of check and the organization conducting it, but it typically includes a search of multiple databases and records to identify any criminal convictions, arrests, or other relevant information.

Types of Records Included

A national criminal background check typically includes the following types of records:

• Federal Records: These include records from federal courts, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal agencies. Federal records may include:

  • Convictions and sentences
  • Arrests and charges
  • Parole and probation information
  • Sex offender registration

• State Records: These include records from state courts, state police departments, and other state agencies. State records may include:

  • Convictions and sentences
  • Arrests and charges
  • Parole and probation information
  • Sex offender registration

• Local Records: These include records from local courts, police departments, and other local agencies. Local records may include:

  • Convictions and sentences
  • Arrests and charges
  • Parole and probation information
  • Sex offender registration

• Database Records: These include records from private databases and online repositories that collect and store criminal history information. Database records may include:

  • Publicly available information
  • Court records
  • Police reports
  • Other relevant information

What is Included in a National Criminal Background Check?

A national criminal background check typically includes the following information:

• Convictions: A list of all convictions, including the crime committed, the date of conviction, and the sentence imposed.
• Arrests: A list of all arrests, including the date of arrest, the charges filed, and the outcome of the case.
• Parole and Probation Information: Information about any parole or probation sentences, including the terms of the sentence and any violations.
• Sex Offender Registration: Information about any sex offender registration requirements, including the level of risk posed by the individual.
• Warrants: A list of any outstanding warrants, including the date issued, the charges, and the status of the warrant.
• Fugitive Information: Information about any fugitive status, including the date of the warrant and the charges.
• Mental Health Information: Information about any mental health commitments or involuntary hospitalizations.
• Drug-Related Offenses: Information about any drug-related offenses, including convictions, arrests, and treatment programs.

What is Not Included in a National Criminal Background Check?

A national criminal background check does not typically include the following information:

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• Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors are typically not included in a national criminal background check, unless they are felony-level offenses.
• Traffic Violations: Traffic violations are not typically included in a national criminal background check.
• Civil Records: Civil records, such as lawsuits and liens, are not typically included in a national criminal background check.
• Juvenile Records: Juvenile records are typically not included in a national criminal background check, unless the individual was tried as an adult.

How Long Does a National Criminal Background Check Take?

The length of time it takes to complete a national criminal background check can vary depending on the type of check and the organization conducting it. Typically, a national criminal background check can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete.

Conclusion

A national criminal background check is a comprehensive search of an individual’s criminal history records, which can be conducted by employers, landlords, and other organizations to assess an individual’s suitability for a particular position, rental property, or other opportunity. The scope of a national criminal background check can vary depending on the type of check and the organization conducting it, but it typically includes a search of multiple databases and records to identify any criminal convictions, arrests, or other relevant information.

Table: Types of Records Included in a National Criminal Background Check

Table: What is Included in a National Criminal Background Check

Table: What is Not Included in a National Criminal Background Check