What Shows Up on a Background Check Criminal?
A background check is a routine procedure conducted by employers, landlords, and other organizations to verify an individual’s past activities, criminal history, and personal information. When a criminal background check is performed, it typically reveals a wide range of information about the individual’s history, including their criminal records, convictions, and pending charges. In this article, we will delve into what typically shows up on a criminal background check.
What Information is Included in a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check may include the following information:
• Criminal Records: This includes arrest records, convictions, and sentencing information for crimes such as theft, assault, burglary, and drug offenses.
• Conviction Information: This includes the type of crime committed, the date of the crime, the sentence imposed, and any subsequent parole or probation requirements.
• Misdemeanor and Felony Records: Misdemeanor and felony convictions are typically included in a criminal background check.
• Arrests and Charges: Information about arrests, charges, and disposition of those charges, including dismissed or expunged cases.
• Juvenile Records: Some states include juvenile records, which can be sealed or expunged, but may still be accessible through a criminal background check.
• FBI Fingerprint Record: The FBI maintains a fingerprint database that can be checked for criminal activity.
What Doesn’t Show Up on a Background Check?
While a criminal background check can provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s criminal history, there are some limitations:
• Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged, or legally erased, do not appear on a criminal background check.
• Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed, but not expunged, may not appear on a criminal background check.
• Misdemeanor Misdemeanor Offenses: In some states, misdemeanor offenses are not reported to the FBI database.
• Some Felony Offenses: Certain felony offenses, such as DUI or drug-related charges, may not be reported to the FBI database.
• Private Security Screenings: Some background checks may not include information from private security screenings or third-party vendors.
Types of Criminal Background Checks
There are several types of criminal background checks, including:
• Local Criminal Checks: These checks typically cover the individual’s local jurisdiction, including municipal, county, and state courts.
• National Criminal Checks: These checks include information from federal courts, the FBI database, and other national sources.
• Multi-State Criminal Checks: These checks cover multiple states, including local, state, and federal courts.
Table: Common Types of Criminal Background Checks
| Type of Check | Included Information |
|---|---|
| Local Criminal Check | Arrests, convictions, and sentencing information from local jurisdiction |
| National Criminal Check | FBI database, federal courts, and other national sources |
| Multi-State Criminal Check | Arrests, convictions, and sentencing information from multiple states |
When Does a Criminal Background Check Take Place?
Criminal background checks may take place in various situations, including:
• Employment: Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process to ensure public safety and liability.
• Landlord Rental: Landlords may conduct background checks to assess the tenant’s credibility and likelihood of paying rent on time.
• Education: Educational institutions may conduct background checks to ensure students’ safety and comply with regulations.
• Government Licensing: Government agencies may conduct background checks as part of licensing requirements for professions such as law enforcement, healthcare, and finance.
Conclusion
A criminal background check can provide a wealth of information about an individual’s criminal history, but it is essential to understand what information is included and what is not. Employers, landlords, and other organizations should conduct thorough background checks to make informed decisions. It is also important for individuals to understand their own criminal history and take steps to clear their records through expungement or sealing.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a criminal background check can reveal a wide range of information about an individual’s past, including criminal records, convictions, and pending charges. While there are limitations to what shows up on a background check, it is essential to conduct thorough checks to ensure public safety and liability. Individuals should take steps to understand their own criminal history and take action to clear their records, if necessary.
