What Shows Up on a County Criminal Background Check?
When conducting a criminal background check, many individuals and organizations wonder what information will be revealed. A county criminal background check, also known as a local criminal history check, provides a detailed report on an individual’s criminal activity within a specific county. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of what shows up on a county criminal background check and what you can expect.
What Information is Typically Included?
A county criminal background check typically includes information from the county courthouse and local law enforcement agencies. The following information is usually included:
- Arrests and Warrants: Information on arrest records, including the date, time, and circumstances of the arrest, as well as any outstanding warrants.
- Convictions: A list of convictions, including the crime, date, and sentence imposed.
- Misdemeanors and Felonies: Records of misdemeanor and felony charges, including the crime, date, and disposition (e.g., guilty, not guilty, or dismissed).
- Traffic Violations: Information on traffic violations, such as speeding tickets and DUIs.
- Criminal Charges: A list of criminal charges filed against the individual, including the crime, date, and disposition.
- Sentence Information: Information on the sentence imposed, including probation, parole, or imprisonment.
What Might Not Show Up on a County Criminal Background Check?
While a county criminal background check provides a detailed report on an individual’s criminal activity within the county, there are some limitations to what information is included:
- Federal Convictions: Federal convictions will not typically appear on a county criminal background check.
- Out-of-County Convictions: Convictions from other counties or states will not be included in the report.
- Juvenile Records: In some states, juvenile records are sealed or expunged, and therefore will not be included in the report.
- Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged or sealed by the court will not appear on the report.
How Long Do Criminal Records Remain on a County Background Check?
The length of time that criminal records remain on a county background check varies by state and locality. In general, most criminal records remain on file for at least 7-10 years, but in some cases, they may remain on file indefinitely.
What is the Difference Between a County Criminal Background Check and a State Criminal Background Check?
A county criminal background check is a more limited search that focuses on criminal activity within a specific county. A state criminal background check, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive search that includes criminal activity from multiple counties and jurisdictions.
What is the Difference Between a County Criminal Background Check and a National Criminal Background Check?
A county criminal background check provides information on criminal activity within a specific county, while a national criminal background check searches for criminal activity across multiple states and jurisdictions.
Table: Comparison of County, State, and National Criminal Background Checks
| County Background Check | State Background Check | National Background Check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Specific county | Specific state | Nationwide |
| Information | Limited to county records | Includes records from multiple counties and jurisdictions | Includes records from multiple states and jurisdictions |
| Limitations | Does not include federal convictions or out-of-county convictions | Does not include federal convictions | Includes federal convictions |
Conclusion
A county criminal background check provides a detailed report on an individual’s criminal activity within a specific county. While the report may not include information from other counties, states, or federal agencies, it can still provide valuable insight into an individual’s criminal history. It is important to understand the limitations and scope of a county criminal background check when conducting a search. By knowing what information is typically included and what might not show up on the report, individuals and organizations can make more informed decisions about hiring or renting to someone.
