What Shows Up on a County Criminal Background Check?
A county criminal background check reveals a snapshot of an individual's criminal history within a specific county. The exact information included varies by state and county, but generally, you can expect to find some or all of the following:
Key Information Typically Included:
- Arrests: Records of all arrests made within that county, regardless of whether the charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a conviction. This is crucial to understand; an arrest alone doesn't mean guilt.
- Charges: The specific criminal charges filed against the individual in that county. This includes the details of the alleged offense.
- Dispositions: The final outcome of each case. This could include:
- Conviction: A guilty plea or a finding of guilt after a trial. This often includes the specific crime, date of conviction, and any sentence imposed (jail time, probation, fines, etc.).
- Acquittal: A finding of not guilty.
- Dismissal: The charges were dropped by the prosecution.
- Nolle Prosequi: The prosecution decided not to pursue the charges.
- Sentencing Information: If a conviction occurred, details of the sentence, such as jail time served, probation terms, fines, and any other penalties.
- Case Numbers and Court Dates: Unique identifiers for each case, allowing for further investigation if needed.
Information Usually Not Included (But Potentially Available Elsewhere):
It's important to distinguish what a county criminal background check doesn't typically include:
- Statewide or National Records: A county check only covers that specific county. To get a more comprehensive picture, you might need a statewide or national background check, which can be more expensive and time-consuming.
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Depending on state laws and the specifics of the case, some records may be sealed or expunged (legally removed) from public view. These generally won't appear on a standard county check.
- Juvenile Records: Records of juvenile offenses are typically confidential and not accessible to the public.
- Civil Records: This type of check focuses on criminal activity; civil matters (like lawsuits or bankruptcies) are usually handled separately.
- Traffic Violations: These are typically handled by separate court systems and usually won't show up on a criminal background check.
Obtaining a County Criminal Background Check:
The process for obtaining a county criminal background check varies depending on location. Some counties may allow online access to public records, while others may require a visit to the county courthouse or sheriff's office. You might need to provide identifying information about the subject, such as their full name and date of birth. Fees typically apply.
Important Considerations:
- Accuracy: While county records aim for accuracy, errors can occur. Always double-check information against multiple sources if accuracy is critical.
- Legal Use: The use of background checks is subject to legal restrictions. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance is critical for employers and landlords. Improper use can lead to legal penalties.
- Privacy: Accessing someone's criminal record requires adhering to privacy laws. Unauthorized access or misuse of this information is illegal.
This information provides a general overview. For specific details, it's best to contact the county clerk's office or sheriff's department in the relevant county. Remember to always respect individual privacy and comply with all applicable laws when accessing and using background check information.
