County-Level Criminal Records Check
County courts serve as the primary venue for prosecuting and storing most criminal cases, typically involving state criminal code violations. Conducting a criminal history check at the county level forms the foundation for a comprehensive inquiry into an applicant’s criminal background. By examining records from county courts, employers can uncover a wide range of offenses, including felony and misdemeanor convictions within a specific jurisdiction. This type of check allows companies to assess the candidate’s history of compliance with state laws, identify potential red flags, and evaluate their suitability for various roles within the organization.
State & Nationwide Criminal Records Check
Criminal record databases are typically incomplete. They cover only selected counties and date ranges and are compiled from various sources. However, they are a useful supplement to a county-level criminal court records check. Use state and nationwide searches to expand the inquiry beyond the known states and counties of residence, attended schools, and prior employers. This increases the probability of finding potential felony criminal convictions.
Federal Criminal Records Check
Federal crimes and criminal offenses committed on federal property carry significant weight and are prosecuted in federal courts. Including a check for federal crimes in a candidate’s criminal background check adds an extra layer of thoroughness and completeness to the inquiry. By specifically examining federal criminal records, companies can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s past and potential risks they may pose. This type of check is particularly valuable for positions that involve handling sensitive information, working with federal agencies, or requiring a high level of trust and security.
Sex Offender Registry Search
We check arrest and incarceration records and registered sex offender lists. Most states provide centralized services that can be used to check whether an applicant is registered as a convicted sex offender.
Global Homeland Security Search
Our Office of Foreign Assets Control search services can amplify other criminal history record check data by querying watch lists from the OFAC, including a global terrorist search.