How To Check Criminal Record Online

As technology advances, so do the ways we can access information. One area where this is highly beneficial is criminal records. In the past, checking someone’s criminal history may have required visiting the courthouse or hiring a private investigator. Now, you can easily check criminal records online. In this article, we’ll go over the steps to check someone’s criminal record online.

Gather the Necessary Information

The first step in checking someone’s criminal record is to gather the necessary information. You’ll typically need the person’s full name, date of birth, and possibly their social security number. If you’re checking your own criminal record, you’ll obviously know this information already. However, if you’re checking someone else’s criminal record, you’ll need to get this information from them.

Determine Where to Search

Once you have the necessary information, you’ll need to determine where to search for the criminal record. There are several different websites and databases that offer this information. Some are free, while others require a fee. The most common places to look for criminal records include:

• State and County Court Websites: Many state and county court websites offer online access to criminal records. However, not all states offer this service, and some may require you to pay a fee.
• State and National Databases: Many states have their own criminal record databases, which you can search for free or a nominal fee. Additionally, the FBI offers a national database, which you can access through the FBI’s website.
• Online Background Check Websites: There are several online background check websites, such as BeenVerified and Instant Checkmate, that offer criminal record searches for a fee. These websites usually offer more comprehensive information than the free searches.

Perform the Search

Once you’ve determined where to search, you can begin the search. Each website may have slightly different search procedures, but they all typically require the same information.

Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information, such as their social security number, into the search fields. Then, click the search button. Depending on the website, the results may be instant or may take several minutes to generate.

Review the Results

Once the search is complete, you’ll be presented with a list of results. Review the results carefully to ensure they match the person you were searching for. Some websites may provide a summary of the person’s criminal history, while others may provide detailed information, such as the charges and court cases.

If you find something in the criminal record that requires further explanation or clarification, you may want to consult with a lawyer or other legal expert.

In Conclusion

Checking someone’s criminal record online has become a relatively easy task. By gathering the necessary information, determining where to search, and performing the search, you can access criminal records from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s important to keep in mind that criminal records may not tell the whole story and further investigation may be necessary.