Running a background check on someone can tell you a lot about them. In certain situations, like when considering them for a job or entrusting them with important responsibilities, it’s essential to have all the information available.
This article will show you how to find someone’s criminal record by running a background check on them.
How Do You Find Someone’s Criminal Record
There are various free people search engines online that you can use to run a background check on someone. A background check usually provides information such as criminal records, employment history, current address, and even social media handles.
A person’s criminal record history will uncover any offenses the person may have made in the past. Normally, you would have to dig through huge databases and manually compile a report, but a free online service will handle all of this for you and give you all the information you need in mere seconds.
All you have to do is enter the person’s first and last name in the tool. You can also enter the name of the city where they live, but that’s optional. Then, you just have to wait for the background check service to compile the results for you.
It will look through various public records to gather relevant information about the person. This process usually takes a couple of minutes, but once it’s finished, you’ll receive a neatly formatted report that shows the person’s criminal history along with lots of other information.
It is crucial that you familiarize yourself with laws regarding criminal records and their public access. While there’s nothing wrong with conducting a free background check on someone, it’s not legal to use the information it gives you to make hiring decisions or discriminate against people based on their criminal history.
Why Search for Someone’s Criminal Record?
You may be interested in finding someone’s criminal record for various reasons, such as ensuring your safety or making informed decisions in personal or professional relationships. For example, if you’re planning to go on a date with someone for the first time, you might want to check their criminal record for peace of mind.
You can also run a background check on your neighbors to see if they have any criminal convictions. It’s a good way to keep an eye on the safety of your neighborhood and your family.
What Shows Up on a Background Check
When it comes to criminal records, here’s what you’d typically find in a background check:
Arrest Records: Information about instances when the person was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Convictions: Details of criminal convictions, including the charges, court verdicts, and sentencing.
Court Records: Information from court proceedings, such as hearings and trials, including case numbers, dates, and outcomes.
Warrants: Whether there are any outstanding arrest warrants for the individual.
Charges Pending Trial: Details about criminal charges that have been filed but not yet adjudicated in court.
Probation or Parole Records: Information about the individual’s probation or parole status, if applicable.
Sex Offender Registry: Inclusion in a sex offender registry if convicted of a sex-related crime.
Photographs: Any photographs present on licenses or submitted on government documents.
Weapons permits: Weapons they are allowed to carry/have the license for.
Tips for Conducting a Background Check Safely
For your own legal safety, it is important to obtain consent from the person whose criminal record you’re investigating. Ensure that you have legal authority to acquire the information. Be mindful not to breach any data protection laws while you conduct the record search. In a country like the United States, where approximately 1.3 million legal professionals actively practice, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Department of Justice’s annual statistical reports, legal considerations become even more critical when conducting background checks. Make sure you’re only accessing relevant information for the purpose of your record search. For example, in the case of hiring employees, only ask for information that is relevant to the job. Criminal records are sensitive and private, and it is your responsibility to treat the information with sensitivity and discretion. Following these steps will reduce your chances of getting into any sort of legal quagmire. Consider hiring a lawyer when conducting a background check. A lawyer can provide valuable guidance, helping you understand any potential legal implications and ensuring you proceed in an appropriate manner.
Handle Information Responsibly
A person’s criminal record is deeply personal and should only be used for legitimate purposes. For example, you may want to look it up if you frequently interact with the person and you are concerned about your safety.
As an employer or landlord, you can’t make any hiring or renting decisions based solely on a person’s criminal record. That’s why we recommend that you hire a lawyer so you can navigate these situations appropriately.
