Get a Free Criminal History Check
In an age of corporate fraud and, even worse, battery and sexual assault, a criminal history check is often a wise precaution. Many employers insist on these checks prior to hiring. Numerous states even require criminal background checks, especially when it comes to hiring teachers and child care workers. Police and other government workers may also be required to undergo criminal history checks. Detailed records are available for a fee, but it is possible to obtain minimal information for free.
Instructions
1. Obtain the last name of the individual to be checked. First name, state, date of birth and Social Security number will also be helpful in your search.
2. Enter this information on the Criminal Records tab of USSearch.com. You can also use similar sites, such as PeopleData or CriminalWatchDog.
3. Look through the list of names and addresses that appears. If a name appears on the list, it means that there is criminal-history information available for that person.
4. Check your information against the available information. The appearance of a similar name does not mean that you have found criminal records for the correct individual. The records may be those of an individual with a similar name and residential background.
5. Consider your specific needs. A paid report will generally provide information on sexual offenses, criminal arrests and criminal and civil judgments. You will also receive an in-depth address history and possibly other information, such as divorce and marriage records.
6. Expect to pay anywhere from about $18.95 for a simple report and up to $99.95, or more, for a highly detailed history. Remember, too, that not all states provide access to all classes of records. Some states do not make criminal or other records available to private citizens. Check your state's regulations to see if a waiver is required for information.
7. Look into individual state resources, as well. Some states may provide certain records free of charge. There is; however, no central database of state records that is available to the general public free of charge.
