Hold up! Before you even think about googling someone’s name and clicking on the first sketchy link you see, let’s save you the trouble—and potentially your computer. Searching for someone’s criminal history is not about playing detective on unreliable sites or falling for shady ads promising “instant” and “accurate” results.
It is about knowing where to look, how to stay safe while looking, and why being responsible with the information you get matters; perhaps, that is why you are here to begin with. You can’t afford to make a mistake when deciding on critical matters regarding someone’s criminal background report. Hence, we will point you in the right direction by discussing these factors, starting with the basics.
Why You May Need to Conduct a Criminal Background Check
Let’s be real: There are a million reasons. However, being nosy is not a good one, so avoid it. That said, let’s consider some genuine ones:
Employment Background Checks
If you are hiring, especially for roles that involve working with kids, the elderly, or people with special needs, you better know who you are onboarding for a good reason. Such roles entail entrusting the lives of those you hold dear into the hands of a caretaker. The last thing you want is for them to be in danger while you are away, so a criminal check can help you weed out a babysitter with a history of abuse or grooming. And it does not stop at your home; it is just as crucial when recruiting employees for a business.
Tenant Screening
Landlords, this one is for you: Don’t hand over the keys of a property you built with your blood, sweat, and tears to just anyone without knowing their history. Many landlords have made this mistake and gotten burned (bad credit scores, evictions, unpaid rent, and even threats to life). You have no excuse to repeat it and leave your investment unguarded.
Business Partnerships
We all love a good business deal that has us smiling on the way to the bank. However, when you have a new partner on board, how sure are you that they are who they claim to be? Maybe there is no reason to worry, but it is still nice to know the truth either way. After all, you are going into partnership to maximize the profit that comes from success and would not like to deal with lawsuits and penalties for non-compliance due to dubious practices from partners on the wrong side of the law.
Personal Safety
If you are dating someone new or letting them crash at your place, checking their background could save you from a world of trouble—even if they are the best thing that has ever happened to you. For all you know, that best thing could be a registered sex offender or another Ted Bundy in disguise. And how about that charming new neighbor who loves chatting away with you while watering their plants? Of course, you need to know if they are as harmless as they seem.
Professional Licenses and Contracts
Some careers do not play around with criminal history. Think doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors. In these cases, you need to be sure that any of them you hire holds the right to practice in your state and does not have a history of questionable professional conduct. Similarly, if Uncle Sam is involved, background checks are a must as every vendor, contractor, and agency the government hires to work with should have a clean record.
Ways to Check Someone’s Criminal Records
Care to know if an applicant, date, or business partner is hiding something of great concern? Follow these steps:
Visit State Websites
Look up the name of the state followed by “criminal history records.” This will direct you to official state court or government agency websites that maintain criminal history databases. For instance, in Texas, you can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Crime Records Service to access the Criminal History Conviction Name Search tool and enter the person’s name to get your answers.
Make Use of Court Records Offices
Visit a court records office in person or use a website provided by a court or state agency to search for conviction records of interest. Keep in mind that sealed or expunged records are not accessible to the public.
Use Third-Party Websites
It is advisable to proceed with caution when using this channel to find someone’s criminal history, as accuracy can vary. Plus, these platforms are not government-sponsored. Reliable options, however, allow you to search criminal records while maintaining ease of use, but always verify the information through official channels to ensure it is accurate.
Go Through National Archives
For older criminal court records, submit a mail or online request to the National Archives. These records may take time to be processed but can be invaluable when dealing with historical cases.
How to Safely Conduct a Criminal Background Check and Use the Information Responsibly
Double-Check Your Facts
This implies ensuring you have the correct full name, date of birth, and anything else that proves you are digging into the right person.
Obtain Consent
Let’s also talk about consent—yes, you need it for an official reason. In the absence of this, you are more likely to skate on thin ice legally and ethically.
Know Your Local Laws
Some places do not play when it comes to what info you can access or how you can use it. If you live in California, you already know this. Here, access to criminal records is strictly regulated and only granted to law enforcement agencies, certain employers, or persons behind such records. So, know what your state law permits and abide by it.
Use a VPN
While you are at it, fire up a VPN to maintain anonymity. No one needs your online trail looking like you have FBI-level curiosity.
Stick With Reputable Sources
We are talking government sites, court records, and legit background check services; none of that sketchy “$2.99 full report” baloney.
Keep Information Confidential
If you find what you were looking for, keep it to yourself or only share it with authorized parties. Avoid handling it carelessly so you do not land in hot water.
Do Not Make Assumptions
Understand that criminal records do not always tell you the whole story. Context matters. So, even if you have what you were looking for, get additional insights into the circumstances surrounding the offense.
Prioritize Your Safety
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable at any point during the process, consider your safety and seek help. Remember, always trust your gut.
Store the Information Securely and Dispose of It Properly
Handle your findings like a pro! If it is in a soft copy format, secure it using encryption and password protection. If it is on paper, keep it in a safe place and shred it when you are done.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the past stays buried. Other times, it is hiding in plain sight, masked by charming smiles, warm hugs, and smooth talk. If you rely on such impressions, you might not realize what you are up against until it is too late. That is why it is 100% okay to double-check before trusting someone with your cash, your kid, your business, or even your heart. And you can do it the right way, thanks to this guide. So, don your detective gloves and hat, and get to work.
