How to Conduct a Dallas County Background Check

Michelle Wilson - October 20, 2023

A background check is a valuable tool for anyone wanting to verify someone’s details before making critical decisions that could impact them directly. The background check protects individuals, limiting loss, reducing liabilities, and ensuring the person you speak with is who they say. There are a few ways to conduct a Dallas County Background check. Users can start their search through the Dallas County Felony and Misdemeanor Courts Case Information database, perform general online searches, or use a reputable third-party background check. 

What is the Dallas County Felony and Misdemeanor Courts Case Information?

This website is an online database of all court records received through Dallas County. The platform offers a free internet search option as a public service. Users can visit the website and enter specific details about an individual to pull up any records or documents. Although the platform offers all records “as is,” it can provide valuable information about an individual’s previous records.

How to Perform a Search Using the Dallas County Felony and Misdemeanor Courts Case Information Website

To get started, read through the rules of use on the website’s home page. Click the continue button to begin your individual record’s search. The search function will include a variety of options, including the following details:

– First and last name

– Date of birth

– Race

– Sex

– Number type

– Conviction status

Enter the known details into the search options to start your screening. Once you’ve entered all the information, select the Search by Name option on the bottom left of the screen. Alternatively, users can perform the background check according to case number, if known.  

Understanding the Results

After locating the proper record, click the blue button on the left side of the results page. From there, you can scroll through the court record, including all relevant details of the offense. The results will include court and disposition codes and filing agency details.

Unfortunately, the court files are limited to criminal activity within Dallas. This means anyone with a criminal record outside the area won’t display the results, which may skew the results. Additionally, the court screening fails to offer the same verification as a background screening. Ordering a background report is the best option if you need a comprehensive profile.

What Appears on a Dallas Background Check?

The details within the background check will vary according to the report requested. Typically, a background report will include the following information:

– Identity verification

– Criminal history

– Employment and education verification

– Motor vehicle records

– Credit check and report

An employer is more likely to order a credit report when the applicant will access company money or financial details from clients. Likewise, an employer requiring an applicant to use company machinery or vehicles will likely confirm the motor vehicle records when hiring.

Comprehensive Details of Your Background Report

If you order a background screening from a third party, the details will likely outline the following categories.

Identity Verification

Identity verification will ensure the individual matches who they claim to be. The identity verification will confirm the full name, date of birth, and address history. This confirmation will also eliminate identity confusion, which offers confusing information about an applicant that matches another person with a similar name.

Criminal History

The criminal history will show pending cases or criminal convictions attached to someone’s identity. The criminal background check report will disclose the criminal case number, details surrounding the offense, severity level, disposition information, and sentencing information. The criminal history will never include juvenile, sealed, or expunged records.

Employment and Education Verification

The employment verification allows a prospective employer to confirm the resume details of an applicant. This information includes any previous employment, dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for termination. This section will not include previous salaries.

Education verification will review an applicant’s educational history to ensure the applicant’s education matches the qualifications for the position. Details will include the applicant’s attendance dates, diplomas or degrees, and additional qualifications.

Professional License Review

A professional license allows a prospective applicant to work within their designated industry. This verification will disclose the license number, validity, license type, expiration date, sanctions, or public discipline.

Motor Vehicle Records

The motor vehicle records will offer data about an individual’s driving history and license. These details include driver’s license number, license class, issuance and expiration dates, physical characteristics of the individual, traffic violations, suspensions, and points assessed. This screening is beneficial for any employment requiring driving for the role.

Credit History

The credit history will carefully review an applicant’s financial responsibility, including accounts, liens, judgments, and collection activities. This review will help a prospective employer determine an applicant’s financial responsibility, especially if they’re responsible for accounts within a company. A background check won’t pull the same information as other reviews, nor do they impact an applicant’s credit score.

Drug Testing

Although this option isn’t standard for most background checks, a prospective employer may request a comprehensive screening before hiring an applicant. This option is prevalent for positions with safety and security. Drug testing involves checking an individual for recent use of illegal substances, including hair, blood, or urine testing. Drug testing requires consent, although an employer may terminate eligibility for refusing to submit a test.

The Dallas Background Check Process

Before running a background check, it’s critical to receive authorization from the applicant (unless you’re looking at a report for personal interest). The FCRA requires any employer to notify prospective employees in writing before a background check starts. The applicant can include consent as part of this form.

Choose the Screening Services

Employers and individuals should determine the information required from the background screening process before running a background check. Using the free online service may prove efficient if you’re only looking for relevant criminal history for the Dallas area. Alternatively, anyone needing additional verification may opt for the paid background screening to develop a complete report on an individual. Crucial areas might include criminal history, credit report, identification, and employment history.

Running the Background Check on the Individual

An employer, individual, or third-party company may perform the background check after all details are confirmed. The third-party company should remain compliant with all laws and regulations at the state and federal levels.

Review the Information

After the report is sent, carefully review the details. An employer may reject your employment application if the results show derogatory information. When reviewing your results, always compare the details with your documents. Ensure your employment dates match your resume, your credit history is accurate, and your criminal record is reporting correctly. All discrepancies should be reported to the proper agency for review.

Conclusion

If you’d like to perform a background check, you can run the screening personally or use a third-party platform. Although personal screening is free, it comes with significant limitations overall. Many databases only include information according to the requesting city or county instead of creating a federal scan. Alternatively, a third-party platform can establish proper verifications before establishing the report. These services often have a fee but will ensure all details are accurate and complete.