How to Conduct a Free County Criminal Background Check

Michelle Wilson - October 22, 2023

A county criminal background check will search local records to compile a list of any previous documents, arrests, or convictions for an individual. Anyone can perform a free county criminal background check, regardless of prior experience. Many counties allow users to search through records and databases free of charge, making it cost-effective for anyone wanting to find out background information. To start your background search, use an online search engine to locate the clerk’s office for a specific county. Many government websites offer a complimentary search portal for criminal records, allowing users to enter basic information to retrieve results.

How Reliable Are Free Background Checks?

While free background checks will offer information to anyone searching, it isn’t always the most comprehensive report. Unfortunately, free search options leave the investigation to the user, which can leave significant holes in the background report. County screenings will only review one geographic area, which won’t include previous addresses or work history. As such, a criminal record in another area won’t turn up on the county report. Users should never assume a county report accurately represents someone’s history without thorough research and evaluation.

Starting Your Free Public Data Screening

When building your background report, start with county and state records. The general public can request court arrest records from local departments, but several states may ban the release of comprehensive records. This guideline allows the release of criminal convictions, misdemeanors, and felonies but won’t release specific details.

The county background check only includes details surrounding the geographic area you’re searching. Anyone living in other regions must repeat the search process for previous cities, counties, and state residences. Users can access these platforms using any popular search engine online. Keywords for your search should include “Clerk of Court records” or “State court records.”

How to Use County Court Records for a Background Check

Individuals wanting to complete a free background check can start with county court records online. These search records can provide criminal histories if they exist. Currently, 75% of all civil and criminal courts allow access to previous dockets online. Additionally, courts enable members of the public to request documents in person. Always ask the court clerk for fees associated with searching, as a few areas charge a nominal fee for access.

Are You Able to Run Free Background Checks?

Most information included in a background check is public, allowing anyone to access the details. Public records include criminal history, financial details, property information, driving records, and other valuable data. Users can access this information online through local search portals, visiting a local courthouse, or submitting a written request.

Can You Perform a Free Background Check on Yourself?

Anyone can perform a free background check on themselves. You should start with free county background screening options to learn about your records. To get started, consider running a free FBI check with your information. This screening is available through their website. American citizens can use the database to receive nationwide records without spending money upfront. The free FBI screening will take approximately five days to deliver the results. Users can also visit their local count website for an online screening. County website results will appear instantly, although they only include a small geographic area.

Drawbacks of Using Free County Criminal Background Checks

Arguably, the most significant drawback of free search options is the limitation of reporting outside information. County search options will only include the geographic area in question, preventing additional records in the report. Anyone with criminal reports in other counties won’t appear in the local county record. As such, it’s critical to review the address history before performing an online search for criminal activity.

A free background check only screens the written name in the search. Different names attached to an individual won’t appear in the results. The results won’t show anyone with a criminal past attached to a previous name. Anyone unsure of address history or previous names should consider a paid search option for the screening as it automatically cross-references past names in the system.

What is a Paid Criminal Background Check?

A third-party company will offer a paid background check as an expedited way to review someone’s history. The screening will include public and private information compiled into a PDF report. Specific details depend on the reporting company but will almost always have comprehensive criminal sections.

Paid Criminal Records

Paid background checks will always include a complete scan of federal, state, and county criminal activity. Details will include misdemeanors, felonies, infractions, outstanding charges or warrants, incarceration records, and dispositions on file.

Are Criminal Records Confidential?

Criminal records are typically public records, although some information is considered confidential. The Freedom of Information Act has increased the amount of information a standard individual can request. Currently, the Freedom of Information Act allows anyone to submit a request to access records, which releases the details unless they fall under exemption categories.

What are Felony and Misdemeanor Charges?

The definitions of misdemeanor and felony charges will vary according to state but often outline the most basic definitions. Felony charges are more serious criminal charges than misdemeanors. As such, felonies will carry more intense punishments and penalties than other charges within the United States.

What is a Felony Charge?

Felonies are often punishable through incarceration in federal or state prisons. Almost all convictions are a year or longer, although not all felons will go to jail. Heavy fines and loss of civic privileges are standard for a felony conviction.

What is a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are typically punishable through incarceration in county prisons for less than a year. Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor may receive alternative punishment outside of incarceration. These punishments may include fines, retribution, community service, or probation.

Are Criminal Records Classified on Background Checks?

Felony and misdemeanor charges are often categorized according to the severity of the charge. This categorization occurs through classes or levels, with the most severe receiving an A. Every category gets its sentencing guidelines outlined in statutes. These classes and levels may appear on a paid background check, mainly if dispositions and convictions exist.

Will Infractions Appear on a Criminal Background Check?

Misdemeanor and felony convictions are the highest priority on a criminal background check. Many reports will also include infractions and violations under the criminal portion of the screening but aren’t severe in consideration. Infractions and violations include the least serious forms of law-breaking, including parking and traffic violations, jaywalking, and littering. The penalties for infractions are often fines paid through online portals without a court appearance.

Conclusion

While anyone can perform a free county background check, it isn’t always comprehensive. Many free search options limit the results to geographic regions or take considerable processing time. If possible, using a paid search option is more straightforward in running a criminal screening, as it includes all geographic areas, names, and aliases attached to someone’s identity. Additionally, paid search options are typically available instantaneously, removing the time barrier on your screening results.