There is no main database for criminal records
While criminal records can be purchased through vendors in certain areas, many jurisdictions do not have this information through third party vendors. The best way to collect accurate information is to visit the courthouse or search through an official database that is run by the state in which the person in question resides.
Finding criminal record history is not as easy as clicking a mouse
With more than 3,000 courthouses in the United States, the procedures for obtaining criminal records can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Methods range from having to go to the courthouse in person to being able to access records online. Each courthouse is different.
You cannot conduct a nationwide criminal check
The National Criminal Investigation Center (N.C.I.C.) is the only nationwide criminal record search available. However, this database is only available to law enforcement agencies and their affiliate organizations. The database is not available to the public.
A known criminal record may be missing in the search
There are various circumstances as to why an arrest or other infraction might be missing from a criminal record search. The record may have been expunged or the criminal act may have taken place in another jurisdiction. This means only certain records may be available depending on where the search occurs. It may also mean the incident happened when the person in question was a juvenile or pleaded to a lower offense, making it not reportable.
To add fuel to the fire, there is also a federal database of criminal records that is not available to local courthouses. This would require an entirely different search.
Private Investigators have their work cut out for them when doing a search, and simply paying a fee to search a name online is not as conclusive as one may believe.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome. Individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an attorney to understand current laws and how they may affect a case.