Access Statewide Criminal Background Records

The state repositories of the United States of America keep an account of the criminal activities occurring in the state. These records are accessible by the general public. These records keep an account of all the criminal cases in the states. These include felonies, misdemeanors and sex offenses.

The rules are different in different states. In some of the states the information are released for the public to view while in the other states a common man can only view his own criminal records. Information about other individuals is released only to authorized personnel or if a background check is done as a pre-employment verification process.

Information Contained in the Criminal Background Records

If you want to go through the background records, you need to contact the suitable authorities depending on the nature of the information you are looking for. The records generally provide you with the following information:

•    Name of the individual whose background record you are looking for
•    Any alias name(s) that the individual may have used anywhere
•    Date of birth of the individual
•    The county and state he or she belongs to
•    The social security number
•    The offense he or she was charged with
•    Classification of the crime. In other words, the records will tell you if the crime was a felony or a misdemeanor under the laws of that state.
•    If he or she was convicted guilty and the sentence imposed upon the offender.
•    If the offender had to pay any fine as one of the penalties.
•    Other case details such as the arrest number and the arrest date, duration of the jail sentence or the probation period.

The Need for Searching the Statewide Criminal Background Records

Other than performing a background check on another person, you may also need to view your own criminal records. If you have a criminal background the records may prove to be harmful for your career and create hindrances while you are seeking employment. Most of the states give you the provision of expunging or sealing your records. Records once expunged are permanently deleted and cannot be viewed by anyone thereafter. The sealed records though not destroyed are not released to anybody. This will help you get rid of your past records and look for fresh opportunities.

You may also need to view your records for making any corrections. If you want to view your driving records, you need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles of your state. For information on any inmates, you need to contact the Department of Corrections. The sex offender registry will come to your aid if you want to know if any individual has ever been convicted for any sexual offense.

Visiting the official website of your state will help you learn more about this. For instance, if you are a residence of the state of Florida, visit http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/content/getdoc/2952da22-ba08-4dfc-9e45-2d7932a803ea/Obtaining-Criminal-History-Information.aspx for more information on the statewide background check in this state. The statewide criminal background records contain all the information. The proper utilization of these records help you stay safe and reduce the crime rate.

State-Specific Criminal Background Information:

Pennsylvania Criminal Background