Felony Records Search: Free Guide to Finding Criminal Records

Understanding Felony Records and Public Access

Felony records are among the most serious criminal records available in public databases. Unlike misdemeanors, felonies represent serious crimes that typically carry sentences of more than one year in prison. These records are maintained at both state and federal levels, and understanding how to access them is crucial for employers, landlords, investigators, and individuals conducting due diligence.

In the United States, most felony records are considered public information under the Freedom of Information Act and similar state-level statutes. However, the process of accessing these records varies significantly by jurisdiction. Some states offer centralized online databases, while others require county-by-county searches that can be time-consuming and complex.

The challenge most people face isn't whether felony records are available - it's knowing where to look and how to interpret what you find. This guide will walk you through the specific methods and tools available for conducting comprehensive felony records searches.

Free Government Sources for Felony Records

The most authoritative source for felony records is always the government agency that maintains them. Each state operates its own system, and understanding these variations is essential for conducting thorough searches.

State Department of Corrections Databases

Every state maintains a Department of Corrections database that tracks individuals currently incarcerated or previously imprisoned for felony convictions. These databases typically include the person's name, inmate number, physical description, conviction details, sentence length, and expected release date. Most states offer free online access to these records, though the search interfaces vary in user-friendliness.

For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a nationwide inmate locator for federal facilities, while state systems like the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offer their own searchable databases. These resources are completely free but require you to know which state jurisdiction to search.

State Criminal History Repositories

Beyond corrections databases, each state maintains a central repository for criminal history information. These repositories are managed by state police agencies or dedicated criminal justice information services. Some states allow direct public access to these records through online portals, while others require formal requests or fingerprint-based background checks.

States like Florida and Indiana offer relatively open access through their public records systems, while states like California and New York have more restrictive policies that limit who can access certain felony records and for what purposes. Understanding your state's specific policies is critical before beginning your search.

State-Specific Criminal History Search Systems

Many states have implemented paid or subscription-based criminal history search systems that provide more comprehensive results than free public databases. For instance, New York's Criminal History Record Search system charges $95 per search and provides statewide criminal history information from all 62 counties. The system requires an exact match of both name and date of birth, and searches are processed during business hours.

Georgia offers its Felon Search service for $15 per search, which queries the Georgia Crime Information Center database. Like most name-based searches, exact matches can only be confirmed through fingerprint comparison, which is why multiple results may appear for common names. Texas provides a similar paid service through the Department of Public Safety that includes arrests, prosecutions, and case dispositions for individuals arrested for Class B misdemeanor or greater offenses.

These state-specific systems often provide more current information than aggregated databases because they pull directly from official state criminal justice systems. However, they require payment for each search and typically only cover records within that specific state.

Using PACER for Federal Felony Records

If you're searching for federal felony convictions, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system is the official repository. PACER provides access to case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. While PACER isn't free - it charges $0.10 per page with a $3 cap per document - it's the most comprehensive source for federal criminal records.

To use PACER effectively, you'll need to create an account and know basic information about the person you're searching, such as their full name and approximate location. PACER allows you to search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. The system will return case filings, court opinions, and other documents that detail federal felony charges and outcomes.

One limitation of PACER is that it requires some familiarity with legal terminology and court procedures. Understanding the difference between an indictment, a plea agreement, and a final judgment is helpful when reviewing felony case files. Federal courts create and maintain case files containing docket sheets and all documents filed in a case, providing a complete picture of federal criminal proceedings.

County-Level Court Records

Most felonies are prosecuted at the state level, which means the records are maintained by county courts. Each of the approximately 3,000 counties in the United States maintains its own court records system, and accessing these records often requires searching multiple jurisdictions if you're unsure where a person lived or was charged.

Many counties now offer online court record searches through their clerk of court websites. These systems allow you to search by name, case number, or date range. The information available typically includes charges filed, court dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. However, not all counties have digitized their records, and some still require in-person visits or written requests.

County court records provide essential details that other databases may omit, including the specific charges filed, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and detailed sentencing information. Understanding how to navigate county court systems is particularly important when conducting employment background checks or tenant screening, as these records often contain the most complete and accurate information available.

For comprehensive searches that cover multiple counties or states, using a tool like our Criminal Records Search can save significant time by aggregating data from multiple sources into a single report.

Sex Offender Registries

For felony convictions related to sex crimes, the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) provides a nationwide search tool that queries registries from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This free resource is maintained by the Department of Justice and is specifically designed for public use.

Sex offender registries contain detailed information including the offender's name, physical description, photograph, address, conviction details, and risk level classification. These registries are updated regularly as offenders move or as their status changes. Because sex offenses are serious felonies with ongoing public notification requirements, these databases are typically more accessible and comprehensive than general felony records.

Understanding Felony Classifications and Sentencing

Felonies are classified by severity levels that vary by jurisdiction, and understanding these classifications helps interpret the seriousness of offenses in felony records. Federal felonies are classified from Class A through Class E under 18 U.S.C. Section 3559. Class A felonies carry maximum sentences of life imprisonment or death and include crimes like first-degree murder, espionage, and treason. Class B felonies carry sentences of 25 years or more but less than life, including second-degree murder and large-scale fraud. Class C felonies range from 10 to 25 years and include offenses like robbery and counterfeiting.

State classification systems vary considerably. Some states use letter designations (Class A through E), while others use numerical levels (First Degree through Fifth Degree) or descriptive categories. For example, Texas classifies some felonies as state jail felonies with shorter sentences, while the most serious are first-degree felonies. New York's system ranges from Class E (least serious) to Class A (most serious, including murder), with different sentencing ranges for each category.

When reviewing felony records, the classification directly impacts sentencing severity. A Class A felony in one state may not be equivalent to a Class A felony in another state, so understanding the specific jurisdiction's classification system is essential. Many states also distinguish between violent and non-violent felonies, with violent offenses carrying enhanced penalties and fewer opportunities for early release or record sealing.

Sentencing information in felony records typically includes not just prison time but also probation terms, fines, restitution orders, and other conditions. Some records will indicate whether sentences were suspended, reduced, or modified based on good behavior or completion of rehabilitation programs. This context matters when evaluating the full scope of someone's criminal history.

Limitations and Sealed Records

Not all felony records are publicly accessible. Several circumstances can limit what information appears in public databases, and understanding these limitations is important for conducting accurate searches.

Expunged and Sealed Records

Many states allow individuals to petition for expungement or sealing of criminal records under certain conditions. Expunged records are destroyed or removed from public access, while sealed records remain in existence but are hidden from public view. The eligibility criteria vary by state but often depend on factors like the nature of the crime, time elapsed since conviction, and whether the person has maintained a clean record.

When a felony record is successfully expunged or sealed, it typically won't appear in public database searches. However, these records may still be accessible to law enforcement, certain employers, or for specific purposes like firearm background checks. Federal felony records rarely qualify for sealing or expungement, with limited exceptions primarily for certain first-time drug possession cases that end without conviction under 18 U.S.C. Section 3607.

Clean Slate Automatic Sealing Laws

Several states have enacted Clean Slate laws that automatically seal eligible felony records after specified waiting periods without requiring individuals to file petitions. These laws represent a significant shift in how criminal records are managed and have important implications for anyone conducting felony records searches.

New York's Clean Slate Act automatically seals eligible felony convictions eight years after conviction or release from prison, provided the individual has no pending charges and is not on probation or parole. The law excludes most Class A felonies (except drug offenses), sex crimes, and murder convictions. Implementation began and the state has up to three years to process all eligible records.

California's Clean Slate laws automatically seal most state felony convictions four years after the case ends, assuming no new arrests. Arrest records that didn't lead to charges are sealed after three years. Minnesota has similar provisions for automatic expungement of certain cannabis-related felony records. These automatic sealing provisions mean that records that were previously public may suddenly become unavailable in database searches.

The critical point for anyone conducting felony searches is that Clean Slate laws create a moving target. Records that appear in searches today may be automatically sealed tomorrow without any action by the individual. Moreover, during the implementation period, some records may be inconsistently available across different databases as sealing processes are rolled out. Always verify whether your jurisdiction has automatic sealing provisions and understand how they affect record availability.

Juvenile Records

Felonies committed by minors are generally handled in juvenile court, and these records are subject to different confidentiality rules than adult felonies. Most states restrict public access to juvenile records to protect young offenders and give them an opportunity for rehabilitation without permanent public stigma. Some juvenile felony records are automatically sealed when the offender reaches adulthood.

Modern Tools for Comprehensive Felony Searches

While government databases are authoritative, they can be fragmented and difficult to navigate. Modern search tools aggregate data from multiple sources to provide more comprehensive results with less effort.

Our Criminal Records Search tool queries sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court records nationwide. Instead of manually checking dozens of county and state databases, you can run a single search that returns comprehensive results including felony convictions, incarceration history, and court dispositions.

These aggregated tools are particularly valuable when you don't know the specific jurisdiction where someone was charged or convicted. They also help identify records across multiple states if someone has moved frequently or has a criminal history in multiple locations. While paid commercial background check services exist, many free and low-cost tools provide sufficient information for personal due diligence, tenant screening, and preliminary employment checks.

The advantage of modern aggregation tools is speed and breadth of coverage. Rather than spending hours navigating individual county court websites with varying interfaces and search capabilities, these tools compile results from numerous sources simultaneously. However, they should be used in conjunction with official government sources when making important decisions, as aggregated data may occasionally lag behind real-time updates in official repositories.

Best Practices for Conducting Felony Record Searches

To conduct the most thorough and accurate felony records search possible, follow these best practices:

• Start with accurate identifying information: Full legal name, date of birth, and last known location significantly improve search accuracy. Common names may return hundreds of results, so additional identifiers are essential. Middle names, aliases, and prior addresses help narrow results.
• Search multiple databases: Don't rely on a single source. Cross-reference state corrections databases, county court records, and aggregated search tools to ensure completeness. Each database may contain information that others lack.
• Verify identity carefully: Many people share the same name. Always verify that the person in the felony record matches your subject by checking middle names, dates of birth, physical descriptions, and known addresses. A single mismatch could mean you're looking at the wrong person's record.
• Understand the difference between arrest and conviction: An arrest record doesn't mean someone was convicted of a felony. Always look for the final disposition of charges - was the case dismissed, reduced to a misdemeanor, or did it result in a felony conviction? Arrest records alone should not be the basis for employment or housing decisions.
• Check multiple counties and states: If someone has lived in multiple locations, you'll need to search each jurisdiction separately when using government databases. People with transient lifestyles or long work histories may have records in jurisdictions you wouldn't initially expect.
• Look for alternative spellings and aliases: Criminal records may be filed under nicknames, maiden names, or misspellings. Search variations of the person's name to ensure you're not missing records. Common variations include hyphenated last names, shortened first names, and cultural naming variations.
• Document your search process: Keep records of which databases you searched, when you searched them, and what results you found. This documentation proves due diligence and helps if you need to repeat or expand your search later.
• Understand timing and currency: Criminal records databases update at different intervals. Some provide real-time information while others may lag by days or weeks. When timing matters, verify critical findings through multiple sources or directly with the court.

Using Felony Records for Employment and Tenant Screening

Employers and landlords commonly conduct felony record searches as part of their screening processes, but there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how criminal background checks can be used for employment and tenant screening purposes.

Under FCRA, if you use a third-party service to conduct background checks, you must provide the applicant with notice and obtain their consent. This notice must be provided on a standalone document, not buried within employment applications or other paperwork. If you make an adverse decision based on the information - like refusing to hire someone or denying a rental application - you must provide the person with a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of the report and information about their right to dispute inaccuracies. After a waiting period, if you still proceed with the adverse decision, you must send a final adverse action notice.

The FCRA requires employers and screening companies to follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy. Reports that list convictions for people other than the applicant, that include multiple entries for the same offense, or that list expunged or sealed records may violate FCRA compliance standards. Criminal record searches must be completed within reasonable timeframes, typically within a few days, though some jurisdictions may cause delays.

Additionally, many states and localities have implemented ban-the-box laws that restrict when and how employers can ask about criminal history. These laws typically prohibit asking about criminal history on initial applications and limit when background checks can be conducted in the hiring process. Some jurisdictions prohibit considering arrest records that didn't result in convictions, or limit how far back criminal history can be considered. Ban-the-box provisions vary widely by location, so employers must understand the specific requirements in their jurisdiction.

For comprehensive background screening that goes beyond criminal records, our Background Checker provides trust scores and aggregated information that helps employers and landlords make informed decisions while maintaining compliance.

Interpreting Felony Record Information

Once you've located felony records, understanding what they mean requires some knowledge of legal terminology and criminal justice processes. Felony records typically include several key pieces of information:

Charges filed: The specific felony statute violations that prosecutors alleged. These are often listed by statute number and legal description, which may not be immediately clear to non-lawyers. For example, a charge might be listed as "18 U.S.C. 1341" (federal mail fraud) or "Penal Code Section 211" (robbery). Understanding what these statute references mean requires looking up the specific criminal codes.

Disposition: The outcome of the case - guilty plea, guilty verdict after trial, dismissed charges, or acquittal. The disposition is the most critical piece of information, as charges alone don't indicate guilt. Common disposition terms include "convicted," "acquitted," "dismissed," "nolle prosequi" (prosecution declined), and "deferred adjudication" (supervised probation instead of conviction).

Sentence: If convicted, the record will show the sentence imposed, including prison time, probation, fines, and other conditions. Sentences may be suspended, meaning the person didn't serve the full term if they complied with probation conditions. Sentencing records might show "5 years suspended to 2 years" meaning a five-year sentence was imposed but only two years must be served if conditions are met.

Degree or class of felony: Felonies are typically classified by severity (Class A, B, C, or First Degree, Second Degree, etc.). Understanding these classifications helps assess the seriousness of the offense. A first-degree felony in most jurisdictions represents the most serious non-capital crimes.

Dates of key events: Records include arrest date, charging date, conviction date, and sentencing date. These dates matter when calculating waiting periods for record sealing, parole eligibility, or understanding the timeline of someone's involvement with the criminal justice system.

If you encounter unfamiliar terminology or statute numbers, most state criminal code websites allow you to look up specific statutes to understand what crimes they describe. This additional research ensures you're accurately interpreting the felony records you find. Don't assume you understand charges based on colloquial descriptions - verify the actual statutory language.

Costs Associated with Felony Record Searches

While many government databases offer free access to basic felony information, comprehensive searches often involve costs. Understanding the pricing structure helps budget for thorough background investigations.

Free resources include most state Department of Corrections inmate locators, the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate search, sex offender registries, and many county court record searches. These provide substantial information at no cost but require knowing which jurisdictions to search and may have limited search functionality.

Paid state systems typically charge between $15 and $95 per search. Georgia's system charges $15, while New York's comprehensive statewide search costs $95. Texas and other states have similar fee structures. These fees apply per search, so searching multiple names or running repeat searches accumulates costs quickly.

PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed with a $3 maximum per document. While relatively inexpensive for single searches, costs can add up when reviewing extensive case files with hundreds of pages of filings. Users with quarterly PACER charges under $30 are exempt from fees, making it effectively free for light users.

Commercial background check services range from approximately $20 for basic reports to several hundred dollars for comprehensive nationwide criminal searches with verification. These services provide convenience and breadth but should be used in compliance with FCRA requirements when used for employment or housing purposes.

For organizations conducting regular background checks, volume pricing and subscription services may offer cost savings compared to individual searches. However, free government sources combined with aggregation tools like our Criminal Records Search provide a cost-effective alternative for many screening needs.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

While felony records are public information, accessing and using them comes with ethical responsibilities. Criminal records can significantly impact someone's life, affecting their employment prospects, housing options, and personal relationships. Using this information responsibly means verifying accuracy, understanding context, and recognizing that people can change.

Always confirm that you have the correct person before making decisions based on felony records. Mistaken identity can have serious consequences for both the subject and the person conducting the search. Consider the age of the conviction - a felony from decades ago may have less relevance than recent criminal activity, particularly if the person has demonstrated rehabilitation through stable employment, community involvement, and a clean record since the conviction.

Be aware of your jurisdiction's laws regarding how criminal history can be used in employment and housing decisions. Some jurisdictions require individualized assessments that consider the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and relevance to the position or housing situation. Blanket policies that automatically disqualify anyone with any felony conviction may violate fair chance hiring laws or fair housing regulations.

Remember that arrests without convictions should generally not be used as the basis for adverse decisions. The fact that someone was arrested but charges were dismissed, reduced, or resulted in acquittal means they were not found guilty and should not be treated as if they were.

Finally, secure any criminal history information appropriately. Records containing sensitive personal information should be stored securely, shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know, and disposed of properly when no longer needed. Unauthorized disclosure of criminal history information may violate privacy laws and expose you to liability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching Felony Records

Even experienced researchers make errors when conducting felony records searches. Avoiding these common pitfalls improves accuracy and reduces liability:

Relying on a single database: No single database contains all felony records. State systems don't include federal crimes, federal systems don't capture state convictions, and county databases only show local prosecutions. Comprehensive searches require checking multiple sources.

Assuming similar names are matches: John Michael Smith and John M. Smith may be the same person or completely different individuals. Always verify with additional identifiers like date of birth, address history, and physical description before concluding records belong to your subject.

Ignoring case dispositions: Many background checks report charges without clearly indicating outcomes. A felony charge that was dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor should not be treated as a felony conviction. Always verify the final disposition.

Misunderstanding sealed records: Just because you can't find records doesn't mean they don't exist. Sealed records are hidden from most public searches but may still appear in law enforcement databases. Conversely, not finding records doesn't guarantee someone has a clean history - they may have records in jurisdictions you haven't searched.

Failing to update searches: Criminal records change as cases proceed through the justice system. A search conducted months ago may not reflect current status, particularly for pending charges or ongoing appeals.

Overlooking federal records: Many people focus exclusively on state and county records while ignoring federal sources. White-collar crimes, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses may be prosecuted federally and won't appear in state databases.

Starting Your Felony Records Search

Whether you're conducting due diligence on a potential employee, screening a tenant, or researching for personal reasons, felony records searches require thoroughness and attention to detail. Start with the most relevant government databases for your jurisdiction, cross-reference multiple sources to ensure completeness, and use modern aggregation tools to simplify searches across multiple states and counties.

Begin by gathering as much identifying information as possible about your subject, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (if available and legally permissible to use), and address history. This foundation improves search accuracy and helps distinguish your subject from others with similar names.

For a streamlined approach that searches sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court records nationwide in one place, try our Criminal Records Search tool. It's designed to save time while providing comprehensive results that help you make informed decisions based on accurate, verified information.

Remember that felony record searches are just one component of comprehensive due diligence. Combining criminal history research with employment verification through our Background Checker, professional reference checks, and other screening methods provides a complete picture. Take the time to conduct thorough searches, verify critical information through multiple sources, and always handle sensitive criminal history data responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws.