How to Find Criminal Records: Complete Guide + Free Tools

Understanding Criminal Records and Public Access

Criminal records are documents that detail a person's interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, convictions, incarcerations, and sex offender registrations. While the idea of accessing someone's criminal history might seem complicated, many of these records are actually public information available through various government and online sources.

The availability of criminal records varies significantly by state and jurisdiction. Some states maintain comprehensive online databases that are freely searchable, while others require in-person visits to courthouses or formal record requests. Understanding where to look and what tools are available can save you significant time and money when conducting a criminal background search.

Public access to criminal records is governed by state and federal laws designed to balance transparency with privacy concerns. While most adult criminal records are accessible to the public, certain categories of information may be restricted, including juvenile records, active investigations, sealed or expunged records, and information protected by court order. The scope and accessibility of criminal records can differ dramatically depending on where the offense occurred and the type of record you're seeking.

Types of Criminal Record Databases

Criminal records exist in multiple database systems at different levels of government. Understanding these different systems helps you know where to search for specific types of information.

Federal Criminal Record Systems

The FBI maintains several comprehensive criminal databases that are primarily accessible to law enforcement agencies. The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is the central database for tracking crime-related information across the United States. This system contains over 21 different files including wanted persons, missing persons, criminal histories, and sex offender registries. However, the NCIC is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel and certain government agencies conducting background checks for employment or licensing purposes.

The Interstate Identification Index, also known as Triple I, is another federal system that facilitates the exchange of criminal history records between states. This cooperative federal-state program helps law enforcement agencies quickly access criminal records from multiple jurisdictions. While civilians cannot directly access these federal systems, understanding their existence helps explain how professional background check services can sometimes access more comprehensive information than free public searches.

For federal court records specifically, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides access to case information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts. PACER requires registration and charges a small fee per page accessed, though users who accrue less than thirty dollars in charges per quarter have those fees waived. Federal court records can reveal criminal cases prosecuted at the federal level, which won't appear in state court databases.

State Criminal Record Repositories

Each state maintains its own central repository for criminal records, though the comprehensiveness and public accessibility varies widely. Some states offer robust online search systems that compile records from county courts and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Other states maintain closed repositories that are only accessible to law enforcement or require fingerprint-based searches for full criminal histories.

State repositories typically include records of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions reported to the state by local agencies. However, there can be significant delays between when a criminal event occurs at the local level and when it appears in the state database. Additionally, not all local jurisdictions consistently report to state systems, which means state databases may have gaps in coverage.

County and Local Court Systems

The most complete and up-to-date criminal records are often found at the county level, where most criminal cases are actually filed and prosecuted. County courts maintain detailed records of criminal proceedings, including charging documents, court dockets, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. These records provide the most comprehensive view of criminal cases because they include information about cases that may have been dismissed, reduced, or are still pending.

Many metropolitan areas have invested in online case management systems that allow public searching of court records through a web interface. However, smaller or rural counties may still rely primarily on paper records that require in-person visits to the courthouse. The level of detail available also varies - some counties provide full case files online, while others only show basic case information with case numbers and parties involved.

Free Government Sources for Criminal Records

The most authoritative source for criminal records comes directly from government databases. Each state maintains its own system for tracking and publishing criminal records, and many have made these databases available online.

State Sex Offender Registries

Every state maintains a sex offender registry that is accessible to the public. These registries are mandated by federal law and typically include photographs, addresses, conviction details, and risk assessments. You can search individual state registries, or use the national Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) which aggregates data from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal jurisdictions. This is one of the most reliable free resources available for this specific type of criminal record.

Sex offender registries are particularly comprehensive because federal and state laws require convicted sex offenders to register their information and keep it current. The registries typically include the offender's physical description, photograph, home and work addresses, vehicle information, and details about their conviction. Some states also classify offenders by risk level, helping the public assess potential danger. These registries are updated regularly as offenders move or their information changes, making them among the most current criminal records available.

State Department of Corrections

Most state Departments of Corrections maintain online inmate locator tools that allow you to search for current and former inmates. These databases typically include information about the person's current incarceration status, their conviction charges, sentence length, and expected release date. Some states provide extensive historical data, while others only show current inmates.

Corrections records can reveal information that may not be readily apparent in court records, such as actual time served versus the sentence imposed, disciplinary actions taken while incarcerated, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Many state corrections departments also maintain searchable databases of individuals on parole or probation supervision, which can indicate recent releases from custody. These records are particularly useful for verifying whether someone has actually served time for their convictions, not just received a sentence.

County and State Court Records

Court records are public documents, but accessing them varies widely by jurisdiction. Many counties now offer online case search systems where you can look up criminal cases by name, case number, or other identifying information. Some courts charge fees for certified copies, but basic case information is often available for free. Major metropolitan areas typically have more robust online systems, while rural counties may require phone calls or in-person visits.

Court records provide the most detailed information about criminal proceedings, including the specific charges filed, the legal proceedings that occurred, any plea agreements reached, trial outcomes, and the final sentence imposed. Unlike arrest records that simply show someone was taken into custody, court records show what actually happened with the case. This distinction is crucial because many arrests don't result in convictions, and cases can be dismissed, reduced to lesser charges, or result in acquittals.

Federal Court Records Through PACER

For federal criminal cases, the PACER system provides online access to court filings and case information from all federal courts. While PACER requires registration and charges a fee per page viewed, the fees are relatively modest and are waived for users who don't exceed thirty dollars per quarter. Federal criminal cases include violations of federal law such as bank fraud, drug trafficking across state lines, federal firearms violations, immigration offenses, and white-collar crimes that cross state boundaries.

Federal court records are often more detailed than state court records because federal cases typically involve more complex investigations and extensive documentation. PACER allows you to search by party name or case number and provides access to dockets, pleadings, motions, and court orders. This can be particularly valuable when researching individuals who may have been involved in interstate criminal activity or federal offenses that wouldn't appear in state databases.

Using Consolidated Criminal Records Search Tools

While government sources are authoritative, searching them individually can be time-consuming, especially if you need to check multiple states or don't know exactly where someone has lived. This is where aggregated search tools become valuable.

Our Criminal Records Search tool consolidates multiple public record sources into a single search interface. Instead of visiting dozens of individual state websites, you can search sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court records nationwide from one place. This dramatically reduces the time required for comprehensive background research.

The tool pulls from official government databases and public records, organizing the information into an easy-to-read format. This is particularly useful for employers, landlords, researchers, or anyone conducting due diligence who needs to verify someone's criminal history across multiple jurisdictions. When someone has lived in multiple states or you're unsure of their complete address history, using a consolidated search tool ensures you don't miss records in jurisdictions you didn't think to check.

Consolidated databases aggregate information from thousands of sources including county courts, state repositories, corrections departments, and federal databases. While they provide broad coverage and convenience, it's important to understand that aggregated databases may have some lag time between when records are updated at the source and when they appear in the consolidated system. For critical decisions, it's wise to verify any findings by checking directly with the originating court or agency.

Understanding What Different Criminal Records Show

Not all criminal records contain the same information. Understanding the differences between record types helps you know where to search based on what you're trying to find.

Arrest Records

Arrest records document when someone was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records show that someone was arrested but do not necessarily indicate conviction. Many arrests do not result in charges, or charges may be dropped or dismissed. Arrest records typically include the date, location, arresting agency, and the alleged offense. Some jurisdictions make arrest records available through police department websites or county sheriff's offices.

It's crucial to understand that an arrest record is not proof of guilt. People are arrested based on probable cause, which is a much lower standard than the proof beyond a reasonable doubt required for criminal conviction. An arrest record simply means law enforcement believed there was sufficient cause to take someone into custody for investigation. The charges may have been dropped due to lack of evidence, mistaken identity, or because the prosecutor determined the case wasn't strong enough to pursue. Some jurisdictions automatically seal or expunge arrest records when cases are dismissed or result in acquittal.

Court Records

Court records provide the most complete picture of criminal cases. These documents show charges filed, court proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing. Court records distinguish between arrests and actual convictions, making them more reliable for background screening purposes. They also include civil cases, which can reveal patterns of behavior even when criminal charges weren't filed.

Detailed court records include the criminal complaint or indictment that formally charges the defendant, pre-trial motions and hearings, plea negotiations, trial transcripts if the case went to trial, the verdict or plea agreement, and the sentencing order. Court records also show if charges were amended, dismissed, or reduced as part of a plea deal. This level of detail helps you understand not just whether someone was convicted, but the full context of what happened in their case.

Conviction Records

Conviction records specifically document guilty verdicts or guilty pleas. These are the most significant type of criminal record because they represent adjudicated cases where guilt was established. Conviction records typically include the specific statute violated, the degree of the offense (felony or misdemeanor), and the sentence imposed.

Understanding the distinction between felony and misdemeanor convictions is important. Felonies are serious crimes typically punishable by more than one year in prison, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses usually punishable by less than one year in jail, fines, or probation. The classification affects everything from employment eligibility to housing opportunities to voting rights. Conviction records also show whether someone received probation, jail time, prison time, fines, community service, or other penalties. Some records also indicate if the conviction was later set aside, pardoned, or expunged.

Incarceration Records

State and federal corrections departments maintain records of individuals who have been incarcerated. These records show where someone was imprisoned, for how long, and sometimes include disciplinary actions while incarcerated. Federal prison records can be searched through the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, while state prison records are maintained by each state's Department of Corrections.

Incarceration records provide verification that someone actually served time for their conviction, as opposed to receiving probation or suspended sentences. They also show projected release dates for current inmates, which can be important for safety planning or parole supervision purposes. Many corrections databases distinguish between different types of custody, including county jail (typically for sentences of less than one year or pre-trial detention), state prison (for felony convictions), and federal prison (for federal offenses).

Understanding Sealed and Expunged Records

One significant limitation of criminal record searches is that certain records may be sealed or expunged, meaning they won't appear in public searches even though they existed at one time.

What Sealed Records Mean

Sealed records are criminal records that have been hidden from public view by court order but still exist in the court system. When a record is sealed, it typically cannot be accessed by employers, landlords, or the general public during background checks. However, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts can usually still access sealed records for law enforcement purposes or if the person is charged with a new crime.

Sealing is often available for arrests that didn't result in conviction, cases that were dismissed, or certain first-time offenses after a waiting period. The eligibility and process for sealing records varies significantly by state. Some states have automatic sealing provisions where non-conviction records are sealed after a certain time period without any action required by the individual. Other states require filing a petition with the court and demonstrating eligibility before records will be sealed.

What Expunged Records Mean

Expungement is the process of destroying or erasing criminal records so that they are treated as if they never existed. When a record is truly expunged, the arrest, charges, and conviction are removed from public records. In theory, an expunged record allows someone to legally deny the arrest or conviction occurred, except in specific circumstances like applying for law enforcement positions or certain professional licenses.

However, it's important to understand that even expunged records may not be completely erased. Some states use the term expungement to actually mean sealing, and the record still exists but is hidden from public view. Law enforcement and courts may retain expunged records in confidential databases. Additionally, private background check databases that captured information before expungement may still contain outdated records, though they're not supposed to report expunged information.

The availability of expungement varies dramatically by state. Some states allow expungement of certain convictions after completion of sentence and a crime-free waiting period. Other states only allow expungement of arrests that didn't lead to conviction. Some serious offenses like sex crimes or violent felonies are typically ineligible for expungement in most jurisdictions. Federal criminal records are particularly difficult to expunge, as there's no standard federal expungement process.

Recent Clean Slate Legislation

A growing number of states have enacted automatic record clearing laws, often called Clean Slate laws. These laws automatically seal or expunge certain criminal records after a specified time period without requiring the individual to petition the court. The movement recognizes that requiring people to navigate complex legal processes creates barriers to the second chances that record clearing is meant to provide.

Clean Slate laws typically apply to misdemeanor convictions and non-conviction records after a person remains crime-free for a specified number of years. Some states have also enacted automatic sealing specifically for marijuana-related offenses, particularly in states that have legalized cannabis. These automatic clearance provisions mean that criminal record searches may not reveal older offenses that have been automatically sealed, even though the convictions originally occurred.

Best Practices for Conducting Criminal Record Searches

Conducting an effective criminal record search requires understanding some key strategies and limitations.

Start With Basic Identifying Information

The more information you have, the more accurate your search will be. Full legal names are essential, but common names can return hundreds of results. Additional identifying information like date of birth, middle name, former addresses, or aliases significantly improves search accuracy. This is why comprehensive tools that integrate multiple data sources are valuable - they can cross-reference information to identify the correct individual.

When you have limited information, you may need to use reverse lookup approaches. If you only have an email address or phone number, tools like our Mobile Number Finder can help identify the person's full name and location, which you can then use for criminal record searches. Similarly, our Background Checker tool can provide comprehensive reports that include identifying information alongside any criminal history.

Search Multiple Jurisdictions

People move, and criminal records are maintained at the state and county level, not nationally. Someone with a clean record in one state might have convictions in another. If you're conducting a thorough background check, you should search in every state where the person has lived or worked. This is where using an aggregated search tool saves significant time compared to checking individual state databases.

Don't limit your searches to only the person's current location. Many people have criminal records in states where they previously lived, went to college, or even just visited. Someone could have been arrested during a vacation or business trip to another state. A comprehensive background search should include any location where the person has spent significant time or has known connections.

Understand the Limitations of Free Searches

Free public records are valuable but have limitations. Some records may be sealed or expunged, meaning they won't appear in public searches even though they existed at one time. Juvenile records are typically confidential. Some states have laws limiting how far back criminal records can be reported for employment purposes, usually seven to ten years. Additionally, database updates aren't always real-time - there can be delays between when a conviction occurs and when it appears in online databases.

Free searches typically don't include the same level of verification that professional background check services provide. They may contain duplicate entries, outdated information, or records for people with similar names. Database searches are only as good as the information that has been reported to them. If a local court or law enforcement agency hasn't submitted records to the state repository or national database, those records won't appear in aggregated searches.

Verify Critical Information

If you're making an important decision based on criminal records - such as employment, housing, or business partnerships - verify any findings through official channels. For employment purposes, most employers use Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant background check services that have additional verification requirements. For personal due diligence, you can request certified records directly from the relevant court.

Verification is especially important because mistaken identity is a common problem in criminal record searches. People with the same or similar names can be confused, particularly when middle names or dates of birth aren't used to distinguish between individuals. Before taking adverse action based on a criminal record, confirm that you've identified the correct person by cross-referencing dates of birth, addresses, physical descriptions, and other identifying information.

Legal Considerations When Searching Criminal Records

While criminal records are generally public information, there are legal considerations around how you use this information, particularly in employment contexts.

Fair Credit Reporting Act Requirements

The Fair Credit Reporting Act regulates how criminal background information can be used for employment, housing, and credit decisions. If you're an employer or landlord using a third-party service to obtain criminal background reports, you must follow specific procedures. You must provide written disclosure that you may obtain a consumer report, obtain written authorization from the individual, and follow adverse action procedures if you decide not to hire or rent based on information in the report.

The adverse action process requires providing the individual with a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of the consumer report and a summary of their rights under the FCRA. You must give them a reasonable amount of time (typically at least five business days) to dispute any inaccurate information before making a final decision. After taking adverse action, you must provide a final notice with information about the consumer reporting agency and the individual's right to dispute the report.

Failure to comply with FCRA requirements can result in substantial lawsuits. Class action litigation against employers for FCRA violations has increased significantly, with settlements often reaching millions of dollars. Common violations include failing to provide standalone disclosure documents, not following proper adverse action procedures, and reporting information that should have been excluded such as expunged records or bankruptcies older than ten years.

Ban the Box and Fair Chance Laws

Many states and cities have enacted ban the box laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history and how they can use that information in hiring decisions. These laws typically prohibit including questions about criminal history on initial job applications, requiring employers to wait until later in the hiring process before conducting criminal background checks.

Some jurisdictions go further with fair chance hiring laws that require individualized assessments of how a criminal conviction relates to the specific job duties. Employers must consider factors like the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation before disqualifying an applicant based on criminal history. Blanket policies that automatically exclude anyone with any criminal record are increasingly prohibited.

Discrimination Considerations

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance warning that blanket exclusions of people with criminal records may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act because such policies can have a disparate impact on protected groups. Employers should ensure their use of criminal background checks is job-related and consistent with business necessity. This means considering whether the specific criminal offense is actually relevant to the position being filled.

For personal safety research or due diligence on business partners, you have more latitude than employers do when using criminal record information. However, you should still be aware of defamation concerns if you share inaccurate information about someone's criminal history. Stating that someone has a criminal record when they don't, or mischaracterizing the nature of their convictions, could expose you to legal liability.

State-Specific Differences in Criminal Records Access

Criminal records laws and access vary significantly from state to state, creating a patchwork of different systems and requirements.

Some states maintain comprehensive online criminal record databases that are freely searchable by the public with just a name search. Other states require fingerprint-based searches through authorized channels for complete criminal histories. States like Florida offer relatively open access to criminal records through online portals, while states with closed repositories like New York limit public access and charge fees for official searches.

The type of information available also varies by state. Some states include arrest records even when charges were dismissed, while others only show convictions. Some states provide detailed court records with full case information, while others only offer basic databases with limited details. The retention period for records differs as well - some states maintain records indefinitely, while others have provisions for removing older records from public databases.

Fee structures for accessing criminal records vary widely. Some states provide free online access to basic criminal record searches. Others charge per search or per page of documents accessed. States like Texas provide free name-based searches of conviction records, while states like New York charge ninety-five dollars for official statewide criminal history searches. Understanding the specific rules in the state where you're searching helps you plan your research strategy and budget.

Connecting Criminal Records to Contact Information

Sometimes you need to find criminal records but only have limited information like an email address or phone number. In these cases, you can use reverse lookup tools to identify the person first, then search criminal records.

Tools like our Mobile Number Finder can help identify individuals from phone numbers or emails, which you can then use to search criminal databases with their full name and location. Similarly, the Background Checker tool provides comprehensive background reports including trust scores that may incorporate criminal record information alongside other public records.

If you're conducting business due diligence, you might also find our Property Search tool useful for finding property owner information, which can then be cross-referenced with criminal records. For sales professionals who need to verify the legitimacy of potential business contacts, our Email Verifier can help ensure you're dealing with legitimate individuals before investing time in business relationships.

When to Use Professional Background Check Services

While free criminal record searches are excellent for initial research and personal due diligence, there are situations where professional background check services are worth the investment.

If you're hiring employees, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations, financial responsibilities, or security clearances, FCRA-compliant background checks are often legally required. These services perform more comprehensive searches, verify the accuracy of information through primary sources, and provide legal protections for employers.

Professional services also conduct searches of databases not available to the public, including certain federal records, professional licensing sanctions, and international criminal records. They typically provide faster turnaround and clearer reporting formats. Most importantly, professional background check companies assume liability for the accuracy of their reports and follow strict verification procedures to ensure they're reporting information about the correct individual.

For employment screening specifically, professional services ensure compliance with FCRA requirements, including proper disclosure and authorization procedures, adverse action protocols, and appropriate reporting of only legally permissible information. They exclude information that shouldn't be reported such as expunged records, bankruptcies older than ten years, or arrests without conviction when prohibited by state law.

For personal research, small business decisions, or preliminary screening, free criminal record searches are usually sufficient and provide the information you need without cost. Our consolidated search tools offer a middle ground, providing broad coverage across multiple jurisdictions without the expense of full professional background checks.

Interpreting Criminal Records Accurately

Finding a criminal record is only the first step - understanding what it means requires careful interpretation.

Consider the nature of the offense. A decades-old misdemeanor for underage drinking is very different from recent felony fraud convictions. Look at patterns rather than isolated incidents. Multiple convictions or recent criminal activity may be more relevant than a single old offense.

Check whether convictions were expunged, sealed, or pardoned. These legal actions don't erase what happened but may indicate rehabilitation and limit how the information can be legally used. A pardon represents official forgiveness from the government, while expungement removes the conviction from most public records. Set aside convictions remain on the record but may restore certain rights.

Pay attention to the disposition of arrests. Not every arrest results in conviction. Look for the final outcome - was the person convicted, were charges dismissed, was there a not guilty verdict, or is the case still pending? Arrests without conviction should generally be given less weight than actual convictions, and in many employment contexts cannot legally be considered.

Always verify you've identified the correct person. Common names can lead to misidentification. Cross-reference dates of birth, addresses, physical descriptions, and other identifying information to ensure the criminal record actually belongs to the person you're researching. Professional background check services include verification procedures to prevent mistaken identity, but free database searches may not have these safeguards.

Understanding Criminal Record Terminology

Criminal records contain legal terminology that may be unfamiliar. Understanding common terms helps you interpret what you find.

Felony refers to serious crimes typically punishable by more than one year in prison. Misdemeanor refers to less serious crimes usually punishable by less than one year in jail. Infraction or violation typically refers to minor offenses like traffic tickets that don't result in jail time.

Disposition means the final outcome of a case. Common dispositions include guilty (convicted as charged), not guilty (acquitted), dismissed (charges dropped), nolle prosequi (prosecutor declined to proceed), or deferred adjudication (conviction withheld pending successful completion of probation).

Adjudication withheld means the court did not enter a formal conviction despite the person pleading guilty or being found guilty. This is often part of a plea deal where successful completion of probation results in no conviction appearing on the record. However, for some purposes like immigration or professional licensing, adjudication withheld may still count as a conviction.

Expungement means records have been sealed or destroyed. Pardon means the government has forgiven the offense. Set aside means the conviction is overturned but remains visible on the record. Understanding these distinctions helps you accurately assess someone's criminal history.

Criminal Records and Emerging Technologies

Technology is changing how criminal records are maintained and accessed. Electronic court filing systems have made criminal records more accessible than ever before, with many courts now offering online case search systems. However, this increased accessibility also raises privacy concerns, particularly for people with old criminal records trying to move on with their lives.

Artificial intelligence and automated background screening systems are becoming more common, offering faster searches across multiple databases. However, these systems also raise concerns about accuracy and mistaken identity. Ensuring that automated systems correctly match records to the right individual remains a significant challenge, especially with common names.

Some jurisdictions are exploring blockchain technology for maintaining tamper-proof criminal records, while others are implementing automated record sealing systems that identify eligible cases and seal them without requiring individuals to file petitions. These technological advances promise to make criminal record systems more efficient and accessible while potentially addressing some privacy concerns through automatic clearance of older records.

Resources for Employers and Landlords

If you're an employer or landlord conducting criminal background checks, it's essential to understand your legal obligations and best practices. Develop a written policy for how you'll use criminal background information in hiring or tenant screening decisions. This policy should be consistently applied to avoid discrimination claims.

Consider partnering with an FCRA-compliant background screening service if you'll be regularly conducting background checks. These services understand the complex legal requirements and can help you avoid compliance pitfalls. Document your background check process, including what information you obtain, how you evaluate it, and how you provide required notices to applicants.

Stay informed about ban the box laws and fair chance hiring requirements in your jurisdiction. These laws are rapidly evolving, with more states and cities enacting protections for people with criminal records. Consult with an employment attorney if you have questions about how to legally use criminal background information in your specific situation.

Start Your Criminal Records Search

Searching criminal records doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By understanding the different types of records available, where to find them, and how to interpret them, you can conduct thorough background research for employment screening, tenant verification, personal safety, or general due diligence.

Our Criminal Records Search tool provides free access to sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court records from across the United States. Instead of navigating dozens of individual government websites, you can search comprehensive criminal records from a single interface and get organized, actionable results.

Whether you're a small business owner screening potential hires, a landlord evaluating rental applications, or someone conducting personal due diligence, having access to criminal records is an important part of making informed decisions. Start with free public records tools to get the information you need quickly and efficiently.

For sales professionals and recruiters, criminal background checks are just one part of comprehensive due diligence. Our suite of free tools helps you verify identities, find contact information, and assess credibility throughout your prospecting and hiring process. Combine criminal record searches with our Email Verifier to ensure you're working with legitimate contacts, or use our Background Checker for comprehensive reports that pull together multiple data sources into a single trust score.

Understanding criminal records empowers you to make better decisions while respecting people's privacy rights and legal protections. Use the information responsibly, verify critical findings through official channels, and always ensure you're complying with applicable laws when using criminal history information for employment, housing, or other important decisions.