Criminal Background Checks

• What types of criminal record background checks are typically performed by potential employers?

  Several types of criminal background checks can be performed by potential employers, including a Department of Justice criminal background check, an FBI criminal background check and an instant crimin...

• Can I access my own criminal and employment records that would show up on a background check?

  ... same information from a background check that an employer or anyone else would be able to obtain. Criminal records can be obtained through various governmental agencies as well as private sources, a...

• What are the most common jobs where background checks are required?

  Traditionally, the most common employments where background checks are required involve jobs where federal or state law mandates background checks. For example, most states now require a criminal back...

• What information will show up from my criminal record when someone conducts a background check?

  That depends upon the scope of the criminal background check but generally speaking, criminal records include arrests, incarcerations, convictions and sex offender records. What criminal information ...

• Do non-citizens have U.S. criminal records I can view with a background check?

  ...of criminal records you may need to search in order to get a comprehensive background check report. Criminal records include: state and county, state and federal inmate databases, misdemeanor and felo...

• Who conducts background checks when an employer or individual requests one?

  The person who conducts a background check depends on the employer or individual making the request, the type of background check requested, and the circumstances for requesting the background check. ...

• Why do employers perform background checks and what do they check for?

  Employers have various reasons for performing complete background checks, including complying with the law, ensuring the accuracy of a resume, assessing competence, preventing criminal activity in the...

• What is the process employers undergo when conducting background checks?

  The process employers undergo when conducting background checks varies by employer. Generally speaking, employers must gather information about a prospective employee, obtain permission from the pros...

• When employers conduct a background check does my criminal record contain all arrests or only convictions?

  Employers who hire background check services to conduct background checks are restricted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) on the information they are allowed to receive in consumer credit repor...

• Are background checks always 100% accurate?

  No, background checks are not always 100% inaccurate. In many cases, they can be inaccurate. Background reports maintained by government agencies, such as driving records and criminal records, tend ...

• What are the most common types of background checks?

  The type of background check often depends on the job you’re applying for, yet the most common types of background checks include criminal records, credit reports, and driving records. Most ...

• Where can I obtain a criminal background check?

  You've got a couple choices. You can attempt to compile your own background check by rummaging through the Internet. Watchdog agencies, public interest organizations, and government sites are all goo...

• What laws protect my privacy regarding background checks?

  ...es require criminal background checks for anyone who works with children, the elderly, or disabled. Background checks can include numerous details about one’s personal history, including driving...

• What if I know someone has a criminal record but their background check states "no records found"?

  There can be various reasons that a criminal history background check might return results that state “no records found.” One reason could be that the record has been expunged or sealed. I...

• What kind of information needs to be provided to an employee if background checks result in an adverse hiring decision?

  ...de the employee a copy of the report and information about disputing the contents of the report. Background checks are commonplace for anyone seeking a job or a promotion. Background checks can inc...

• Will having a criminal record show up on a background check disqualify me from getting a job?

  No, there are federal laws that prevent an employer from denying a person employment because the background check shows an individual has a criminal record. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act, whic...

• Are background checks available for minors?

  There is no law that prevents you from learning about a minor that works for your business. In general, you should be able to run background checks on minors; however, the availability of juvenile re...

• Are nonprofit organizations subjected to the same privacy laws regarding background checks?

  Yes, nonprofit organizations must follow the same federal and state laws when conducting background-checks on employees, volunteers and independent contractors as for-profit companies. The federal sta...

• What does a Department of Justice background check typically contain?

  A Department of Justice (DOJ) background check typically contains an individual’s criminal record, including all arrests and convictions as reported by law enforcement. In most states, the Stat...

• Does a foreclosure show up on a background check?

  It depends on what kind of background check you are talking about. Background check most commonly refers to a criminal background check. Since a foreclosure is not a criminal manner, it would not app...