National Criminal Background Check: How To Find Criminal Records Online

Understanding how to conduct a national criminal background check is a valuable skill to have in a variety of situations. While many people think they'll never need to use an online criminal background check service, the truth is that at some point in your life you probably will. When this situation arises, it's important to know what you should be looking for and which service can provide the most accurate data.

Why Conducting A National Criminal Background Check Is Important?

On a personal basis, running an online criminal background check is a preventative strategy that can help you avoid people with a violent or criminal history. Whether you are going on a blind date, hiring a babysitter or just want to have a better understanding of your neighbors, the only way to find out is by reviewing someone's criminal history.

On a professional basis, conducting a national criminal background check is almost mandatory in today's world of business. As a business owner, professional or private contractor, you simply need to know that the people you are hiring or partnering with don't have a criminal past.

Whether for personal or professional reasons, there are several options for getting the information you need and putting yourself at ease.

What Information Does The Best Criminal Background Check Provide?

A national criminal background check does exactly what it describes - searches a person’s record for any criminal activity or other legal problems. This typically indicates all instances of convictions, including minor traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and even felonies. With that being said, it is important to remember that not all criminal offenses will necessarily be included in an instant criminal background check. Many offenses, even felonies, can be expunged from legal record. This means that the person in question has their record wiped clean and does not have to legally acknowledge that they have been convicted of a crime.

When considering purchasing a record check, you want to know everything that you are getting. It is important to research the service you plan to utilize in order to determine exactly what will be provided in the report.

Are National Criminal Background Checks Really Necessary?

Many people may question the need for an online criminal background check, especially if it only concerns one person on a one-time basis. If you are a parent, you cannot risk putting your children in danger by associating them with people who may have criminal records. For people with children, a criminal background check can be especially useful because the records usually indicate whether the person in question has been committed of a sex offense.

Where Can You Get The Best Criminal Background Check?

While there are many resources available for obtaining an instant criminal background check, not all services and resources should be considered equal. Here is a list of the best way to track down criminal records.

Method #1 – Use The Court Systems

Many state court systems can complete a criminal background check for a nominal fee. However, these government organizations are only capable of performing a check within the state or a specific county. Obviously this leaves plenty of loopholes in your search and isn't the best option.

Method #2 – Nationwide Criminal Background Check Services

For a nationwide search, companies such as U.S. Search or Intelius are fully capable of providing detailed criminal information fast and at a competitive price. The safest bet for a comprehensive check would be to employ one of these services, as they are among the best in the industry.

Can I get a Free Criminal Background Check?

While there are no "for profit" companies or services that will release criminal records for free, there are a few government websites that will allow you to inquire on a person's past. One example of this is the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (Located at http://www.nsopw.gov). This free resource will allow you to search for registered sex offenders in your local area.

Of course doing a sex offender search is only one aspect of a person's possible criminal history. Unfortunately, if you want a complete picture of a someone's criminal past then you are going to have to spend a few bucks to obtain it.

In closing, conducting a national criminal background check is smart way to protect your family and loved ones from shady characters. Stick with a reputable company like US Search and you will be able to investigate anyone from the privacy and comfort of your own home.

National Criminal Background Check #1 Pick - US Search 

US Search – US Search is the leading search service in the United States. Their data is frequently updated and they offer a "No Results – No Charge" guarantee.

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