Criminal records are an important part of the background check process. Most background checks will consider these records before making hiring decisions, so it’s important to know what will show up on a background check before you apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While most states do share criminal records, some states are less inclined to share that information. For example, California makes it challenging to get specific information from cases, even if you live in the state. While this can all get complicated, don’t worry, because we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article covers what states don’t share criminal records, along with how to check your criminal records to prepare for a background check. Read on to learn everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A criminal record is a collection of someone’s criminal history. These records are kept by local, state, and federal governments, and they are generally available to the public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies, government agencies, and even individuals can run background checks that provide you with information about criminal records. The level of detail in these checks varies based on the type of criminal record and the state where it occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the background check process, most companies look for felonies and misdemeanors, but some violations can also remain on someone’s criminal record, especially in driving-related background checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, criminal records are public. In most states, anyone can find and look through your criminal records. The only time criminal records aren’t public is if the case is sealed, expunged, or removed from someone’s record due to a time limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While criminal records may be public, that doesn’t always mean they can be used against you. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)<\/a>, background checks can’t check records that are more than seven years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some states have modifications of these guidelines, and other states may display these records indefinitely, so make sure you check with your state\u2019s laws before determining if the records are public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t know what state you have to look in, you can use our people search tools to find where someone lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Criminal records can reveal a lot of information. While most information pertains to criminal records, you’ll find that sex offender status and some lesser crimes may also show up on the record. Below, we list some of the information that will show up on a criminal record:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the criminal records and the type of background check, additional information may be available. For example, some background checks will include a drug test<\/a> that goes beyond paper records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most states share criminal records, and even the ones that don’t tend to release criminal records when they’re requested. That said, some states don’t share records in specific situations, and some laws may make it more challenging to assess someone’s records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, more than 35 states have ban-the-box laws<\/a>, which were first introduced during the Obama presidency in 2015. These laws are in place to prevent employers from asking about someone’s criminal record or history before offering employment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While a background check can still be run, employers can’t do so on the initial application. This gives the applicant a fair chance to be evaluated before they’re hired. Learn more about states that make it hard to access criminal records below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massachusetts is another state that doesn’t share criminal records right away. Instead, a request has to be made for the records to become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massachusetts isn’t a National Fingerprint File State<\/a>. This means agencies, businesses, and individuals must contact the state\u2019s Department of Criminal Justice in order to view criminal records. Therefore, Massachusetts doesn’t outright share criminal records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another example is how New York handles criminal records. While states like Texas will maintain someone\u2019s criminal records indefinitely, New York passed a law<\/a> that will seal criminals’ records in 2023 after eight years. Some serious crimes are excluded, of course, but this makes it hard for other states to access information that’s more than eight years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Michigan doesn’t share criminal records with another state unless the information is requested. This means that you can find criminal records within third-party databases and state databases once you make a request and pay a fee. Additionally, the records can be viewed with a signed request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another interesting case that doesn’t share criminal records is Maine. What makes Maine an interesting state is how the sharing of these records is handled. In Maine, criminal records are only shared for employment opportunities, and signed paperwork needs to be in order before that information is shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you want to get criminal records from Georgia, you’ll have a hard time. This is because you need a signed document from Georgia\u2019s state agencies to get your hands on someone’s criminal records. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike other states, this means you have to go through an extra signature process before you can obtain information about someone’s criminal record. While you may be able to find surface-level information, you’ll have to request more detailed information with this formal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most states will share criminal records, and there isn’t always something you can do about it. However, you can check your records for any discrepancies and work to expunge a criminal case if you want it removed from your record. While you might not be able to prevent every state from sharing criminal records, it’s worth a try. Learn more about how to prevent states from sharing criminal records below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Shows Up On a Criminal Record?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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States That Don’t Share Criminal Records <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Massachusetts <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Michigan <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maine <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Georgia <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent States from Sharing Criminal Records <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check Your Criminal Records <\/h3>\n\n\n\n