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Federal Criminal Record Search

The Benefits of a Federal Criminal Record Search as part of your Background Check

A Federal Criminal Records Search provides information not available in traditional criminal searches conducted at the county or state level. This type of search uses the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) federal index to find any potential record hits.

Federal hits often reveal violations of federal criminal law. These may include tax evasion, fraud, embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, immigration law violations, postal offences, interstate drug trafficking, arms violations, and kidnapping charges. Additionally, the search identifies crimes that occurred on federal property or violated federal law.

  • A Federal Criminal Record Search:
  • Searches all Federal District Criminal Courts
  • Identifies criminal cases heard in a Federal District Court
  • Reports federal criminal offences such as white-collar crimes, crimes crossing state lines, drug trafficking, and more

Average Turn-Around Time

1 Business Day

What Shows Up on a Federal Criminal Record Search?

Investigating a federal criminal history for a background check can reveal many details about an individual’s past. For example, it can show whether the person was arrested and charged with a crime. It can also indicate the types of offenses on that person’s record and how serious they were.

The search may include information about any convictions and sentences. However, it’s important to note that employers may not receive all available information. Legal restrictions may limit what details employers can access when requesting a federal criminal background check for employment purposes.

How Far Back Does a Federal Criminal Record Search Go?

Although a federal criminal history record search offers insights into an individual’s background, it does not cover a person’s entire lifetime. There are strict rules set in place, specifically as part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). One of the most important of these is the fact that arrests not resulting in convictions cannot be reported if they occurred more than seven years prior to the request. Depending on where you do business, there also may be state or local laws that put additional restrictions on how far back a criminal history search can reach. Our experts can help you understand what kind of information you can receive and why.

How Is a Federal Criminal Record Search Different Than a National Criminal Database Search?

Although they sound similar, these two processes are distinct and yield different results. A federal criminal history search collects information specifically from federal courts, excluding any details concerning an individual’s local or state criminal records. On the other hand, a national criminal database search means collecting information from multiple federal, state, county, and local agencies and courts. Employers interested in getting the most complete picture of a job candidate should consider taking advantage of both.

Employers Choice Screening Offers Comprehensive Services

Not only can we provide you with fast, dependable results from a federal criminal record search, but also we offer a host of other services to help you vet potential new hires. These include a county criminal record search, a statewide criminal record search, and criminal background check services. If you want to know more about everything we have to offer, reach out and speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives today.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is a federal criminal background check?
A federal criminal background check is a review of an individual’s criminal history within the U.S. federal court system, highlighting offences prosecuted at the federal level, including drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and offences committed on federal property.
Federal background checks are essential for applicants seeking federal employment, especially positions that require security clearance or involve access to sensitive information, financial assets, or vulnerable populations such as children or the elderly. These checks are commonly required for careers in law enforcement, education, healthcare, banking, and national defence.
Yes. These checks provide detailed information on convictions, sentencing, and active federal cases, helping organizations make informed decisions during the hiring process.
A search for federal offenses covers crimes that violate federal law, including drug-related offenses, financial crimes, cybercrimes, violent crimes, and terrorism-related activities.
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