Statewide Criminal Record Search

What Is a Statewide Criminal Record Search Report?

Conducting background checks is the best way for employers to gain peace of mind when vetting new hires. When you know as much as possible about a job candidate’s history, you can be sure you won’t be putting your organization or customers at risk. It also helps you streamline your hiring processes and make the most informed decisions possible. Employers Choice Screening provides statewide criminal background checks, so you can be confident you’re making the right choice.

A Statewide Criminal Record Search provides a wider search scope of criminal history, searching available state repositories, which include district courts, state police departments, bureaus of investigations, The State Department of Corrections, The State Admin Office of Courts, and select statewide court systems that encompass some or all counties within a state.

A Statewide Criminal Record Search may return different levels of reportable criminal record information based on the jurisdiction and availability in each state when searched. This search helps employers increase their criminal search scope beyond a county-level search for a more comprehensive Employer Background Check option.

How Far Back Does a Statewide Criminal Record Search Go?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), there are certain restrictions about how far back a statewide criminal background check can go. For positions that pay less than $75,000 per year, such checks cannot include any information about convictions, liens, civil lawsuits, bankruptcies and civil judgments that are more than seven years old. Depending on where you do business, there may also be local or state laws that impose further limits on the type of information an employer can receive. Our experts can talk you through the process and explain what is and isn’t allowable in your particular circumstances.

How Is a Statewide Criminal Record Search Different From a County or Federal Criminal Record Search?

The key differences are the sources of the information. A county criminal record search collects data from county courts, while a federal criminal record search combs through records from federal courts. We have the expertise and knowledge to help you understand all your options and what kind of information they can provide for you as you go through the process.

Trust Employers Choice Screening

In addition to state criminal background check services, we’re also your go-to resource for other types of screenings to support your hiring process. You can count on us to provide a national criminal database search as well as other criminal background check services. To learn more about our full range of capabilities or to get started, reach out and speak with one of our representatives today.

Average Turn-Around Time

1 – 3 Business Days

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Statewide Criminal Record Search and Why is it Important in the Hiring Process?
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.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures that employers obtain background check reports from authorized agencies and that candidates are informed of the check. Employers must also get the candidate’s consent before initiating a criminal record search or any other background checks.
An FCRA-compliant background check benefits your business by helping mitigate liability, ensuring the safety and security of your workplace, and promoting fair and equitable hiring practices. It also provides a more comprehensive view of candidates, allowing you to make informed decisions while adhering to legal requirements and protecting both your company and applicants.
A State Repository Service is a central database maintained by each state that holds criminal records, arrest histories, and other relevant legal information. It plays a crucial role in background checks by providing employers with access to comprehensive, statewide criminal records when conducting criminal record searches. Utilizing a state repository service ensures that the background check is thorough, helping employers make informed decisions about potential hires while staying compliant with state laws.