Can I Get A Copy Of My Criminal Record?

Today because of the use of the criminal record in the work place many people ask themselves the following question: Can I get a copy of my criminal record? The answer is yes you can get a copy of your own criminal record.

A Copy of my Criminal Record at the County Level

If you are planning on getting a copy of your criminal record at no cost then you need to visit the county courthouse of the place where you have lived during the last ten years. If that place has differed then you need to visit the county court house in each of the places you have lived.

A Copy of My Criminal Record at the District Level

You will also need to visit your district court house and get a copy of your criminal background at the district level. The databases are not networked, and that is why you need to go to separate court houses.

A Copy of My Criminal Record at the Federal Level

Then you will need to go to the federal court house to get a copy of your criminal record at the federal level. This is criminal records are kept for federal criminal offenses including sexual assault, and child sex offenses.

A Copy of My Criminal Record at the State Level

Many employers will ask for a state wide criminal record as well. Some states have the capability of conducting state wide searches and others don't. You will need to go to the state offices to find out. This request will take much longer than the others, it may take up to a couple of months to receive.

A Copy of My Criminal Record From the FBI

It is possible for you to get a copy of your criminal record from the FBI, but you are the only person that is allowed to do that. A future employer cannot request your record from the FBI files, and a copy of this record cannot be used for employment purposes. "Why would you want a copy of your criminal record from the FBI."

Some countries may require it if you are considering moving abroad and working in that country.

It may also be required if you plan on adopting a foreign child.

As you can see the process is long and drawn out and requires a lot of sidewalk work. If you want a copy of your criminal record, you may want to request it from an agency that specializes in background work. They can get you a copy at a fairly reasonable rate.

If you know that you do not have a criminal record and just want to see what kind of information comes up on your background check, or you want to do a background check on someone that is close to you, then you may want to contract online services. Although these services are not as thorough as a full background check, they will give you an idea of what is on your criminal record.

Criminal Record