Criminal Records

There can be no denying that our society has become crime-ridden. For the past several years, millions of Americans have been caught up in some sort of crime violation. They could be in jail, lock-up, detention, probation, parole, rehabilitation or undergoing legal proceedings of criminal charges. Despite all-out and all-front efforts, this worsening trend persists.

There are basically 3 categories of criminal offense: Traffic, Misdemeanor and Felony.

Traffic violation is hardly a crime in the practical sense but for bureaucracy and technicality. Except for cases involving serious accidents and DUI (drunk or drugs driving), traffic violations do not generally show up as a criminal record.

Misdemeanors are lesser crimes which mandate lighter sentences. Incarceration ceiling is typically 1 year imprisonment depending on states. All incarcerations, however, warrant a record which will be entered into the file of the offender. Felonies are the most serious of all, with sentences up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some states. This will not only be recorded but can be posted on other crime alert or notice.

The legal system is complex. Public Arrest Records are broken down into specific categories. Driving, Theft, Assault, Arrest, Inmate, Immigration, Sex Offender Records are some examples. All of these are public records and are open to public access and review. Investigative work or background checks normally include criminal records in one way or another. Hence, it would be good for police work, neighborhood watch or perhaps for social background checks.

Criminal record check can be conducted in a number of different ways. It can be done on-site at the respective public offices or stations, by mail (conventional or electronic), or online through the internet. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. On-site offers the most detailed and up-to-date information but is time-consuming and requires physical presence. Mail takes forever, albeit much improved with its electronic and live version. In all practicality, the best option is online.

With online, criminal record search can be conducted at any hour, 24/7, and anywhere as long as internet access is available. These are important factors because such checks often require immediacy. It can get touchy too. If we’re just acting on a hunch about someone, it goes without saying that we should not be too public about it. Fortunately, online search allows us to search from the privacy of our home or office, greatly reducing the probability of being caught in the act.

Criminal records are all over the internet, but they are not created all equal. There are many sites that offer information, including government and public offices and there are many sites too that offer fee-based checks. The general guideline is if time, convenience and professional quality is of the essence, go with the paid version. But before hopping onto any one of those, you may want to consider taking reference from some of the review sites. Their selections are generally accurate and well-substantiated. The rest is up to you.