Instant Criminal Database Search

FAQs

Are instant criminal searches accurate and thorough?

An instant criminal search is only as accurate as the state, local or federal agency reporting the data. We have limited control in their update frequency as it is set by and varies by each data source’ this ranges from as frequently as daily to semi-annually. For a source specific update frequency we recommend you explore our interactive coverage map, which lists the update frequency in the source descriptions.

With that said, data strength is one of many aspects that sets us apart from our competitors and we go to great lengths to acquire and maintain our data and pride ourselves on typically updating our database with new records within five days of receipt. Moreover, criminal records and subject demographics will vary based on the data source. For instance, some data sources provide full dates of birth while others may only provide year of birth or none at all. Information associated with criminal records also varies such as: plea, disposition, degree of offense, etc… In some cases the data source provides obscure or very few details about the record.

How big is your database?

Our US OneSEARCH database currently contains over 650 million criminal records derived from a comprehensive list of sources.

Does no records found mean that my subject does not have crimes on their record?

There are several reasons why 0 records might be found in a database search.

• You entered incorrect information like a misspelled first or last name and/or the incorrect date of birth.
• You entered a hyphenated name, middle initial in the first name box, a suffix such as JR, SR II, III, IV at the end of the last name or a special character in the first or last name box.
• The search was conducted by name and date of birth; but available public records do not associate this name and/or date of birth with the record.
• The subject searched is a minor and we do not search juvenile records.
• You entered a hyphenated name. Our database does not provide results for hyphenated names, therefore, you must enter the last name with a space rather than a hyphen (-) or you may use the last part of the hyphenated name for the best results. Do not add any generations such as Jr. Sr. II or III.
• You entered two first names. We are referring to names like Bobbie Sue, Amy Lynn and Billie Joe - please do not use them. Use only the first part of the two-part name as any extension of the name will be reported. Example, if you are searching Amy Lynn - Just use Amy and if there is a match with Amy Lynn it will come back.
• You entered a nickname. Court records use the subject's full legal name, not nicknames.
• You entered a middle name as a first name. Court records use the subject's first name, not a middle name that the subject goes by.
• The record you might have expected to find is not within the agreed available covered jurisdictions. backgroundcheck.com, like all criminal record database search companies, offers limited criminal record coverage, and most likely the known record is not within our coverage acknowledged in our terms and conditions. The fact is, not all county, or municipal courts nationally will share their information with third party companies or do not have the records indexed in a searchable format. For an upfront understanding of our state and county coverage, visit our interactive coverage map.
• The record you might have expected to find is expunged or sealed by court order.

Do your reports provide date of birth and social security number information?

No, social security number information is private and is not publically available. However, date of birth information is commonly found in public records. Many of our criminal record data sources include date of birth in the information they provide.