What Is a Criminal Background Check?

A criminal background check is a screening process that examines a person's criminal history. This can include a variety of offenses, such as misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile convictions.

The purpose of a criminal background check is to provide information about a person's past behavior and to help employers, landlords, and other organizations make informed decisions when hiring, renting, or providing services to individuals.

In this article, we'll explore what a criminal background check entails, what types of information it can reveal, and how it can impact a person's future opportunities.

What Does It Involve?

When an organization conducts a criminal background check, they typically start by gathering information about the person in question, including their name, date of birth, and social security number.

This information is used to access public records, which can include criminal convictions, arrests, and court records. Depending on the level of screening desired, the search may also include sex offender registries, driving records, and credit reports.

The specifics of the search will vary depending on the organization conducting it and the level of screening required. For example, a simple check for a part-time job may only involve a search of criminal records in the local area, whereas a more comprehensive check for a high-level security clearance may involve a nationwide search and interviews with former employers and colleagues.

What Information Does It Reveal?

A criminal background check can reveal a variety of information about a person's past behavior. This can include convictions for both misdemeanors and felonies, as well as charges that were dismissed or reduced.

In addition to criminal records, a background check may also reveal information about a person's driving history, credit history, and involvement in civil lawsuits. This information can be used to help make decisions about a person's suitability for certain positions or for renting a property.

It's important to note that not all criminal records will necessarily show up on a background check. For example, if a person was arrested but not ultimately charged or convicted, that information may not be included in a criminal record search.

Similarly, if a person's criminal record has been expunged or sealed, that information may not be accessible through a standard background check. However, specialized searches may still be able to uncover this information.

How Does It Impact a Person's Future Opportunities?

The impact of a criminal background check can vary depending on the nature of the offense and the organization conducting the screening. In general, however, having a criminal record can limit a person's opportunities for employment, housing, and other services.

Employment: Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, particularly for positions that involve working with vulnerable populations or with sensitive information. If a person has a criminal record, they may be ineligible for certain jobs or may have difficulty securing employment in general.

Housing: Landlords and property managers may also conduct background checks as part of their screening process for prospective tenants. A criminal record can make it harder for a person to find a place to live or may result in higher security deposits or rental prices.

Services: Some service providers, such as childcare facilities or home healthcare agencies, may also conduct background checks on employees. A criminal record can disqualify a person from working in these industries, which can impact their ability to earn a living.

Can It Be Challenged?

If a person believes that their criminal background check is inaccurate or that it is being used unfairly to deny them opportunities, they may be able to challenge the results.

The first step in challenging a background check is to obtain a copy of the report and review it for errors or inaccuracies. If errors are found, the person can contact the reporting agency to dispute the information.

If there are no errors but the person believes that the information is being used unfairly, they may want to consider contacting a lawyer or a civil rights organization for advice on next steps.

Conclusion

A criminal background check is a screening process that can reveal information about a person's past criminal history, driving record, credit history, and other factors. This information can impact a person's ability to secure employment, housing, and other services. If a person believes that their background check is inaccurate or is being used unfairly to deny them opportunities, they may be able to challenge the results.