Explaining The Possibilities & Limits of Criminal History Checks

Need a criminal background check? Whether you’re an employer, a landlord, or require one for something else, hiring a professional to do this is your best route. In CT, a criminal background check investigator can help you uncover critical records, but there are still legal boundaries to what can be revealed. But what exactly are the limits of criminal history checks, even if a licensed expert performs them? Read on to find out!

What things appear on a criminal background check?

Criminal history checks are a useful tool that provides a clearer picture of an individual’s past, and there are various reasons one may need to check someone’s criminal background. But what kind of information do they actually reveal? Here’s what typically appears on a criminal background check conducted by a professional:

• Felony & misdemeanor convictions: The screening covers both serious felony convictions and less severe misdemeanor offenses.
• Pending criminal cases: The report will include any current charges and ongoing court cases to help you assess any legal concerns that could affect employment or tenancy.
• Incarceration history: If the person has spent time in jail or prison, this screening will provide context about the duration and nature of their incarceration.
• Sex offender registry status: Although this information is usually already publicly accessible, the check can confirm whether the individual is on the sex offender registry.
• Probation & parole records: You’ll discover any current or past probation or parole status too, to explain their ongoing obligations or restrictions under the legal system.
• Active warrants: Details of any active warrants can signal unresolved legal matters that may require further attention, and the report includes them too.
• Restraining & protective orders: The check may uncover any active restraining or protective orders issued by a court to protect individuals, important in many situations.
• Serious driving offenses: Violations like DUIs and reckless driving show up in these reports, especially important if they’re relevant to the role or responsibility in question.

What does a background check not include?

While professional background screenings are thorough, there are legal and practical limitations on the information that even the most qualified expert can access and disclose. Here are some things that likely won’t show up in a report:

• Arrest records without convictions: In Connecticut, arrests that didn’t result in a conviction generally disappear from records after a certain time. This helps prevent discrimination based on unproven accusations.
• Expunged or sealed records: If a court has legally expunged or sealed records, they become inaccessible and won’t show up in reports.
• Juvenile records: Offenses committed before the age of 18 are usually confidential and excluded from standard background screening.
• Minor infractions & civil cases: Petty offenses like parking tickets or civil lawsuits unrelated to criminal activity won’t be included.
• Participation in diversion programs: Court-approved diversion programs like drug education or community service, once completed, may not be disclosed either. 
• Medical & psychological records: Personal health information is protected under privacy laws and is not part of a verification process.
• Credit history (unless permitted): Your financial records and credit history are usually off-limits unless you specifically authorize it and it’s relevant to the purpose of the check.

How far back do most criminal background checks go?

The timeframe a background screening covers can be complex. In Connecticut, there’s no legal limit on how far back conviction records can go, unless they’ve been expunged or sealed. Non-conviction records, like arrests without a conviction, are typically limited by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to the past seven years.

Don’t forget that practical limitations exist too. Older records may be hard to find due to technological constraints or incomplete historical data in databases. So, while it’s legally permissible to report older convictions, their actual availability may vary.

Who is CT’s top choice for a criminal background check investigator?

Whenever you need a criminal background check you can trust, Blackledge Investigations is your go-to. Our experienced private investigators possess the legal knowledge, skills, and tools to uncover the information you need, while always respecting strict privacy laws. We deliver clear, detailed, and actionable reports that help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re in New Haven, elsewhere in Connecticut, or beyond, we’re ready to assist. Contact us today for a consultation and let us handle the complexities of the process for you.