Criminal background checks for the people you hire.
Every CHCKED employment package starts with a national criminal search. Add county searches, and with the Complete package state and federal searches, for the places that matter for the role.
A national search is a starting point, not the whole picture.
A national database search can point to records, but court records are held in specific counties, states and federal districts. The right mix of searches depends on where the candidate has lived and on the role.
How a criminal record search works
Search the national database
CHCKED searches a national criminal database compiled from court, corrections and other sources. It is a broad first pass that can point to records in specific places.
Look at court records where it matters
Where the national search points to a possible record, or where your package includes county searches, CHCKED looks at court information for that location.
Review the report
Each record is listed with the details the source provided, such as the charge, court, filing date and disposition when available. CHCKED reports what the sources show. It does not recommend a decision.
Criminal search report
Illustrative example with fictional information.
Example: a record is found
Example: no record is found
Using criminal records fairly
Federal, state and local laws affect how employers may use criminal history. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires a written disclosure and the candidate's written authorization before a background report is obtained, and notices before and after a decision based on a report. Some states and cities add fair-chance rules. You are responsible for following the laws that apply to your business. CHCKED does not recommend hiring decisions.
Questions about criminal background checks
What is a national criminal search?
It searches a national database compiled from many sources. Because no single database holds every record, a national search is a starting point. It can point to records in specific courts.
Is a national search the same as a county search?
No. A county search looks at court records for a specific county. A national search looks at a database. They use different sources and can return different results.
What does a record show?
Each record shows the details the source provided, such as the charge, court, filing date and disposition when available. Some sources provide less detail than others.
What if no records are found?
The report states that no records were found for the details provided. That reflects only the sources searched.
How far back does the search go?
CHCKED applies a seven-year lookback.
Does CHCKED recommend a decision?
No. CHCKED reports records. You decide how to use them, following the laws that apply to you.
Which searches should I choose for a role?
A national search is a starting point. County searches look at court records where the candidate has lived. State and federal searches add coverage from those courts. Compare packages to see what each includes.
Do I need the candidate's permission?
Yes. The FCRA requires a written disclosure and the candidate's written authorization before a background report is obtained for employment.
Compare Basic, Essential and Complete
How county court searches work
Ready to screen your next hire?
Start with a national criminal search and add the searches your role calls for.