A criminal record can also be known as a rap sheet, a collection of a person’s criminal convictions and arrests. The information in the record varies from state to state and from country to country. As a state resident, you are entitled to your criminal records. The safest thing to do is to assume that any criminal arrest or conviction is public knowledge. State and Federal Law enforcement usually maintains criminal records, and every agency sets standards regarding what to include in a record. However, as a common rule, criminal records will entail basic information about the person, like the name, birth dates, aliases and height and weight. At the same time, some public criminal records like lookupinmate contain convictions and arrest records. Conviction details also vary, but records will always include the date and court of conviction, the sentence and whether the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor.

How to check if you have a criminal record

There are numerous ways you can be able to get a copy of your criminal record, and the best way is to ask the FBI for a copy, or you could also go to your state’s bureau of investigation, state police or state public safety office. For you to be issued with your criminal record, you will be asked for your fingerprint. You could also go to your local police department and ask for a copy of your criminal records. Most of the time, local police will have local arrests and conviction records, and any particular officer should be able to tell you what is in your records.

Who else can see your record?

Law enforcement agencies can access your criminal records without your knowledge. When you are charged with a crime, your lawyer will ask for your criminal records and look through them so that they can know if there are any errors. Some organisations like schools and employers may need your permission to access your records, but when you refuse to give them consent, it will raise a red flag, and you may end up jobless.

Types of checks

• Basic check

A basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.

• Standard check

Standard check usually shows any spent and unspent warnings, convictions, reprimands and final threats.

• An enhanced check

An enhanced check works the same way as a standard check, showing information held by local police that’s considered relevant.

• Enhanced check with barred lists

This particular check shows the same as an enhanced check, plus whether you are on the list of people who have been barred from doing the function.

Conclusion

When you want to seek employment opportunities, you should learn about your criminal records first so that you can know if you are on the right side of the law or not. You could also ask for a criminal record to know where you stand.