How to Search Someone's Criminal Record for Free

Need to know someone's background? Here's how to find a person's criminal record for free.

Before hiring someone, you may want to run a criminal background check on them. This is important, especially if the job entails dealing with children or sensitive information in the workplace. They claim to be free, but all you get is a little teaser information. That's the case with most "free" criminal background search Websites. However, there are ways to find a person's criminal record for free.

Things You'll Need

• Name, date of birth and last known address of person you're searching for.

Instructions

1. Search state record databases. Many states, including Arizona, maintain a central Website that allows the public to search court cases for free. Find these types of Websites by either visiting your state's superior court Website and looking for links like "public records" or "court dockets." Most of these Websites require that you know at least the person's name and age. Not every state maintains a central Website of this type.

2. Search county records. Locate the county that the person's last known address is in, or the county where you believe they might have been arrested. Then find that county's website and look for superior court records, the office of the clerk of the court or public records. Different counties put their public records online in different departments, so check everything court-related. Also check the sheriff's office website for that county. Few law enforcement agencies put records online, but there are some that do so it's worth checking while you're on the county website.

3. Search justice court Websites. While fewer justice courts offer information online than superior court and county websites, they are still worth searching. Check justice courts in the city where the person last lived and in surrounding cities. Look for links to "public records," "public information," or "court dockets."

4. Call local newspapers and police stations.

   Some will charge a fee for searches, but many will run a quick check for you at no cost. Police departments are restricted on the types of checks and information they can release as public record. In most states, the police can release either a copy of the citation or police report that includes the charges against the person. Remember, however, that charges against someone are different than convictions. You will need to follow up with the local court to determine if the person was convicted of the charges.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be shy about calling agencies in addition to searching online. While some require that they charge for personal searches, some are able to conduct basic searches to tell you whether they have a record on an individual at no charge. Then you can decide whether to pay for copies of the results of the search.

• Always double-check information found online. Make sure it really is the person you are searching for and that there isn't an error in the record.