How to Read a Criminal Rap Sheet
Police and prosecutors aren't the only ones who might read a person's criminal record, or "rap sheet." Employers do it. Sometimes neighbors do it. And if the rap sheet in question is yours, you should do it. Understanding what a criminal rap sheet says and how others will interpret the information is important.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
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Read the report starting with the first entry, which is the most recent activity on the record. The entry will start with the case number and defendant's name. Other information will include the person's date of birth and the arresting officer's name and badge number.
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Each entry on the criminal rap sheet will be listed by arrest date. The entry will include whether the person was detained and what charges were filed.
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Look below the previous information to see the disposition of charges and the date of disposition -- in other words, how the case was resolved. You will also see what sentence, if any, was imposed.
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Continue reading through the entries. A line will usually separate each entry. Some criminal rap sheets will tell you whether each offense was a municipal citation, a misdemeanor or a felony.
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Tips & Warnings
If you read your criminal rap sheet and see incorrect information, you should discuss this with the local courts.
