How to Share a Conviction History

Arrests and convictions will be displayed on your criminal record.

Using a policy of full disclosure concerning your criminal history is a sound choice. Lying to an employer about your criminal record can stop you from getting a job. Lying to government officials about your criminal record can get you arrested. Hiding your criminal background from immigration officials can result in denial of entry, travel bans or deportation. Sharing your criminal record is easy if you obtain an official copy of your conviction history.

Instructions

1. Make a list of the states in which you were convicted of a crime.

2. Visit government web sites for the states you listed to find the departments responsible for keeping criminal records. Most states use a department of justice, a branch of law enforcement or a superior court clerk to keep criminal records.

3. Follow the procedure for obtaining a criminal record in each state listed. Most states will allow you to obtain a record through the mail. Pay the fee in the form of a U.S. postal money order and include any required documents, such as a certified copy of a government-issued photo I.D. or a set of your fingerprints taken at your local police station.

4. Receive an official copy of your criminal record. Share it with whomever is concerned.

References

• State of California Department of Justice: Criminal Records -- Request Your Own
• Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation: Criminal History Record Information Request
• Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center: Requests to Review Criminal History