Criminal background checks for employers
A criminal background check shows the criminal charges and convictions filed against a candidate in county, state and federal courts. VICTIG searches those courts, matches every record to at least two of your candidate’s identifiers, and researches missing outcomes before anything reaches your report. Results average 1.8 days.
Not every record rules a candidate out. A criminal background check gives you the facts to make a fair, informed hiring decision, and VICTIG handles the court searches, research and compliance details so your team can focus on hiring. Learn more about our screening services.
Types of criminal background checks
Each search covers a different set of courts and records, so most employers combine several to get a full picture.
County
Criminal record search
Searches for felony and misdemeanor charges and convictions filed in that county’s courts, where most criminal cases are prosecuted.
Statewide
Criminal record search
Checks state databases for records from other counties in the state.
Federal
Court record search
Searches federal courts through PACER for crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking and other interstate offenses.
National
Criminal database
Checks records from courts, corrections departments and other sources across many states at once, and includes sex offender registries. Because databases can be incomplete or out of date, VICTIG confirms any possible match at the source court before reporting it.
What shows up on a VICTIG criminal background check
VICTIG reports filed criminal charges, not arrest data. A report can include:
- Convictions: felonies and misdemeanors, with the charge, court, filing date and sentence.
- Pending charges: open cases, where state law allows them to be reported. Alaska and Kentucky don’t allow pending charges to be reported.
- Alternative dispositions: deferrals, diversions and first-offender programs, generally for seven years.
Learn more in our guides to arrest records on background checks and what disposition means.
How far back VICTIG reports
| Record type | Standard reporting period | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Felony convictions | No set limit | California, D.C., Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York and Washington limit reporting to seven years, some based on the job’s salary |
| Misdemeanor convictions | 10 years from the filing date | Shorter where a state requires it, such as Massachusetts (3 years) or California marijuana misdemeanors (2 years) |
| Pending charges | Up to 7 years, where allowed | Not reported in Alaska or Kentucky |
| Deferrals, diversions and similar | 7 years | Within state reporting limits |
Employers can ask for a shorter or longer lookback to match their own policy, where the law allows it. Those requests are set up in writing. In states with salary-based limits, VICTIG’s researchers confirm the position’s salary range with you before deciding whether a record can be reported.
When a case has no outcome
Court databases don’t always show how a case ended. When a record is missing its disposition, VICTIG’s research team goes to the court for the current status, including any upcoming court date and active warrants, before the record is reported.
Why VICTIG for criminal background checks
Fast, accurate and compliant criminal screening, backed by a US-based team.
Fast
1.8-day average turnaround.
Accurate
Possible matches confirmed at the source court, and missing dispositions researched before reporting.
Compliant
PBSA accredited. Reports follow FCRA and state reporting limits.
Responsive
US-based support, with a 7-minute average email response.
"It's so hassle-free, I’ve actually told other HR people at other companies how much we’ve enjoyed our partnership."
- Josh Garner
Turnaround time
VICTIG’s criminal background checks average 1.8 days.
Some county courts take longer, especially when a clerk has to pull a file by hand. VICTIG keeps you updated with regular reports on court delays.
Are FBI background checks more complete?
Not always. FBI records only include what police, courts and states report, and about one in four arrests in state databases has no recorded outcome. Most private employers can’t use FBI checks anyway, so court-level searches matter.
International Background Checks
Selecting a reliable background check company is paramount, particularly when it comes to international background checks. VICTIG understands that better than anyone, which is why we are proud to offer our five-star screening services for international background checks. Our personalized service & support provide our worldwide client base with low turnaround times, high quality reports, and, ultimately, peace of mind that you can’t find anywhere else. Interested in our international background check services? Chat with one of our sales representatives today to learn more.
Choose VICTIG today
Work with a US-based screening team that averages a 1.8-day turnaround and a 7-minute email response. Explore our services or contact us to get started.
Compliance built into every search
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires a standalone disclosure, the candidate’s written authorization, and the adverse action process before you decide against someone based on a report. Many states and cities add ban-the-box timing rules and individualized assessments. VICTIG is PBSA accredited and follows state reporting limits on every report. See our FCRA-compliant background check guide.
Criminal background check FAQ
What shows up on a criminal background check?
Felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges where state law allows, and alternative outcomes like deferrals and diversions. VICTIG reports filed charges, not arrests that never led to a charge.
How far back does a criminal background check go?
VICTIG reports felony convictions without a set limit and misdemeanor convictions for 10 years, unless state law sets a shorter limit. Ten states, including California and New York, limit most reporting to seven years.
What’s the difference between county, statewide, federal and national searches?
County searches check the courts where most crimes are prosecuted. Statewide searches cover a state’s central repository, federal searches cover federal courts, and a national database search scans many states at once, including sex offender registries.
Do arrests show up on a VICTIG background check?
No. VICTIG reports filed criminal charges, including pending cases where allowed, but not arrest data.
What happens if a record has no disposition?
VICTIG’s research team checks with the court for the case’s current status, upcoming court date and any active warrants before reporting it.
How long does a criminal background check take?
VICTIG averages 1.8 days. Some county courts take longer when records have to be pulled by hand.
Do I need the candidate’s permission?
Yes. The FCRA requires a standalone disclosure and the candidate’s written authorization before you order a background check for employment.
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