There is a difference between how far back researchers can search criminal records and how far back they can report them to clients.

The length at which records can be searched depends on which court the records are in. For example, some counties can easily retrieve records from 20 years ago, while others have trouble finding records that are only 7 years old. The court researcher will pull information on records as far back as he can find and send those records to Corporate Screening.

The length at which criminal records can be reported to a customer, however, is more strictly regulated. Various federal and state laws restrict consumer reporting agencies from reporting certain types of information. Depending on the type of case, Corporate Screening may not be able to report it if it is over a certain age.

As an industry standard, criminal conviction searches date back 7 years. A criminal background check through Corporate Screening will take into consideration the type of criminal record as well as all applicable state and federal laws. This process increases the integrity of the background screening program by allowing for a more comprehensive search.

After we collect as much information as possible, we’re able to filter information by what clients need to see and what they’re allowed to see. Clients can then proceed knowing that a qualified criminal background check specialist approved the information they’re going to use to make employment decisions.

Request more information about our criminal background checks.

Return to the Background Check FAQ page.