Conducting a background check on someone can yield a wealth of information about their past, including their criminal history. But what types of crimes are typically included in a background check, and which ones should you be most worried about? Keep reading to learn more about the different types of crimes that might show up on a background check.
Conducting a Criminal Background Check
There are many reasons why you may need to look into someone’s personal history. Maybe you’re interviewing candidates for a job or looking to lease an apartment to a prospective tenant. Whatever the reason, a background check can provide helpful information about a person’s past, including details they would rather keep hidden—like their criminal history. A criminal background check is particularly useful for determining whether or not someone is trustworthy or safe to be around.
To conduct a criminal background check, you’ll need the person’s first and last name, as well as their date of birth. Some states and jurisdictions make criminal records available to the public online and only require a name and date of birth. In other areas, you may need to contact the appropriate authorities directly to request criminal records or pay a fee to order an official report on their criminal history.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of crimes typically included in these reports.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. In most cases, these offenses are punishable by imprisonment in a state or federal prison. There are some crimes, such as burglary, that are considered felonies even if they are punishable by a shorter sentence.
Another type of crime is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor may be less serious and usually results in shorter prison sentences or fines. Some common misdemeanors include assault and battery, drunk driving, and possession of marijuana.
Finally, some offenses that might appear in a background check are not technically crimes. For example, if someone has been arrested but never convicted, their arrest might still show up on their record. Similarly, if someone has an outstanding warrant for their arrest, this will also show up on their record.
Financial Crimes
Financial crimes can include a wide range of offenses, such as bank robbery and embezzlement. Financial crimes are often motivated by greed or a desire for financial gain, and they can cause significant damage to businesses and individuals. Some common financial crimes include:
Embezzlement: Embezzlement is the act of stealing money or property that has been entrusted to you. Embezzlers often abuse their position of trust to steal money or assets from their employer or client.
Insider trading: Insider trading occurs when someone uses information that is not available to the public to make stock trades. This can be illegal if the person using the information knows that it is not available to the general public.
Credit card fraud: Credit card fraud involves using stolen credit card numbers or fake credit cards in order to purchase items or withdraw cash from an account. Credit card fraud can be very costly for businesses and consumers alike.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are those that involve the use or threat of physical violence. This can include assault, battery, robbery, and murder. Violent crimes often result in serious injuries for victims and can be very traumatic experiences. They also tend to be more high-profile and receive a lot of media attention. As a result, someone who has been convicted of a violent crime may have a difficult time finding employment or housing and may face social stigma.
Overall, it’s important to understand the different types of crimes that might show up on a criminal background check. They can range from minor offenses to more serious crimes and can give you an idea of the individual’s criminal history. Knowing this information can help you make an educated decision about whether or not to hire someone or allow them into your home.
