Statewide criminal check
State police or criminal history repository
Many states offer name- or fingerprint-based criminal record searches for arrests and convictions held at the state level.
Where To Start
If you were asked to complete an Orange Tree background check or verify results, begin with the jurisdiction tied to the person’s current or recent residence and any counties where cases likely exist.
County case details
County court clerk or trial court online search
Most criminal and civil case files originate in county courts, which hold dockets, filings, and certified judgments.
Federal cases
U.S. District Court records (PACER or clerk)
Federal criminal and civil cases are not in state systems and must be searched separately.
Custody or parole status
State department of corrections offender search
DOC sites list current inmates, parolees, and supervision status with facility information.
Sex offender status
State sex offender registry
State registries provide compliance status, addresses, and tier information when applicable.
Official Sources Map
| Source Or Office | Best For | Helpful Search Input | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Police / Criminal History Repository | State-level arrest and conviction history | Full name, date of birth; sometimes fingerprints | Online request or mailed application; some walk-in options | Fees and eligibility vary; results may exclude out-of-state or sealed records. |
| County Court Clerk / Trial Court | Criminal and civil case dockets and copies | Name, case number, filing date, attorney or party | Online docket search, public terminals, or records counter | Certified copies available; older files may be archived or off-site. |
| Statewide Courts Portal | Multi-county case index | Name, date range, case type | Online portal where available | Usually an index; obtain documents from the originating courthouse. |
| U.S. District Court | Federal criminal and civil cases | Name, case number, party, filing year | PACER or clerk of court request | Separate account may be required; document fees apply. |
| Department of Corrections | Inmate, parole, and release information | Name, inmate number, age | Online offender search or contact records unit | Not all jail records are included; county jails are separate. |
| Sex Offender Registry | Registered offender status and residence | Name, address, radius search | State registry website | Shows compliance status; removal/expiration varies by state law. |
Helpful Search Inputs
- Full legal name with middle name
- Date of birth or age range
- Recent address history and counties
- Known aliases or maiden names
- Case or citation number if known
- Driver license or state ID number
- Employer or professional license number
- Department of Corrections or inmate number
- Approximate filing or arrest year
Choose A Record Path
Criminal History
Arrests, charges, dispositions, state repository results
- Where To Start
- State criminal history repository and county criminal courts in places the person lived or worked
- Best Search Input
- Full name, DOB, recent counties; fingerprints if the state requires
- Official Copy Note
- Order certified case records from the originating court if you need proof of conviction or dismissal.
Court Cases (Civil, Small Claims)
Lawsuits, judgments, liens recorded as part of a case
- Where To Start
- County trial courts and any statewide court index
- Best Search Input
- Party name, case number, filing date range
- Official Copy Note
- Request certified copies of judgments or orders from the clerk’s office.
Corrections & Inmates
Prison admissions, parole, probation status, release dates
- Where To Start
- State department of corrections and local sheriff/jail rosters
- Best Search Input
- Name, inmate ID, facility
- Official Copy Note
- Custody letters or official status verifications must come from the corrections agency.
Sex Offender Registry
Registration status, address, compliance notes
- Where To Start
- State sex offender registry; consider neighboring states if the person recently moved
- Best Search Input
- Name and current address
- Official Copy Note
- Printouts are informational; official certification, if offered, is issued by the registry agency.
Driving Record & Violations
License status, points, suspensions, serious traffic convictions
- Where To Start
- State DMV or driver licensing agency
- Best Search Input
- Driver license number and full name
- Official Copy Note
- Employers often require an official or certified MVR directly from the DMV.
Official Records vs Background Services
Official sources provide the primary record: court dockets, certified judgments, state criminal history results, DMV driving records, and agency-held documents. These are the best route when you need certified copies or verify exact filings. Background check services aggregate data across many jurisdictions for broad, name-based searching, which can help you find leads, but they may miss records, lag behind updates, or lack certifications required by employers or courts.
How To Request Official Copies
- Identify the jurisdiction and the exact court or agency that created the record.
- Locate the case or record number using the court portal or public index.
- Confirm the document type needed (docket, judgment, disposition, MVR, incarceration record).
- Check the office’s request options and fees for certified versus plain copies.
- Submit the request online, by mail, or in person with proper ID and payment.
- Track the request and retain the receipt or certification page for verification.
Limits and Accuracy Notes
- Name-only searches can produce false positives; verify with DOB and case numbers.
- State repositories may omit county-level updates or out-of-state events.
- Sealed, expunged, or juvenile records are generally not available to the public.
- Recent filings may take days or weeks to appear online due to posting delays.
- Jail rosters change quickly and may not include past custody episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single nationwide criminal database I can search?
No. You must search state repositories, county courts, and federal courts separately; private services compile multi-jurisdiction results but are not complete or official.
Do I need consent to run a background check for employment?
Employers must follow federal and state laws that generally require written consent and specific notices; check your compliance requirements before ordering or using any report.
How far back do court records go online?
It varies by court. Some offer only recent years online, while older cases may require an in-person or archived record request.
What if the name is common?
Use middle name, date of birth, address history, and case numbers to narrow results; when in doubt, confirm directly with the originating court.
When should I order a certified copy?
When an employer, licensing board, immigration process, or court requests proof of a disposition, judgment, or driving record, a certified copy from the issuing office is usually required.