Criminal Record

Criminal Records Defined

Accessing Your Criminal History
Some states make it easy to look up criminal records online. This ease of access is more commonly seen with those convicted of sex crimes, but those convicted of other types of crimes may also have easily accessible criminal records. In general, it is easier for someone to access their own criminal record than it is for a third party to access the record.
While someone may be able to easily view their criminal record online through their state’s public record’s database. a third party will likely need their permission. As you might expect, law enforcement is an exception to this. Even law enforcement may need your permission to access your criminal history if you are not suspected of a crime. For example, you must give permission for law enforcement to carry out a criminal records check if you want to purchase a firearm.

Request a Criminal Record
The vast majority of states, even those who do not have online databases, allow people to request their own criminal records online. Such a request will often require the record holder to pay a fee and list a reason for their request. If a third party is requesting a record, they will have to show proof that the record holder has given them permission to do so.