If you’re interested in checking your criminal record, there are a few things to know. First, you’ll need to determine what type of criminal record you have. There are three types of records: sealed, expunged, and public. Sealed and expunged records are not available to the public and can only be accessed by law enforcement or the court. On the other hand, public records, as the name suggests, are available to anyone.

Expunged Vs. sealed records

When a criminal is expunged, it means that the process of expungement clears the convict of all convictions or arrests. This is reflected in their report, and they are marked as clear. Sealed reports may sound like the conviction or arrest has been cleared off, but that’s not the case. These records are basically criminal records that are not readily available to the public. However, with the right court order, sealed records can be reopened and studied. This rule has some limitations, and it depends on the jurisdiction’s laws.

How to get your criminal record

You’ll need to contact the appropriate agency to check your criminal record. On the other hand, for sealed and expunged records, you’ll need to contact the court that issued the order. For public records, you can contact your local police department or the FBI.

Here are the steps needed to get criminal record history from the FBI through the internet:

Step 1
Visit the Electronic Department Order official website for Identity History Summary Checks.

Step 2
Under the “Obtain Your Identity History Summary” section, you will find all the required steps. Follow the procedures that include: complete the applicant information form, select your preferences, submit your fingerprints, submit payment, review and confirm your request, check request status, and receive your results.

If you are sending out the request through mail order, follow the same instructions as above but send out the mail order to this address: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000, Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306.

If the first two steps do not work, you can submit a request to an FBI-approved channeler. This private business that works with the FBI and submits the request on your behalf. They work like an agent of sorts between you and the FBI to expedite the process and bring the documents you require. However, most FBI-approved channelers can only process requests for US citizens. They also do not provide their services for employment or licensing purposes; you will need to contact the right state authority for these requests. If you have no “Rap sheet” or Identity History Summary in your name, then you will receive a response from the FBI stating that there is no arrest record found. If you notice any misinformation, you can even challenge the records and get it corrected.

Clearing your criminal record

It is nearly impossible to clear your “rap sheet” of all the charges against you if you have a history. However, there are ways in which you can redeem yourself and prove that you are not a harm to any individual or business. Some tips on how to work on your reformation include:

Getting a job
Showing yourself as a working, responsible adult will garner you some trust and faith. You will also not be perceived as much of a threat as you will be employed and using your energy and skills for the collective benefit of the economy and society.

Staying out of trouble
Staying out of any questionable business is the key for ex-criminals to reform their life. It is easy to get back to any old, bad habits, so it is important that you take extra precautions and care when trying to rebuild your character.

Rehabilitation programs

There are several rehab programs, especially for ex-convicts. These programs are designed keeping in mind the special needs and requirements to start a new life and thus have the right resources to help you. If you are struggling to find some help in your new role in society, these rehab centers are a great way to seek that. Showing that you are serious about turning a new leaf is a big game changer.

Background checks for employees

Certain companies also run background checks on their potential employees in some fields. Some job positions that require a background include:

Career in education
If you are applying for a job as a teacher, college professor, principal, or any role which requires you to be part of the educational system, then a background check is necessary. People with a violent history or sex offenders are not applicable for just job postings.

Government jobs
If you are looking to work with the government, you ideally shouldn’t have any rap sheet history. In fact, the background check is extremely thorough. Other job positions include those in finance, IT companies, or even healthcare departments.

Criminal records can affect your ability to get a job, housing, or education. It is important to know about any criminal records you may have for the safety of yourself and others. If you’re worried about your criminal record, the best thing to do is to check it for yourself. This guide outlines how to do just that and what you can do if there are any errors on your record. Don’t let your past haunt you; stay informed and take action today.