Court Record Checks – Why Employers Should Require Them

A court record search is a process by which you can obtain copies of an individual’s criminal history from local, state, and federal courts. By obtaining this information, you can learn about any arrests or convictions that the individual may have had in the past. 

Employers are required by law to conduct a court record search as part of an employee background check. This is because a criminal history can have a negative impact on the employer’s business. We will discuss this topic in detail in this article.

What Is Included in a Court Record Search?

When you conduct a court record search, you will get access to all records associated with the person’s criminal history. This includes:

1. Arrest Records

This document will list any time that the person has been arrested, including the date and location of the arrest. It may also include information about the charges filed against them.

2. Criminal Records

A criminal record contains detailed information about every convicted crime committed by the individual. It will usually include the offense, sentence received, and date of conviction.

3. Mugshots

A mugshot is a photo taken of someone after they have been arrested. It is used as identification for booking purposes.

How Can I Conduct a Court Record Search?

There are many ways to conduct a court record search. The most common way is to use an online database or hire an online service like Zella Information Services. You can also contact your local courthouse or police department for more information.

Almost every business, these days, conducts pre-employment background checks on their potential employees. One of the key parts of this process is checking the court records of the individual in question. The reason for this is simple: conducting a court record search can help you avoid hiring someone with a criminal history.

So, how do you conduct a court record search? It’s actually quite easy; all you need to do is visit your local courthouse and request copies of the individual’s court records. You can also order copies of court records online from various websites (just be sure to choose a reputable site). If you’re not sure which court has jurisdiction over the case, or if you need help understanding the documents, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney for assistance.

The Benefits of Conducting a Court Record Search:

There are several benefits to conducting a court record search as part of your employee background check. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Increased safety

By knowing whether or not an individual has a criminal history, you can greatly increase the safety and security of your workplace. This is especially important if you have customers or clients who come into your office regularly.

2. Reduced liability

If it turns out that one of your employees has been convicted of a crime, you could be held liable for any damages that occur as a result. A pre-employment background check services can help reduce this risk substantially.

3. More informed decision-making

When making decisions about who to hire, it’s always best to have as much information as possible. A proper court record search will give you all the facts you need before deciding whether or not to extend an offer of employment.

Why Conduct A Court Record Search?

There are many reasons why you should conduct a court record search on potential employees. Some of the key reasons include:

1. To Ensure Employee Safety

It is essential to ensure the safety of your employees and customers by conducting a thorough background check. Employees with criminal records may be more likely to engage in harmful behavior such as theft or violence.

2. To Avoid Legal Trouble   

If you hire someone with a criminal history, there is a chance that they may bring legal trouble to your business. By conducting a court record search, you can avoid hiring individuals who are known criminals.

3. To Meet Employment Requirements   

Many businesses are required by law to conduct background checks on their employees before hiring them. By doing so, you can ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations.

Conclusion

When hiring a new employee, it is important to do a background check to ensure that they are the right person for the job. One of the most important aspects of a background check is to obtain criminal records. This article has discussed how to conduct a court record search and why it is so important.