Criminal records in the United States contain information about a person’s history of arrests, criminal charges, and the outcomes of those charges.
These records are collected and maintained by government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, generally by law enforcement or criminal justice departments.
A criminal record, sometimes referred to as a "rap sheet," may be used for background checks, employment screening, security clearance, adoption processes, or immigration matters. They are also used during criminal investigations and criminal prosecutions.
Types of Criminal Records
Depending on the state and reporting practices, a criminal record may include any of the following:
- Arrest records
- Arrest warrants
- Conviction records
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Inmate records
- Juvenile criminal records (depending on state)
- Parole information
- Probation records
- Sex offender registry information
- Serious traffic violations
Because reporting practices differ across states, not all information may appear on every individual’s record.
How To Access Criminal Records
Access to criminal records depends on federal and state law. Some records may be available to the public, while others are restricted to the individual, law enforcement agencies, or authorized employers.
Individuals can request a copy of their Identity History Summary from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This report shows federal arrest and conviction information submitted to the FBI by participating agencies. The FBI allows only the individual themselves to request this summary. It cannot be used to search someone else’s criminal history.
State-level criminal records must be requested through the appropriate state or local agency, such as the police, department of public safety, or criminal records unit. Each state sets its own rules, fees, and eligibility requirements.
