Criminal records vary by country and jurisdiction, but typically include convictions, traffic offenses, and arrest details. Some countries include dismissed charges and innocent verdicts. Other information, such as financial and educational background, may also be included. These records are used to determine trustworthiness for employment, housing, and other benefits.
Information about a criminal record, also known as a background check or criminal record, varies significantly depending on the country and sometimes the jurisdiction within that country. A list of felonies in which the person has been convicted is commonly included in a criminal history, but some jurisdictions also record traffic offenses and dismissed charges. The date of the arrest, the place of the arrest, and the agency that arrested the person can also be found in these documents. Depending on the offence, especially if it is sexual in nature, the offender’s name, date of birth and a photograph are sometimes made public. These records are used to determine how trustworthy a person is when they are seeking certain benefits such as acquiring a job, adopting a child, or renting a housing unit.
One aspect of a criminal history that all countries have in common is the inclusion of crimes in which the party has been convicted. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Both serious and minor traffic offenses, such as fatal car accidents and using a traffic light, can be included in a person’s criminal history.
Some countries include dismissed charges and charges where the party was found innocent on criminal background checks, although the inclusion of this type of information is hotly debated. This is because many nations recognize the presumption of innocence, which is a legal right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Basic criminal background checks can generally be acquired with or without the permission of the person being checked. Alleged crimes that cannot be proven are normally still available to law enforcement, even if not available to the general public, prospective employers or prospective landlords.
The person’s arrest date, where they were arrested, and which agency made the arrest are also commonly included in a criminal history. This information can be helpful to prospective employers and landlords who do not wish to hire or rent to a person who has recently committed a crime. It can also help law enforcement determine if that person is connected to similar crimes committed in the area.
Some information unrelated to criminal information may be included in a criminal background check, depending on the jurisdiction. These checks may include information about a person’s financial status, because the party pulling the check may want to know how responsible the person being examined is with their finances. Some checks will also include information about the person being tested’s educational background, such as their performance on standardized tests.
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