Criminal Records Search

Arrests, Warrants, Felonies, Incarcerations, Driving Violations & More!

* Conducting a search on Recordsfinder.com is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You acknowledge that Recordsfinder.com is not a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA and the information provided cannot be used for any unlawful purpose.
Databases Updated on Nov 10, 2025

What Information is Available in Criminal Reports?

Generally, criminal reports contain information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. When this information is legally accessible to the general public, it may be referred to as public criminal records.

Arrests

Arrests

When someone is arrested, the police reports it in an Arrest record. Get access to unlimited Arrest records containing essential information including First Name, Last Name, Offense/Charge category, Crime location, Source State, Date when charges were filed, Case type, Court Name and Case Number.

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants authorize law enforcement officersto arrest (seize) someone. Conduct detailed arrest warrant lookups on anyone anywhere in the US. With RecordsFinder.com, within seconds you obtain reportsfeaturing Defendant's First and Last Name, Criminal Complaint, Charged Offense, Court Date, Bail Amount, and more!

Felonies

Felonies

Felonies refer to crimes punishable by at least one year of imprisonment. We make it easy to track down all types of felonies: First degree (rape, kidnapping, murder), Second degree (arson, manslaughter, child molestation), Third degree (assault, DUI, fraud) Fourth degree (involuntary manslaughter, burglary).

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are punishable by fines, probation, court supervision, community service or by less than one-year imprisonment in local jails. RecordsFinder.com offers instant access to extensive data onUS-based Assaults, Harassment, Domestic Violence, Theft, Trespass, Vandalism, Minor in possessionand more.

DUIs & DWIs

DUIs & DWIs

You can check someone's drunk driving history online by using RecordsFinder.com. We help you uncover all the “driving while intoxicated” and “driving under the influence” information on an individual, including Arrests, Police Reports, Bail/Bond Amount, Court proceedings and Transcripts taken during hearings.

Incarcerations

Incarcerations

Get ready to search our massive incarceration records database. We gather data on all federal, state, and county incarcerations from millions of Jail Records, Prison Records, and Inmate Records. RecordsFinder.com reveals in a few blinks the Reason, Dates and Locationsof Incarceration plus more key details.

What are Criminal Records?

What are Criminal Records?

Criminal public records are official documents detailing an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These may include arrest reports, charges, court case outcomes, convictions, sentencing, and probation or parole status. A criminal record is first created upon arrest and expands as the case proceeds through court hearings, trials, and rulings. Public criminal records are maintained by multiple agencies, including local police departments, county courts, state criminal repositories, correctional facilities, and federal entities like the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).

While much of this information is publicly accessible, certain records, such as those involving juveniles, sealed or expunged cases, and ongoing investigations, are restricted by law. Public access generally provides limited case information, whereas full records are reserved for official use by law enforcement and authorized agencies. Retention periods vary by state and case type, but many records remain in government databases for decades. Understanding the difference between publicly available records and those restricted for privacy or legal reasons is key when reviewing public criminal records.

How To Look Up Criminal Records

You can find criminal records online through several methods, including government-run websites and third-party services. Many state and local law enforcement agencies provide free criminal record check tools on their websites, allowing users to view arrest logs, inmate status, or court records. States also maintain central criminal history repositories, typically managed by the state police, where individuals can request a criminal records check, usually for a small fee. For federal cases, the PACER system offers access to U.S. District and Appellate Court documents.

However, navigating multiple systems can be time-consuming. Using RecordsFinder.com offers interested persons the advantage of searching all available public criminal records on a single platform. The search tool aggregates criminal public records from numerous sources, enabling users to run a criminal records search with just a name. With RecordsFinder, you can perform a free public criminal record check to view basic details, then choose to purchase more in-depth results if needed. It's a fast, efficient way to check a person's criminal history from a single platform.

Criminal Case Records by States

State criminal records are official documents that comprise an individual's criminal history within a specific U.S. state. These records are generally maintained by designated state agencies, through which individuals may request a state criminal records check.

How Long Do Criminal Records Stay on Your Record?

Criminal public records, including arrests, convictions, misdemeanors, and felonies, can remain on file for years or even permanently, depending on the offense type, jurisdiction, and whether expungement or sealing has occurred.

Arrests may stay in a person's criminal history even if no conviction followed, while misdemeanors and felonies are often retained indefinitely unless state law allows for removal. Some states seal juvenile records upon adulthood, though this varies by offense and location.

More serious crimes, especially violent or sexual felonies, may never qualify for expungement. These timelines matter, as lingering public criminal records can impact employment, housing, or licensing opportunities. Because rules differ by state, it's wise to check your criminal record regularly.

FAQs About Criminal Records

Can I look up someone's criminal record without their permission?

Accessing another person's criminal record without consent is strictly regulated by U.S. state and federal laws, and while some details are public, private individuals are generally barred from viewing a person's full criminal history.

How do I check criminal records in person or by mail?

To check criminal records in person or by mail, first identify the agency that maintains them, then either visit in person or send a written request, often with a self-addressed stamped envelope, to obtain the public record.

Are expunged or sealed records ever visible?

Criminal records that are sealed or expunged may no longer be accessible to the general public. However, these records may still be visible to certain government entities, such as law enforcement agencies or courts, under specific legal circumstances.

What's the difference between arrest records and criminal records?

Arrest records document when a person is taken into custody and typically include details like the date, alleged offense, and booking information, but do not confirm guilt or conviction. Criminal records are more comprehensive and may include arrests along with court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing history.

How can I find criminal records for free?

You may find criminal records for free by searching county court databases, department of corrections inmate locators, or local police department arrest logs.

If charges are dismissed, do you have a criminal record?

Yes, if charges are dismissed, you may still have a criminal record. The initial arrest and court proceedings may still be on file unless sealed or expunged.

Why Choose RecordsFinder.com?

Fast

Fast

Search over 2 billion records instantly. Easily find the information you are looking for with three easy steps- search, sign up, and view report.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive

We have one of the most comprehensive data coverages in the industry including state, federal, county, municipal, and private data sources when available.

Affordable

Affordable

With our unlimited search access, you can look up as many reports as you want! Others charge for every single search.

Reliable

Reliable

Millions of users rely on us to deliver accurate and current data for their information needs.