How to Find Out If Someone Has a Felony on Their Record

Whether you are screening a potential tenant, evaluating a new hire, meeting someone through online dating, or making a significant legal or financial decision, knowing whether someone has ever been convicted of a felony can help you make safer, more informed choices. 

Although criminal records are sensitive information, many felony records are public by law, except if they have been sealed or expunged. With the right tools and a responsible approach, you can find out if someone has ever been convicted of a felony. 

Search State and County Criminal Court Records

One of the most reliable ways to confirm someone's felony conviction history is to search official state or county criminal court records. Felony cases are often prosecuted at the state or county level, which generates a legal record that is typically public unless sealed or expunged by a court order.

Many states and counties now provide online access to these records through their official court websites. These portals often allow you to search by a person’s name and, in some cases, narrow the search using a date of birth or location to help distinguish between people with similar names. You may typically see key information such as filed charges, court dates, verdicts, and sentencing outcomes. While basic information is often free to view, you may need to pay a fee for complete case files or certified copies.

If you are unable to find what you need online, visiting the local courthouse may be the next best step. Court clerks may help guide you to the appropriate records and explain which files are open to the public. A formal request may sometimes be required, but most basic conviction information is often accessible on-site.

Use Public Criminal Databases and Correctional Records

Another effective way to check if someone has a felony record is to review public criminal databases and correctional system records. Many states maintain searchable online tools through their Department of Corrections (DOC) websites that allow you to check if a person has ever served time in prison, is currently incarcerated, or is on parole or probation. This can be especially useful because not every felony conviction may appear immediately in a general court search, especially if the case is older or spans multiple jurisdictions.

These inmate locator tools are often free and easy to use. Most allow you to search by name, date of birth, or inmate number if available. Results often include details like the facility where the person is or was housed, conviction type, length of sentence, parole eligibility, and sometimes even mugshots.

It is important to note that correctional records typically cover state prisons, not local jails. Felony sentences usually result in state prison time, while misdemeanors or short-term sentences are often served in county or city jails, which may have separate records.

Check News Archives and Legal Publications

When researching high-profile cases or serious felony charges that made headlines, court and correctional records alone may not always provide the complete story. Searching reputable news archives and legal publications may help fill in these gaps and provide important information about a person’s criminal history.

Major newspapers, local news sites, and TV station websites often provide online archives that cover arrests, trials, verdicts, and sentencing in major criminal cases. If the person you are researching was ever involved in a high-profile case, there is a good chance that news outlets covered it.

Legal journals and public legal reporting services can also be useful, especially for cases that set precedents or involved significant court rulings. Many of these resources may be accessible online via free search engines or local library databases.

When searching news stories, you may include the person’s full name, the city or state where they lived, and keywords like “felony,” “conviction,” or “sentenced” to narrow your results. Older stories may not appear on general search engines, so exploring newspaper archives or specialized legal databases can uncover details you will not find anywhere else.

It is important to note that while news reports are informative, they should be cross-checked with official court or correctional records when possible to ensure they are accurate.

Things to Consider Before You Search

Before you start digging into someone’s criminal history, it is important to understand the limitations and responsibilities that come with accessing public records. While court files, correctional databases, and news archives can provide valuable insights, their accuracy and completeness may not always be guaranteed.

First, some felony records may be sealed or expunged by a judge. When this happens, the conviction is hidden from most public searches and checks. For example, people who meet certain legal conditions, like first-time offenders who complete rehabilitation, may have their records expunged. Therefore, an empty search result does not automatically imply that no records exist. 

Another common issue is mistaken identity. Many people may share the same or similar names; hence, it is important to always verify details like date of birth, location, and other identifying information before concluding a record belongs to the person you are researching. Misreading a file can lead to unfair conclusions, and using the wrong information can even create legal problems.

It is also important to reflect on the reason for your search and how you intend to use the information you find. Using criminal records responsibly entails more than just following the law; it also requires basic fairness and context. Sometimes, it may be appropriate to first have an open conversation with the person rather than relying solely on paperwork. For example, an employer may give a candidate the opportunity to explain a criminal record instead of automatically rejecting them.

Finally, you should ensure you comply with applicable privacy, employment, and anti-discrimination laws. Misusing criminal history information or discriminating unfairly based on a previous conviction may result in legal consequences. If you are confused about what you can lawfully request or how to manage the outcome, you may consult a qualified attorney.

FAQs About Felony Convictions and Public Records

How long does a felony stay on your record?

In most cases, a felony conviction stays on your criminal record for life unless it is expunged or sealed by a court. Expungement laws vary by state and depend on the nature of the crime, how much time has passed, and whether the individual has met all legal requirements for clearing their record.

Are felony convictions public in all states?

Generally, felony convictions are part of the public record in every state unless they have been sealed or expunged. Each state has its own rules about who can access these records and how they can be searched.

Can you look up felony records by name?

Most official court or Department of Corrections databases allow you to search for felony records by a person’s full name. To avoid mixing up people with the same name, it helps to have additional details, such as a date of birth, the county where the case was filed, or other identifying information.

Can you tell if someone went to prison for a felony?

Often, yes. State Departments of Corrections usually offer free inmate search tools online that show whether someone has served time, where they were incarcerated, and their parole or release status. In addition to DOC records, court judgment records and reputable news archives can also confirm whether a felony conviction led to prison time.

Are sealed or expunged felonies still visible?

Generally, once a felony is legally sealed or expunged, it is removed from public record and does not appear in standard court searches. In most states, it is illegal for government agencies to release sealed or expunged information. 

However, law enforcement agencies and certain employers, such as federal agencies or organizations in sensitive industries, may still have limited access under specific legal circumstances. For example, police or prosecutors can review sealed records if someone is under investigation for a new crime. Federal agencies may access these records when deciding on clearances for high-security government roles. Licensing boards in fields like healthcare, education, or child care sometimes have legal permission to review sealed cases when evaluating an applicant. 

How to find out if someone has a felony for free?

The easiest way to check if someone has a felony record for free is to use official state or county court websites and state Department of Corrections inmate search tools. outcomes. If online access is limited, you can also visit the local courthouse in person to view public records at no cost.