Instant Criminal - The Largest Criminal Commercially Available Criminal Record Database
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  Frequently Asked Questions  
  Below we have listed the most commonly asked questions.  
 
  FAQ's  
What is a Instant Criminal Record Search?
A Criminal Check searches to see if criminal records (felony, misdemeanor and sexual) exist on an individual using information complied from public databases in the U.S, in a matter of minutes.
What Does Our Criminal Record Search Cover?
Results may include the following; Felonies, Misdemeanors, Sex Offender, Case Number, Court Info, Offense, Offense Date, Offense Code, Disposition Date, Name, Date of Birth, Gender and more.
How Current Is The Criminal Record Data?
An instant criminal check is only as accurate as the state, local or federal agency reporting the data. Due to this criminal record data may not be 100% accurate or complete.
Criminal data can be updated as frequently as daily, monthly or semi-annually. That is why it is extremely important to make sure you know ahead of time how often a source is updated.  We provide descriptions of each source and how often it is scheduled to be updated in our Coverage Area.
What Is NOT Covered In A Criminal Record Search?
You understand and agree that our checks do not include records that are or have been sealed and/or expunged. Juvenile records are not covered. If crimes were committed before the age of 18, they will not show up in your search report, even if the subject is now over the age of 18. Arrest and/or warrant records are not covered, and will not appear in our database and/or your search report.
Can I Search On People From Other Countries?
Unfortunately, we do not offer the ability to search for international people or information. Our services are provided to locate US based information and people.
Do You Have Sample Reports?
Yes. From our homepage you may view a sample report.
Am I charged If No Records Are Found?
You are charged regardless of whether the individual/person searched upon has a criminal record or not, as we are charged for searching public records to confirm this for you. Not all individuals have a criminal record. The point of purchasing a Criminal Check is to check and verify if an individual/person has a criminal record or not.
My Report Said No Records Were Found. But I Know The Person Has A Criminal Record?
There are some instances where you may feel a person has a criminal record, but the public records database confirms there are no criminal offenses. The following explain some instances where an individual would not have an available criminal record from the public records database:
i) The person has never been convicted of a crime. An arrest does not always create a criminal record.
ii) The criminal records have been expunged.
iii) The criminal records have not yet been updated in the public records database. Updates from certain states/counties can take several months.
iv) The criminal records have been sealed and are no longer public. For Example - Minors criminal offenses are sealed and not a matter of public records.
v) The criminal record is in a county and/or city that is not covered in our coverage area.
vi) Criminal offenses are under a different subject name and/or date of birth then the one searched upon.
How Do I View My Purchased Report?
Your report will be viewable on your computer screen immediately after your order has been approved. You will also receive by email a link where you can view your report for up to 5 days from the date of the original order.
After the 5 days your report will become unavailable unless you have purchased our optional SafeStore. This service will save your reports for 30 days from the date of the original order. If you have accidentally closed your internet connection please click on the link in the email.
Do You Have A Subscription Service?
No. We only charge your credit card if you confirm a purchase with us. We do not process any recurring billings or monthly charges. The only time you will be charged by us is when you submit credit card purchases on our website and confirm this transaction through our checkout process.  
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept the following credit cards, VISA MasterCard, Discover and American Express. At this time we do not accept checks or cash.
Is Your Ordering Secure?
Yes all ordering pages are secure via 128bit encryption. The web site address displays a https://, meaning this is a secure webpage, and security padlock at the bottom of the web page is also displayed. Please note that all non ordering pages are non-secure as there is no sensitive information being submitted, such as this web page.
What Is A Security Code (CVV2)?
The Security code (CVV2 - Card Code Verification). With VISA, MasterCard, Discover this is the last three digits of the code on the back signature line of your credit card. With American Express it is the four digits on the front of the credit card. This is required to make an online purchase as it is verified for non card present transactions as a form of fraud protection.
 
  Cannot find an answer?  
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  Understand Criminal Codes  
  Your search results may contain abbreviated criminal codes. For a comprehensive explanation of these important codes.  
  Click here to view  
  What is the Coverage Area?  
  Each state releases different criminal records. Our Coverage Area explains what counties and cities are covered for each state.  
  Click here to view