Felony vs. Misdemeanor Traffic Violations

When it comes to comparing felony vs. misdemeanor traffic violations, there really is such a gap between the two that you couldn’t compare them except the felony is the worst kinds of crimes while the misdemeanor traffic violations aren’t the worst. However, the end result of a felony might have gotten its beginning as a misdemeanors traffic violation. Many violent criminals got their first taste at being bad through simple traffic violations and misdemeanors. On down through the years, some criminals get worse and worse until one day they end up committing a serious and horrible crime that qualifies to be a felony.
A felony vs. misdemeanor traffic violation can mean that you might have to go through a background search on someone who you suspect might be into some criminal activity. You can go online at www.criminalpages.com and search criminal records for free. You can also read a lot of articles and learn a lot about how the judicial system works in using criminal records. Finding out that someone you know has been convicted of a felony is going to mean that the crime that the person committed was severe and cost or nearly cost someone their life. A felony vs. misdemeanor traffic violations can really have no comparison when it comes to someone dying for an illegal drug or for some kind of illegal activity.
The felony vs. misdemeanor traffic violations concept is that one may not be as bad as the other in that someone committed a wrong act and didn’t care that they did it, no matter if it was a little traffic violation or if it was murder, there is still the same kind of feel there for not abiding by the rules of society and to uphold the laws. The felony vs. misdemeanor traffic violations just goes to show that once a criminal starts on the ladder up, that person can certainly get carried away in the getting away with the breaking the law concept until one day they hit the brick wall of the felony charge and end up in a state or federal prison for the rest of their natural life. No matter what you could ever do to someone, cold blooded and calculated murder is the worst of all personal violations someone could do to another person. The form that violation takes as murder is the felony charge that started out as a simple misdemeanor traffic violation in some cases.
If you discover that someone you suspect is into something they shouldn’t be like narcotic drugs or just hanging out with some shady characters, then you need to go online and check that person’s criminal records it couldn’t hurt to know what is up with someone you know, someone who might be around your children, someone who may have already committed a vile crime. You should always double check the information you take from an online criminal records site with the law enforcement officials where the arrest was made at. You never know, they may have a warrant for that person and that person could be dangerous. Make sure by double checking always.

Arrest Record

Often referred to as a criminal record, arrest report, or rap sheet, the term arrest record can mean one of two things: the detailed report filled out by the police department at the time of an arrest, or a summary of all the times a person has been arrested over the course of their life. These arrest records are invaluable sources of information for law enforcement, federal agents, and other investigators as they try to solve new crimes, evaluate a person’s potential to offend again, or gather evidence. For these reasons, maintaining accurate and up to date arrest records is of the utmost importance. Following an arrest, it is the responsibility of the police department to create the official “arrest record”. This detailed account includes everything from the criminal charges that were filed to fingerprint information and interrogation accounts. Once a court date has been set, this information is also added to the arrest record, along with the prosecutor’s name. These records help to create an easily followed paper trail that can be utilized by everyone from the prosecuting attorney to the accused person’s own defense team. Once a person is convicted and sentenced to a prison term, a new arrest record is created. This will include all of a person’s convictions, along with any jail time served, and behavioral issues that may have arisen during that time. This is what will eventually be known as a criminal record or report. This rap (record of arrest and prosecution) sheet can be used as a resource for such decisions as when a parole hearing might be set, or determining a new sentence after a repeat offense. Arrest histories are maintained by law enforcement and government agencies on several levels. The arresting police department keeps records of everyone that has been processed at their individual stations. Then, courthouses create arrest records on every conviction that is processed through them. These court records are often reported to state repositories. (Not all states require that courts send their conviction reports to a common repository, however.) The FBI also maintains a record of nationwide criminal histories in a database known as the National Crime Information Center. Within the NCIC database, the FBI maintains a list of all arrest warrants, as well as recent arrests and details of any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions. Additionally, the Department of Transportation keeps a record of all crimes involving motor vehicles, such as car accidents that ended in death or motorists leaving the scene of an accident. Carefully maintained arrest records are essential for the smooth operation of law enforcement agencies. Many of these criminal history reports, including those found on the NCIC database, are not available to the public. Instead, they are utilized by police officers, federal agents, and investigation professionals to track and record the criminal process. They have become an integral part of the American judiciary system, and any police officer or criminal attorney will tell you that they serve their purpose perfectly.

For further information about arrest records visit: www.criminalpages.com

Criminal Background Checks: Making it Easy on Yourself

The United States’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants everyone in the country the right to access county, state and federal criminal background information. For concerned citizens, parents, employers and landlords, this means that you now have the ability to better understand the people you choose to let into your life. So how do you find the answers you need, without breaking the bank? Criminal histories, bankruptcy reports, and marriage, death and birth information all fall under the category of public records. But just because you have a legal right to see them does not mean that they’re easy to find. Every day, thousands of criminal records are uploaded into hundreds of information databases across the country. Every conviction must be entered into local law enforcement files, reported to state registries, and notated into the FBI’s fingerprint center. This means that it can sometimes take months or even years for criminal history reports to be successfully updated at local courthouses. Not to mention that unless you know the jurisdiction where every purported crime was committed, you may never reach a person’s criminal background at all. Additionally, making trips to your city’s courthouse every time you’re looking to hire a babysitter, go on a blind date or change jobs is impractical and time consuming. So, what do you do when you need to know, but you just don’t have the time? Look to the internet. Online criminal background checks have come a long way in recent years. Today’s internet based investigation services have access to millions of public records- often receiving them months before they make it onto a paper file. And internet search agencies don’t have to worry about jurisdictions either, as they are able to search through national registries and present clients with detailed reports within minutes. Another added benefit of conducting your criminal background check online is that you don’t need to have as much information. Simply enter whatever you have to work with- a name, address, phone number… and let the internet do the rest. The real key to a successful online criminal background check is using a reliable company. Look for a business that has been around for a while, and one that explains exactly what services are available, and what you can expect to receive. Private information is illegal to provide, so beware of any investigation service that claims to give out social security numbers, bank account numbers, or any other highly personal information. With a little research on your part, you can find a reputable background investigation agency that will deliver timely, reliable information directly to your home computer- without a single trip to the courthouse or police department. For further information regarding criminal background checks visit: www.criminalpages.com

Expunging Your Criminal Record

When it comes to criminal law, the term “expungement” refers to the sealing or destroying of a person’s previous conviction history.
For those looking to clear their criminal record, expungement can be a way to make an arrest or conviction “disappear”. But expunging your criminal history isn’t quite as easy as the average Tuesday night crime drama makes it seem. In fact, every state has its own unique, and very specific, set of rules and regulations to decide who is eligible for expungement proceedings. Generally, only the person who is the subject of the criminal record has the right to request expungement. Often, the reasons for wanting to have a record expunged are as varied as those requesting the expungement. Some people want to be able to apply for certain jobs, while others would like to be able to purchase a firearm or simply erase an embarrassing moment from their past. But not everyone can destroy their conviction history. In many states, criminal records that include child abuse or sexual offenses are not eligible for expungement. And some states don’t allow for the possibility of arrest histories to be erased at all. When an expungement is an option, there are a number of requirements that must first be met. These conditions often include: Waiting a predetermined period of time between the incident or conviction and the request. (While the actual amount of time varies from state to state, it is usually a considerably long waiting period) Not having any pending criminal investigations or proceedings Not having any intervening arrests, investigations, or court proceedings Not having any (or in some cases, not having more than a certain number) of previous offenses The type of conviction (seriousness of the offense, whether or not there was a direct victim, etc) Whether the person fulfilled their entire sentence The completion of any court mandated probation or parole Additionally, many jurisdictions allow for (or, in some cases, require) the expungement of juvenile records. Usually, this occurs when the person reaches the age of 18, and allows for them to begin adulthood with a clean record. The actual expungement process also varies by state and county. A good place to start is with a copy of your actual criminal record. Additionally, you will want to have the following information: Your case or docket number The date and place of your conviction (also, it is important to know whether you were convicted, or if you entered a guilty or no contest plea) The dates and length of your probation/ parole Any fines or restitution you were ordered to pay (and proof of payment) Any dates and length of time spent in prison Once you have all of your information together, you can request the petition for record expungement from the Superior Court Clerk. At this point, some people choose to hire an attorney to help file the paperwork, though it is not necessary. While not everyone is eligible to have their criminal record expunged, for many, it can be the ideal way to create a “clean slate” on which to begin building the rest of your life.
For further information visit: www.criminalpages.com

Obtaining a Criminal Record

There are a number of resources available for people interested in looking up a criminal record. The real key to getting accurate and timely information lies in knowing what you’re looking for. Not every background search should be conducted in the same way, and the type of criminal history that you’re seeking will greatly affect the outcome of your efforts.
Getting a Copy of Your Own Arrest Record:
Often, people would like to view a copy of their personal criminal history- especially before applying for a job or when moving to a new place. Looking up your arrest record is also crucial after you have been the victim of identity theft. (The sooner you can spot an error on your record, the easier it will be to correct)
The best place to begin the search for your criminal history is at the local level. Start with your county police department. While they probably won’t have your file on hand, they will be able to give you the proper request forms to fill out. Keep in mind, there might be a nominal fee (usually around fifteen dollars) for this service.
The internet can also be an excellent resource for conducting your own criminal background search. Using your full name and social security number, you should be able to request your information from any number of county, state or federal agencies- as well as a qualified background search company.

Obtaining a Copy of Someone Else’s Criminal History:
Finding detailed background information on someone other than yourself can prove to be a bit trickier. While it is certainly possible to do all of the legwork for an arrest history search on your own, that is not always the most practical solution. When conducting more than one search- or if you don’t have detailed personal information about the subject of the scan- it is usually easier (and more cost effective) to seek outside help. Private investigators can be very successful in tracking down information, but their services tend to be on the pricier side. Also, an investigative firm usually requires quite a bit of time to gather data.

Whichever method you decide to use, keep in mind that the more information you have to work with, the more accurate your results will be. And don’t forget to do your homework: there are more than a few unscrupulous background search companies out there that are willing to take your money without providing you any results.
For further information about criminal records visit: www.criminalpages.com

Requesting and Obtaining Your Criminal Record

A criminal record is a list of a person’s arrests and convictions, which is kept by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). This information, which is carefully cataloged according to fingerprint records, is not available to the general public. It is, however, often accessed by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations. It is also possible for a person to obtain a copy of his/her own criminal record from the FBI.

Reasons for Wanting to See Your Rap Sheet- A person may want to view a copy of their criminal record for several reasons. An individual may want to challenge something that is currently on their record. They can also request a copy for personal review or information. International adoption agencies often request to see your criminal record before turning over a child. Likewise, many companies ask employees to present their arrest history before accepting a job in a foreign country. Requesting a Copy Only the actual subject of the criminal record can request a copy of it from the National Crime Information Center. Begin by creating a cover letter. Here you must include your full name, any aliases, your complete mailing address, and any immigration deadlines that you need to meet. Specify why you need to review your criminal history, but be sure to keep your cover sheet short and to the point. Once you have created and signed your cover sheet, you can then contact your local police department and inquire about getting a fingerprint form. (Which is sometimes known as a Form FD-258) This should then be completed by a fingerprinting technician, who will roll your fingerprints onto a card that has been printed with your full name, date of birth, and address. Make sure you send only the original fingerprint card to the FBI or NCIC, as they do not accept copies. There is usually an $18 fee for processing your criminal record, so be sure to include a money order or certified check. (Do not send cash or personal checks, as this will cause your application to be disregarded) Once you have completed the required forms, mail them, along with a photocopy of your license or identification card, to the following address: FBI CJIS Division 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306 Once the FBI receives your request, it will take approximately four weeks for them to process it, at which point you will receive one of two notices in the mail: A no record response or an FBI Identification Record. A no record response is simply an official letter stating that you have no criminal record on file. An identification Record is a detailed report on the information that the FBI has in relation to the fingerprints received. It will include arrest information, criminal driving convictions, and jail sentences. It will also include the name of the agency that originally submitted this information to the FBI, such as courts or police departments. This information is vital if you are planning on challenging or contesting your record. Your criminal history is an extremely personal and important set of facts. Do you know what’s on yours?
For further information about criminal records visit: www.criminalpages.com

Public Records- What are They?

Every day, millions of Americans are generating public records. And you are probably among them. Technically, the term “public record” refers to any information that has been recorded or filed by county, state, federal or other public agencies, and which is available for viewing by the public. Examples include everything from publicly listed phone numbers and voter registration to real estate records and criminal history reports. And while all public records are, in fact, “public” (that is, they can be viewed by anyone) every state has its own set of laws and policies pertaining to the accessibility of certain files. Public records are divided into two major categories: government created, or individual created. Records created by local or federal government agencies include the criminal history records that are created after an arrest or conviction, immigration information, business filings, and driving the records maintained by the department of transportation. Individuals create public records on their own, as well, by registering to vote, subscribing to magazines, and getting married. In the past, the only way to actually view public records was to physically look them up at a local courthouse. This system had several limitations, not the least of which was the fact that the process itself was time consuming and labor intensive. Also, in the case of criminal or arrest histories, as well as marriage, death, and birth records, you had to be within the actual jurisdiction to be able to access the records. Today, the internet has brought the public records look up process into the information age. Investigative service agencies, also known as information brokers, compile the information found in the thousands of databases across the country, and streamline the results to paying consumers. These companies, which specialize in helping people find everyone from long lost high school sweethearts to sex offenders living in their neighborhoods, can be found all over the web. So how do you choose the public record search service that’s right for you? Start with a reputable company, and make sure that you understand your state’s limitations when it comes to what information is available to you. Once you know what you’re looking for, and who can best provide it for you, it’s simply a matter of inserting the information that you have, and sorting through the results. Not a single drive to your local courthouse is required.
For Further information about public records visit: www.criminalpages.com