Private Eyes conducts thorough investigations by utilizing our well-trained court runners and research specialists to search state, county, and federal level courts for any crimes or civil cases relating to an applicant. Any information found will always be re-verified to ensure clients get the most up-to-date conviction information.
Civil record searches are performed at the county level and disclose civil judgment and business disputes. County-level court systems vary from state to state and county to county, so fees vary, however we work with clients to help anticipate the level of search required to obtain their desired information. When state repositories are not current or comprehensive, we default to county level searches and always advise clients not to rely solely on database results to make a final decision on applicants.
Our in-house criminal research specialists are certified FCRA experts through PBSA.
County Criminal Search/County Civil Search
For a 10-year period, criminal state and county records can be searched to discover felony and misdemeanor convictions. If a conviction exists, the date of conviction, charges, and disposition will be provided. Civil records searches, performed by county, will disclose civil judgments, divorces, and business disputes. County level court systems vary from state to state and county to county. PEI will access the felony index located at the county court house. These indexes typically house felony records for the entire county. If misdemeanor records are housed in the same location, they will be searched as well. If the misdemeanor records are housed in a different location (municipal, justice, or lower court) we can provide (upon request) an additional search that results in a more comprehensive history. Additional charges may apply for searches beyond the seven-year period.
Federal Criminal Search/Federal Civil Search
County level court systems vary from state to state and county to county. PEI will access the felony index located at the county court house. Federal crimes include any and all crimes covered under federal statute (i.e., kidnapping, mail fraud, bank robbery). PEI performs searches at the district level through online means (where applicable) or through the use of field researchers. If the misdemeanor records are housed in a different location (municipal, justice, or lower court) we can provide (upon request) an additional search that results in a more comprehensive history. A district is defined as the location each state’s federal courts are located. Each state contains between 1-4 districts designated by name: northern, eastern, central, etc. PEI can search all districts in all states in each time frame (primarily within 10 years) or search the district area in which the candidate currently resides.
Statewide Criminal Search
A repository of criminal record information gathered from the various courts and law enforcement entities within the state where available. Unfortunately, most state repositories are not as up-to-date or as comprehensive as we would like for accuracy and completeness. In these cases, PEI will advise our clients to focus on county level searches. In all cases, these databases should not be relied upon to make a final decision on applicants.