Search the person’s name on the county court website where they live or have lived
Check state court records through the state judiciary or public records portal
Use the National Center for State Courts directory to find court record access links
Search federal court records through PACER, if applicable
Check local sheriff or police department websites for public arrest logs
Review county jail inmate lookup tools
Search state sex offender registry databases
Use the FBI’s Identity History Summary only if you are checking your own record
Search news archives and public records databases for mentions of arrests or convictions
Visit the local courthouse in person and request public case records
Check voter registration, property, and business records for identity confirmation
Search free people-search sites for leads, then verify through official records
Ask the person to provide a background check or court disposition documents
Use nonprofit legal aid or public defender offices for guidance on accessing records
Verify records carefully by matching full name, date of birth, and location